Salsa Ranch Dressing combines the best of both worlds by blending the zesty flavors of salsa with the creamy goodness of ranch. The result is a dressing that tantalizes your tastebuds with every bite.
Liven up your salads with this creamy, flavor-packed Salsa Ranch Dressing.
Bold salsa, cooling ranch, creamy buttermilk and zingy lime juice all combine in this tasty salad dressing.
Salsa Ranch Dressing is a game-changer when it comes to salad dressings. At least it is for our family!
I discovered this Salsa Ranch Dressing recipe a few months ago when I was searching for a way to jazz up my regular salad routine and had salsa to use up.
The first time I tried it, I was blown away by the explosion of flavors. The tangy salsa perfectly complemented the creamy ranch, creating a dressing that elevated my salad to a whole new level.
Since then, it has become a staple in my kitchen, and I find myself using it not only on salads but also as a dip for my favorite veggies and a spread for sandwiches. I'm sure you'll be hooked!
You'll love how easy it is to prepare, plus how versatile it is. It's a must-try - trust me!
So why settle for boring dressings when you can add a kick of excitement to your meals? Give this recipe a go, and I guarantee you won't be disappointed.
Try it on this tasty Green Salad, or even drizzled onto roasted potatoes (Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes) or vegetables. We even use it on Chickpea Tacos!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This salad dressing requires minimal effort to put together and can be prepared in a matter of minutes! Simply blend, rest and enjoy.
This salsa ranch dressing isn't just for salads. We also love using it as a dip for veggies, a topping for tacos, or a spread for sandwiches. Get creative and explore different ways to incorporate this versatile dressing into your meals.
Like all dressings, it's customizable. Feel free to tweak the recipe to suit your preferences. Use hot salsa if you like it spicy, or blend in some jalapenos. Or, go for mild salsa or add extra lime.
Ingredients
- Salsa - The star of this show, salsa brings a tangy and spicy flavor to the salad dressing. Keep it chunky, or, as I prefer, blend it smooth. For this recipe, a jarred salsa is better than deli or fresh. It needs to be less chunky and more saucy. A jar of Doritos or Tostitos works perfectly.
- Buttermilk - Buttermilk thins out the other ingredients and adds a slightly tangy element. If you don't have any, add a little lemon or lime juice to milk, stir and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.
- Mayonnaise - Mayo keeps the dressing thick and creamy.
- Ranch Seasoning - A little ranch seasoning, like the popular Hidden Valley Ranch, infuses the dressing with the classic herbs and spices flavors.
- Lime Juice - The addition of lime juice adds a refreshing citrusy note that complements the salsa and brightens all the flavors.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Follow this step-by-step photo tutorial, then scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and method.
Add the salsa to a blender and process to make it a bit smoother.
Then add the mayonnaise, buttermilk, ranch seasoning, and lime juice to a blender and whiz briefly to combine.
For best results, let it rest in the fridge for at least 15 minutes for the flavors to blend.
Pour it into a jar and store it in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Variations
Replace the regular salsa with chipotle salsa for a smokey spicy twist. Or blend in some chipotle paste of the liquid from a can of chipotles in adobo.
Mix in freshly chopped cilantro and extra lime juice for a brighter fresher flavor and citrusy kick.
Blend in the flesh of a ripe avocado to make it extra creamy with a hint of avocado flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Salad: Drizzle Salsa Ranch Dressing over your favorite salad greens for a burst of flavor. It pairs particularly well with Southwest-style salads, like this Quinoa and Black Beans.
- Tacos: Use Salsa Ranch Dressing as a topping for your tacos.
- Veggie Dip: Serve the dressing alongside a platter of fresh vegetables for a tasty and healthy snack option.
- Sandwich Spread: Spread Salsa Ranch Dressing on bread or wraps to add a tangy and creamy element to your sandwiches.
- On veggies: Try a drizzle onto roasted potatoes or vegetables.
Storage
Store: After preparing the salsa ranch dressing, store it in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator. The dressing will stay fresh for up to one week.
Tip: Be sure to give it a good shake or stir before serving to ensure that the ingredients are well blended.
Salad Recipes
- 28 Tasty Healthy Salad Recipes
- Mexican Quinoa Salad
- Caprese Pasta Salad
- Kohlrabi Salad
- Roasted Red Kuri Squash Salad
- Mango Salad with Lime Ginger Dressing
- Broad Bean Salad
- Carrot Top Salad with Chickpeas
- Mexican Chopped Salad
Top tip
For best results, you want a saucy salsa. A pico de gallo or fresh salsa won't work as well as salsa from a jar. I use Doritos or Tostitos.
FAQ
If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by adding one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to one cup of regular milk. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens slightly, and then use it in the recipe.
Yes, you can prepare the salsa ranch dressing ahead. It actually benefits from a little resting time in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld together.
You can swap the mayonnaise for a light version, or yogurt. Try swapping the buttermilk for low fat milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice stirred in.
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you love this recipe, please leave a five-star rating and review in the comments below! And if you make any modifications, let us know how it went so that we can all benefit from your experience. Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe
Salsa Ranch Dressing
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¾ cup salsa 115g
- 1 cup buttermilk 235ml
- ¾ cup mayonnaise 170g
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning I use Hidden Valley Ranch - 1 x 0.4 ounce packet
- 2 teaspoons lime juice
Instructions
- Add the salsa to a blender and process to make it a bit smoother.
- Then add the mayonnaise, buttermilk, ranch seasoning, and lime juice to a blender and whiz briefly to combine.
- For best results, let it rest in the fridge for at least 15 minutes for the flavors to blend.
- Pour it into a jar and store it in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
Dannii
This dressing was amazing. Such a great twist on ranch. Next time I'll go for hotter salsa!
Beth Sachs
I loved this salsa ranch dressing! I've been having it on my lunchtime salads all week!
Mimi
What a fantastic dressing. Loved the mix of hot salsa (I used a very hot one!) and cooling ranch. So good.
Hayley Dhanecha
Loved this salsa ranch dressing with vegetable crudites, really easy and quick recipe!
Julie
Loved the big flavors in this dressing. Used it on salad, then also for veggies and dip for the kids' after school snack. Everyone loved it!