If you’re ready to elevate your salads with a zesty twist, our Homemade Jalapeño Cilantro Ranch Salad Dressing is just what you need. This vibrant dressing combines the creamy goodness of ranch with the fresh, spicy kick of jalapeño and the aromatic zest of cilantro. Perfect for drizzling over salads, dipping veggies, or even as a marinade, this dressing is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Let’s dive into how you can make this deliciously spicy ranch dressing at home!
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk. Whisk together until smooth and well blended.
Step 2: Add the Flavorings
- Add the finely chopped jalapeño, fresh cilantro, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried dill, onion powder, and paprika to the bowl.
- Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
Step 3: Season and Adjust
- Season the dressing with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more jalapeño if desired.
- Whisk the dressing again to incorporate the seasoning.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the dressing to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Tips and Variations
- Adjust the Heat: For a milder dressing, use less jalapeño or remove the seeds and membranes before chopping.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with other herbs such as parsley or chives for different flavor profiles.
- Vegan Option: Substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream with vegan versions to make the dressing plant-based.
Our Homemade Jalapeño Cilantro Ranch Salad Dressing is a flavorful and versatile addition to your recipe collection. Its creamy texture, combined with the spicy kick of jalapeño and the fresh notes of cilantro, makes it perfect for salads, dips, and more.
We’d love to see how you use this dressing in your meals! Share your creations in the comments or tag us on social media with your delicious dishes featuring our homemade dressing.