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!
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.
- 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*.
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.
Serving suggestions
- Southwest Chicken Salad for Fall with roasted pepper, corn, onion, black beans, and sweet potatoes
- Sweet Potato Fries
- Fish Taco Salads
- Southwest Paleo Chicken Tenders
- Southwest Chicken Wraps
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
- Traditional Ranch Dressing
- Whole30 Ranch Dressing
- Everything Bagel Ranch Dressing
- Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing
- Hot Bacon Dressing
- Creamy Feta Dressing
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Enjoy!!
Chipotle Ranch Dressing
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.
i can’t wait to try this dressing.