Jalapeno Cilantro Ranch Salad Dressing Recipe
This Jalapeno Cilantro Ranch Salad Dressing is a creamy, zesty blend that brings a spicy kick and fresh herbaceous flavor to any salad. Made with fresh jalapenos, cilantro, and classic ranch ingredients, this dressing is perfect for those who love a little heat with their greens. It’s versatile enough to use as a dip for veggies, a topping for tacos, or even a drizzle over grilled chicken. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this dressing to spice up just about anything!
Jalapeno Cilantro Ranch Salad Dressing
This dressing combines the classic creamy richness of ranch with the bold flavors of fresh jalapenos and cilantro. The jalapeno adds a kick of heat, while the cilantro brings a refreshing, earthy note. The result is a smooth and flavorful dressing that pairs beautifully with crisp salads or grilled vegetables.
One of the things I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make. You just toss everything into a blender, and in minutes, you have a dressing that’s ready to go. It’s also completely customizable—adjust the heat level by adding more or less jalapeno, or throw in an extra handful of cilantro for more freshness.
Why You’ll Love This Jalapeno Cilantro Ranch Salad Dressing
If you’re a fan of bold flavors and a touch of spice, you’ll absolutely love this dressing! It’s creamy, tangy, and has just the right amount of heat to add excitement to any dish. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. I love using it not just on salads, but as a dipping sauce for fries, a spread for sandwiches, or even a topping for tacos and grilled meats.
The freshness of the cilantro combined with the spicy kick of the jalapeno makes this dressing stand out from your typical ranch. It’s perfect for when you want something a little different but still crave that familiar creamy texture.
Main Ingredients in Jalapeno Cilantro Ranch Salad Dressing
- Jalapenos: Fresh jalapenos add a spicy kick to the dressing. You can adjust the amount to your heat preference.
- Fresh Cilantro: This herb gives the dressing a bright, fresh flavor that complements the heat of the jalapeno.
- Sour Cream: This gives the dressing its creamy, tangy base, making it rich and smooth.
- Mayonnaise: A key ingredient in ranch dressing, adding creaminess and depth of flavor.
- Garlic: A small amount of garlic enhances the overall flavor and adds a nice savory note.
- Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice adds acidity and balances the creaminess with a hint of tartness.
- Buttermilk: This thins out the dressing and gives it that classic ranch tang.
- Spices (Cumin, Salt, and Pepper): These spices round out the flavors, with cumin adding a slight warmth that pairs well with the cilantro and jalapeno.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Jalapeno Cilantro Ranch Salad Dressing
Here’s how to make this easy, flavorful dressing:
- Prepare the Jalapenos: Start by washing the jalapenos, then slice them in half. Remove the seeds and membranes if you prefer a milder heat. For extra spice, leave some of the seeds intact.
- Wash the Cilantro: Rinse the cilantro thoroughly and pat it dry. Use both the leaves and tender stems for maximum flavor.
- Blend the Ingredients: In a blender, combine the jalapenos, cilantro, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic, lime juice, and buttermilk. Blend on high until smooth and creamy.
- Season: Add cumin, salt, and pepper to taste. Blend again to incorporate the seasonings.
- Adjust the Consistency: If the dressing is too thick, you can add more buttermilk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you want more heat, you can add an additional jalapeno or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Chill: Transfer the dressing to a jar or container, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Drizzle over your favorite salad, use as a dip, or as a spread on sandwiches or wraps.
Tips for Making the Best Jalapeno Cilantro Ranch
- Control the Heat: If you like it extra spicy, leave the seeds in the jalapenos. For a milder version, remove the seeds and membranes before blending.
- Use Fresh Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is key to getting that bright, herbaceous flavor. Make sure to use both the leaves and tender stems.
- Balance the Acidity: If you prefer a tangier dressing, feel free to add more lime juice to taste. It brightens up the flavor and cuts through the creaminess.
How to Store and Serve
This dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Just give it a good stir or shake before serving, as the ingredients may separate over time.
Serve it over salads, tacos, grilled chicken, or use it as a dip for veggies and fries. It’s versatile enough to go with almost anything!
Jalapeno Cilantro Ranch Salad Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 fresh jalapenos seeded (or leave seeds for extra heat)
- 1 cup fresh cilantro roughly chopped
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- ½ cup buttermilk more if needed to thin
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Jalapenos: Start by washing the jalapenos thoroughly. Slice them in half lengthwise, and remove the seeds and membranes for a milder dressing. If you prefer more heat, leave some seeds intact.
- Prep the Cilantro: Wash and pat dry the cilantro. Use both the leaves and the tender stems for maximum flavor, as the stems carry much of the cilantro’s aromatic qualities.
- Blend the Base Ingredients: In a blender or food processor, combine the jalapenos, cilantro, sour cream, mayonnaise, and garlic. Blend on high until the mixture becomes smooth and well-combined.
- Add Lime Juice and Buttermilk: Pour in the fresh lime juice and buttermilk. Blend again until smooth. If the dressing is too thick, you can add more buttermilk, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
- Season the Dressing: Add ground cumin, salt, and pepper to taste. Blend once more to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the dressing and adjust as necessary. If you want more heat, add an extra jalapeno or a pinch of cayenne pepper. For more acidity, add additional lime juice.
- Chill: Transfer the dressing to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together for a more intense taste.
- Serve: Once chilled, serve the dressing over salads, as a dip for veggies, or drizzled over grilled chicken or tacos.
