This creamy Southwest Dressing recipe is one of those sauces we keep coming back to again and again. It's smoky, tangy, a little spicy, and makes everything from southwest chicken wraps and taco salad to grain bowls and chopped salads taste amazing. We especially love that it tastes like a homemade Chipotle ranch, but it's made with simple ingredients in just a few minutes.
Why This Recipe is the Best
Homemade dressings are the best, and this recipe is no exception. This Southwest Dressing is creamy, flavorful, and easy to customize. The combination of flavors gives it that classic Southwest flavor that tastes amazing on salads, wraps, tacos, and even as a dip or sauce.
Try our other homemade dressings: Lemon Vinaigrette, Honey Mustard, Dressing, and Balsamic Vinaigrette.
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Key Ingredients
This dressing is made from staples you probably already have on hand and a few extra ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store.
- Plain Greek Yogurt- The base is used with Greek yogurt, which gives it a tangy and creamy base.
- Chipotles in Adobe- You can't skip this ingredient! Chipotles in Adobe sauce will give it that perfect Southwest taste. Don't worry about the spice; combined with the Greek yogurt, it will have just enough kick but not too overwhelming.
- Fresh Cilantro- If you don't love cilantro, you can leave it out and it still tastes great. Since we love cilantro we do feel like it adds great flavor to the dressing!
How to Make Southwest Dressing
Use these step-by-step instructions as a guide to get the best results. You'll love how simple this recipe is!
- Add fresh-squeezed lime (bottle lime juice also works), Greek yogurt, and Chipotle's in adobe sauce to a blender.
- Mix in the spices and minced garlic.
- Blend on high until smooth and creamy. Serve cold.
Helpful Hint: The lime balances the smoky flavors and keeps the dressing from tasting too heavy.
Common Mistakes
Be sure to blend until smooth! You don't want your salad dressing to be chunky.
From our experience, try to use a small blender cup if you have one. It makes the dressing smoother, and it's much easier to clean up.
Top Tip
Chipotle peppers can vary in heat. Start with one pepper, then add more if you want a spicier southwest dressing.
Recipe
Southwest Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
- ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt see note 1
- 2 Tablespoons lime juice about 1 juicy lime, juiced
- 1 chipotle in adobo, plus 1 teaspoon adobo sauce
- 1 Tablespoon cilantro
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1-4 Tablespoons water to thin, if needed
Instructions
- Place all ingredients besides water in a blender. Blend on high until completely smooth, time will vary depending on blender. Add water 1 Tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is achieved. I like to blend mine up in a smoothie cup, I find that works well with the smaller amount.
Notes
- You can use non-fat, full fat or substitute part of it with sour cream or mayonnaise. We recommend if using non-fat to use at least ¼ cup sour cream or mayonnaise for that creaminess.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
- Try this with our other delicious southwest recipes!
Nutrition
Storing
Store homemade southwest dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Stir or shake before serving because ingredients will separate over time.
Variations and Substitutions
- Southwest Ranch- Add 1-2 Tablespoons mayonnaise and a splash of buttermilk for a creamy southwest ranch dressing.
- Southwest Vinaigrette- Thin the dressing with extra lime juice and water or olive oil for a lighter southwest vinaigrette.
- Avocado Southwest Dressing-Blend in half an avocado for a creamy avocado southwest dressing perfect for salads and wraps.
- Dairy-Free Version-Use a dairy-free Greek-style yogurt or dairy-free sour cream substitute.
- Extra Spicy- Add another chipotle pepper or extra adobo sauce for more heat.
- Mild Version-Use only half a chipotle pepper for a milder southwest dressing.
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