Creamy Chipotle Ranch Dressing
This creamy chipotle ranch dressing is smoky, tangy, and downright irresistible—perfect for drizzling on taco salads, dipping fries, or using as a bold southwest-style sauce.
Check out this post for endless combinations of delicious homemade salad dressings! I know you’ll love this creamy tahini dressing, too!
Recipe Ingredients: Chipotle Ranch Dressing
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Sour cream: I usually use light sour cream. You can substitute Greek yogurt.
Chipotle chilis in adobo: These smoky peppers come in a can or a jar and can (usually) be found in the Mexican section of the grocery store. They can be spicy, so be sure to remove the seeds for less spice. Keep the seeds in and add another chili for more spice.
Ranch seasoning mix: I like using the Hidden Valley ranch packets. Trader Joe’s also has good ranch seasoning mix.
Milk: I love the tang and thicker consistency of buttermilk, but you can absolutely just use regular milk. Whole milk or low-fat is fine.
Variations on this Chipotle Ranch Dressing
Low cal: Swap the mayo for Greek yogurt for a healthier version.
Avocado Chipotle Ranch: Blend or mash a ripe avocado and mix it into the dressing. Or blend the dressing ingredients together in a blender or food processor for a super smooth dressing.
Chipotle ranch dip: Omit the milk for a thicker consistency, great for chip and veggie dipping!
Expert Tips
- Spice level: Remove the seeds from the chipotle chili for the smokey flavor without the spice.
- Blend (optional): While whisking works, blending the dressing gives it a super creamy, restaurant-quality finish.
- Chill: The flavor deepens and mellows beautifully after 30 minutes in the fridge.
- Consistency: For a thicker dip, reduce or skip the milk. For a pourable dressing, add a bit more until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Storage: This dressing will stay fresh in the fridge in an airtight jar or container for 7 days. After storing, make sure you give the dressing a good shake or stir to get all of the ingredients incorporated again.
How to serve
Southwest Tex-Mex salad: This dressing is AMAZING on any type of “taco” salad like this delicious Tex-Mex salad!
Chip & veggie dip: Omit the milk for a thicker consistency and serve it with tortilla chips or veggies.
Burrito bowls: This dressing is so good drizzled over burrito bowls with rice, beans, meat, and cheese.
Burritos and wraps: Spread it on a wrap for a spicy kick!
French fry dip: It might sound strange, but this dressing makes an insanely delicious, spicy dip for fries!
Did you try this recipe?
Let us know your thoughts on this chipotle ranch dressing by leaving a star rating below or sharing it on Instagram!
Thank you! ~ Casey
Creamy Chipotle Ranch Dressing
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream I used light
- 2 tbsp. Ranch seasoning mix such as Hidden Valley Ranch packet
- 1 chipotle in adobo, chopped PLUS 1 tbsp. adobo sauce from can/jar remove the seeds for a mild dressing
- 2 tbsp. lime juice
- 1/4 cup milk
- pinch of salt, if needed
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk all dressing ingredients together until well combined. Taste, then add a pinch of salt if needed. The dressing is best if refrigerated for 30 minutes to an hour.
Notes
Expert Tips:
- Blend (optional): While whisking works, blending the dressing gives it a super creamy, restaurant-quality finish.
- Chill: The flavor deepens and mellows beautifully after 30 minutes in the fridge.
- Consistency: For a thicker dip, reduce or skip the milk. For a pourable dressing, add a bit more until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Storage: This dressing will stay fresh in the fridge in an airtight jar or container for 7 After storing, make sure you give the dressing a good shake or stir to get all of the ingredients incorporated again.
Ahhhh this dressing is SO GOOD! It’s smokey, a bit spicy…it’s great on everything! I hope you love it, too! XO~Casey