Kick up your ranch dressing or dip with a bit of jalapeño for additional flavor!
Ranch dressing is not only popular, but it also tops the list in the US. It’s no wonder so many people love the savory flavor of ranch dressing. However, you don’t have to settle for the same old-same old variety for your next salad or crudité platter. You can take your dressing to the next level with this jalapeño ranch recipe.
Now, don’t worry that it will be too spicy for you or the youngsters in your home. The nice thing about making it from scratch is that you can control the amount of jalapeño you add. For those who like the heat, feel free to leave in some of the jalapeño seeds. You can also use a mixture of jalapeños and chipotles for a smokier flavor or add a bit of smoked paprika to the recipe. You can even add some fresh avocado for one of the richest, most lively dressings you will ever try.
If you are not a fan of cilantro, you can easily swap it for chopped fresh parsley. The flavor profile will change a bit, but it will still be amazingly good, especially with the slightly sweet, tangy lime juice. Another easy swap is to use plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. If your yogurt is thick, you will likely need to use some buttermilk to thin it to your liking. You can go vegan with this recipe by substituting plant-based versions of sour cream and buttermilk.
You’ll be so glad you spent the five minutes to make this ranch recipe from scratch rather than buying a bottle off the grocery store shelf. Nothing says fresh like homemade salad dressings and dips. And, thanks to using a blender or food processor, it will be so smooth and creamy that everyone will think it came from the store. It can be our secret how you made it from scratch.
How to choose jalapeños
The pepper that you select will make all the difference in this jalapeño ranch recipe. When selecting jalapeños at the store, look for ones without blemishes or soft spots. The pepper should feel firm to the touch, be glossy, and feel heavy for its size. Younger peppers bring mild heat and are firm and plump with shiny, bright green skin. If you want more heat in your ranch, choose older, more mature peppers with fine white lines called stretch marks on the skin. Some may have scar-like brown marks, and they will be hotter due to their higher capsaicin levels. Hotter peppers are darker green or leaning towards red, and they may appear more wrinkled or have looser skin.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers from this jalapeño ranch recipe in a glass jar or other airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Shake or mix it before serving, and you will see how well the taste intensifies over the week as it has time to marry the flavors. Do not freeze this recipe, as it will separate and change consistency as it thaws.
Serving suggestions
This jalapeño ranch recipe is perfect over salad greens or drizzled over this delicious Mexican Pasta Salad or Burrito Bowl Recipe. Use it as a dip for Air-Fryer Sweet Potato Fries, Taco Pinwheels, or Boiled Shrimp. Add it to this Taco Dip Recipe, drizzle it over this Taco Bake, or add exciting flavor to Black Bean Enchiladas. You can even use it to marinate chicken, pork, turkey, or fish, or for a sauce once your food has cooked. There’s no limit to the many ways you can enjoy this exciting take on ranch dressing.
Jalapeño Ranch Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons chopped jalapeño seeds removed
- 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- Kosher salt to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
- 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Buttermilk as needed (optional)
Instructions
- Place sour cream, chopped cilantro, chopped jalapeño, lime juice, salt, dried dill, dried parsley, onion powder, and garlic powder in a food processor or blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy, about 30 seconds. If it’s too thick, add a splash or two of buttermilk to reach your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed, then serve immediately or chill for extra flavor.
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