The Spicy Dip I Make on Repeat (Only 4 Ingredients!)

The Spicy Dip I Make on Repeat (Only 4 Ingredients!)
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Chipotle Lime Dip
Credit: Stevie Stewart

When you’re short on time or cooking on a budget, this four-ingredient chipotle lime sour cream dip is a fast, flavorful fix. With just sour cream, mayo, chipotle adobo sauce, and fresh lime, it comes together in minutes and delivers a big smoky, tangy flavor. Whether you’re throwing together a last-minute snack, dressing up tacos, or need a crowd-pleasing dip without the grocery list, this simple recipe has you covered.

What Makes 4-Ingredient Chipotle Lime Dip So Great

What makes this dip great is the perfect balance of bold flavor and simplicity. Each ingredient pulls its weight — the sour cream is a cool, creamy base that mellows the heat of the peppers, mayonnaise adds richness and body, chipotle peppers in adobo deliver smoky heat and depth, and lime brightens everything up, cutting through the richness with just the right zing. Together, they create a dip that’s smoky, tangy, creamy, and addictive — no extra spices or fillers needed. It’s versatile enough for tacos, grilled meats, veggies, or chips, and fast enough to whip up at the last minute.

Chipotle Lime Dip
Credit: Stevie Stewart

How to Make 4-Ingredient Chipotle Lime Dip

  1. Mix the base: In a medium bowl, stir together 1/2 cup sour cream and 1/4 cup mayonnaise until smooth.
  2. Add flavor: Mix in 1 teaspoon of the sauce from a can of chipotle peppers in adobo, starting with 1 teaspoon. For extra heat, add a little finely chopped chipotle chile along with the sauce. Taste and add more if you want it smokier or spicier.
  3. Brighten it up: Stir in the zest and juice from 1 lime for a fresh, tangy finish.
  4. Season: Taste and add salt if needed.
  5. Chill (optional): Let the dip sit for 10 to 15 minutes in the fridge to let the flavors meld, or serve right away if you’re short on time.

If You’re Making 4-Ingredient Chipotle Lime Dip, a Few Tips

  1. Adjust the dip to your heat tolerance: For a smooth texture and more controlled heat, stick to the adobo sauce, but if you’re looking for extra heat add some of the finely chopped chiles. 
  2. Taste as you go: Start with less adobo and lime juice, then adjust to your preferred level of smokiness and tang.
  3. Zest before you juice: It’s easier to zest a whole lime, and both the zest and juice add different layers of citrusy brightness.
  4. Make it your own: While it’s great as is, you can stir in extras like chopped cilantro, garlic, or a pinch of onion powder if you want to take it further.