Homemade Chipotle Ranch Dressing

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Homemade Chipotle Ranch Dressing is a perfect fusion of smoky chipotle peppers and creamy ranch that adds a spicy kick to salads, wraps, and sandwiches.

It also makes the perfect dipping sauce for raw veggies, french fries, and wings using simple ingredients that you can find at your local grocery store!

Chipotle Ranch Dressing in a short Mason jar with a spoon sticking up in the jar that's sitting in front of a plate of salad.

If you love ranch dressing as much as we do, check out these recipes too! Creamy Ranch Dressing, Bacon Ranch Dressing, and Avocado Ranch Dressing.

What you’ll need

Making your own dressings at home is the best way to adjust the heat level by varying the amount of chipotle peppers that you add based on your own preferences.

For the simple, won’t clear your sinuses version use only ground chipotle powder*. To up the spice level, puree whole chipotle peppers with the adobo sauce** in a food processor or blender.

Ingredients needed to make homemade chipotle ranch dressing.
  • Milk – whole or dairy-free. You can also substitute cultured buttermilk if you prefer.
  • White vinegar – white wine or apple cider vinegar.
  • Mayonnaise – homemade or store-bought. Substitute vegan mayonnaise to make a vegan salad dressing.
  • Fresh garlic
  • Italian parsley
  • Green onions
  • Ground dried chipotle pepper*
  • Canned chipotle pepper in adobo sauce**

Be sure to check out the detailed printable recipe card below

How to make Creamy Chipotle Ranch Dressing

Pour apple cider vinegar into milk. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes to “curdle” and become buttermilk. No, cashew and coconut milk will not technically curdle, but it does make it taste like buttermilk dressing so I never skip this step.

For a less spicy dressing

In a bowl or mason jar, whisk or shake together mayonnaise, pressed garlic, parsley, green onions, white wine vinegar, “buttermilk”, and ground chipotle powder*.

Chipotle Ranch Dressing mixed together in a large glass bowl.

Yes, it really is that easy to make homemade ranch dressing!

For a spicier dressing

If using the canned chipotle chiles, add all ingredients to a blender or food processor and puree dressing until creamy and the chile pepper is pulverized.

Pour into an airtight container, like mason jars, and store in refrigerator until ready to use.

Homemade Chipotle Ranch Dressing in a Mason jar with a spoon sticking out the top of the jar.

Serving suggestions

Southwest chicken salad with beans, corn, and red peppers topped with chipotle ranch dressing.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with plain Greek yogurt for a thicker and tangier ranch dip or dressing. Adjust the consistency by adding a little more milk if needed.

How long does homemade chipotle ranch dressing last?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, homemade Chipotle Ranch Dressing can typically last for 1 week.

Can I freeze chipotle ranch dressing?

It’s not recommended to freeze the dressing, as mayonnaise-based dressings may separate and change in texture when thawed.

Can I make this dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely! Making the dressing ahead of time allows the flavors to develop and meld together. It’s recommended to refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving.

More homemade salad dressings

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Enjoy!!

Chipotle Ranch Dressing in a short Mason jar with a spoon sticking up in the jar that's sitting in front of a plate of salad.

Chipotle Ranch Dressing

Homemade Chipotle Ranch Dressing is a perfect fusion of smoky chipotle peppers and creamy ranch that adds a spicy kick to salads, wraps, and sandwiches.
5 from 2 votes
Print Rate
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: dressing, ranch, chipotle, dairyfree, recipe, homemade
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 12 Servings
Calories: 133kcal
Author: Lisa Johnson

Ingredients

  • .33 cup whole milk or buttermilk substitute unsweetened almond milk or cashew milk
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar omit if using buttermilk
  • 1 cup mayonnaise homemade or store-bought
  • 2 cloves garlic pressed or finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley
  • 3 tablespoons minced green onions
  • 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon ground chipotle pepper* less spicy – add more as needed
  • 1 whole canned chipotle pepper(s)** more spicy – adjust to your liking

Instructions

  • Pour apple cider vinegar into milk. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes to “curdle” and become buttermilk. No, cashew and coconut milk will not technically curdle, but it does make it taste like buttermilk dressing so I never skip this step.

Less Spicy

  • In a bowl or mason jar, whisk or shake together mayonnaise, pressed garlic, parsley, green onions, white wine vinegar, “buttermilk”, and ground chipotle powder*.

More Spicy

  • If using the canned chipotle chiles, add all ingredients to a blender or food processor and puree dressing until creamy and the chipotle pepper is pulverized.
  • Pour into an airtight container, like mason jars, and store in refrigerator until ready to use. Use within 7 days for best flavor.

Notes

  • It is not recommended to freeze the dressing, as mayonnaise-based dressings may separate and change in texture when thawed.
  • Making the dressing ahead of time allows the flavors to develop and meld together. It’s recommended to refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 133kcal | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 124mg | Potassium: 23mg | Vitamin A: 145IU | Vitamin C: 1.3mg | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 0.1mg

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