This smooth salsa ranch dressing is a fast and effortless sauce that’s ideal for taco salads, burrito bowls, and beyond! Here’s how to prepare this simple 5-minute dressing with basic pantry staples that will elevate your dishes.
Certain flavor pairings make perfect sense, and this salsa ranch dressing is unquestionably one of them. I stumbled upon this enchanting mix while trying to create an easy sauce for my taco salad. This rich, tangy salad dressing can be whipped up in just minutes, and if you enjoy both flavors—the combination is even more delightful!
This is my top method for whipping up a quick salad dressing with only a handful of ingredients. It’s fantastic drizzled over a burrito bowl, but I adore it the most on this fajita salad. It also serves well as a taco sauce or to ladle over stuffed sweet potatoes. I hope you enjoy this trick as much as I do!
Crafting the ideal salsa ranch dressing
There’s not much to this salsa ranch dressing: it simply requires mixing together a few components! Here are some tips and tricks:
– Mayonnaise and sour cream create a creamy sauce. If you prefer, you can substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream! For a vegan option, opt for vegan mayonnaise.
– Choose your favorite red salsa. Using a high-quality brand is essential!
– Fresh chives add wonderful flavor, but they’re optional. I usually have chives available in my herb garden, and they contribute that signature ranch dressing taste. However, if they are costly, feel free to skip them.
– The special spice mixture gives it flavor. Just include garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and salt and pepper. Don’t substitute the dried dill: it’s crucial for a good classic ranch taste!
Tailoring your salsa ranch
While I enjoy the traditional version, there are countless ways to personalize this dressing:
– Heat enthusiasts: Opt for medium or hot salsa, or incorporate a spoonful of adobo sauce from a can of chipotle peppers in adobo for a smoky flavor enhancement.
– Herby twists: Replace chives with fresh cilantro for a more Mexican flavor profile, or mix in fresh dill for an additional ranch flavor.
– Protein enhancement: Add a scoop of Greek yogurt (or use it instead of sour cream) to raise the protein content and intensify the tanginess.
Storing extra dressing
This salsa ranch dressing can be kept refrigerated for up to a week. It may last longer: check the expiration dates on your mayo, sour cream, and salsa.
My preferred uses for salsa ranch dressing
This adaptable dressing has become a staple in many meals at my home. Here are my top uses for it:
– Mexican-inspired salads: I enjoy it most on my fajita salad, but it’s also delicious on Mexican chopped salad or any green salad with a Tex-Mex flair.
– Rice and grain bowls: Drizzle it over burrito bowls, rice bowls, or my shrimp bowl with cilantro lime rice.
– Taco night: It’s perfect for my ultimate taco salad or vegan taco salad.
– Sweet potato recipes: I love adding this over stuffed sweet potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, or using it as a dip for sweet potato fries.
– Protein pairings: It’s an excellent sauce for grilled salmon, baked salmon, grilled shrimp, sautéed shrimp, or pan-seared chicken, or as a dip for chicken nuggets.
– Snacking: Use it as a dip for ultimate nachos, homemade tortilla chips, or fresh vegetables.
How do you intend to use your salsa ranch dressing? Share with us in the comments below, and let us know if you tried it!
Dietary information
This salsa ranch dressing is vegetarian and gluten-free. For dairy-free and vegan options, swap in vegan mayonnaise and cashew cream.
Frequently asked questions
What is salsa ranch dressing?
Salsa ranch dressing is a delicious blend of traditional ranch dressing and your favorite salsa. It’s a creamy, zesty dressing with a hint of spice, making it perfect for salads, tacos, burritos, or even as a dipping sauce for chips and veggies.
Can I use store-bought ranch dressing and salsa for this recipe?
Definitely! While crafting your own ranch dressing from scratch is fulfilling, employing store-bought versions is an easy shortcut. Select your preferred brands and flavors of ranch and salsa to tailor the taste.
How spicy is salsa ranch dressing?
The spice level of your salsa ranch dressing will be influenced by the type of salsa you select. If you prefer a milder dressing, choose a mild or medium salsa. For those who enjoy it spicy, opt for hot salsa or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Salsa Ranch Dressing
This smooth salsa ranch dressing is a fast and effortless sauce that’s ideal for taco salads, burrito bowls, and beyond! Here’s how to prepare this simple 5-minute dressing with basic pantry staples that will elevate your dishes.
Author: Sonja Overhiser