This Jalapeño Cilantro Ranch Salad Dressing is creamy, fresh, and packed with bold flavor. It blends the cool richness of classic ranch with vibrant cilantro and a gentle jalapeño kick, making it perfect for salads, tacos, wraps, and dipping vegetables. Best of all, it comes together in just minutes with simple ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dressing is incredibly quick and easy to make, requiring only 10 minutes and no cooking. The combination of creamy mayonnaise and tangy sour cream creates a smooth, luscious base, while fresh cilantro adds brightness and jalapeño brings just the right amount of heat without overpowering the flavor.
It’s versatile enough to use as a salad dressing, taco sauce, sandwich spread, or dipping sauce for fries and veggies. You can easily adjust the spice level and thickness to suit your preference. Plus, it tastes even better after chilling, making it perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream or buttermilk (use buttermilk for a thinner dressing)
1 medium jalapeño, seeded and roughly chopped
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, packed
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried dill
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 to 4 tablespoons milk (as needed to adjust consistency)
Directions
Prepare the ingredients by seeding and roughly chopping the jalapeño. Wash and dry the cilantro thoroughly.
In a blender or food processor, combine mayonnaise, sour cream (or buttermilk), jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, salt, and black pepper.
Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
If the dressing is too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time, blending after each addition until you reach your desired consistency.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, lime juice, or jalapeño for extra flavor.
Transfer to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Servings and timing
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Yield: About 1½ cups
Servings: Approximately 12 servings (2 tablespoons per serving)
Variations
For a spicier version, leave some jalapeño seeds in the mixture or add a second jalapeño.
For a lighter option, substitute half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free mayonnaise and unsweetened plant-based yogurt.
If you prefer a stronger herb flavor, add a small handful of fresh parsley along with the cilantro.
For extra tang, increase the lime juice slightly or add a small splash of apple cider vinegar.
Storage/Reheating
Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir well before each use, as slight separation may occur.
This dressing does not require reheating. If it thickens in the refrigerator, simply stir in a small amount of milk to loosen it before serving.
FAQs
How spicy is this dressing?
It has a mild to moderate heat level when the jalapeño seeds are removed. You can adjust the spice by adding more or less jalapeño.
Can I make this without a blender?
Yes, you can finely mince the jalapeño and cilantro and whisk everything together by hand, though the texture will be slightly chunkier.
Can I freeze this dressing?
Freezing is not recommended, as mayonnaise-based dressings can separate and become watery when thawed.
How long should I chill it before serving?
Chilling for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavor, but you can serve it immediately if needed.
Can I use dried cilantro instead of fresh?
Fresh cilantro is strongly recommended for the best flavor. Dried cilantro will not provide the same vibrant taste.
What can I serve this with?
It pairs well with green salads, taco bowls, grilled chicken, wraps, roasted vegetables, and as a dip for fresh veggies.
Can I use this as a marinade?
Yes, it works well as a marinade for chicken or shrimp. Marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Is buttermilk better than sour cream?
Buttermilk creates a thinner, more traditional ranch-style dressing, while sour cream makes it thicker and richer.
How can I make it thicker?
Use sour cream instead of buttermilk and reduce or omit the added milk.
Can I prepare it in advance?
Yes, it’s ideal for making ahead. Prepare it up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Conclusion
This Jalapeño Cilantro Ranch Salad Dressing is a flavorful twist on classic ranch that brings freshness, creaminess, and a subtle kick to any dish. With simple ingredients and a quick preparation time, it’s a must-have homemade dressing that elevates everything from salads to tacos. Once you try it, you’ll want to keep a batch ready in your refrigerator at all times.
This Jalapeño Cilantro Ranch Salad Dressing is creamy, fresh, and bursting with bold flavor. Combining classic ranch richness with bright cilantro and a gentle jalapeño kick, it’s perfect for salads, tacos, wraps, and dipping sauces.
Total Time:10 minutes
Yield:1 1/2 cups
Ingredients
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream or buttermilk
1 medium jalapeño, seeded and roughly chopped
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, packed
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried dill
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 to 4 tablespoons milk (as needed)
Instructions
Seed and roughly chop the jalapeño. Wash and dry the cilantro thoroughly.
Add mayonnaise, sour cream (or buttermilk), jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, salt, and black pepper to a blender or food processor.
Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
Add milk one tablespoon at a time if needed, blending until desired consistency is reached.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, lime juice, or jalapeño if desired.
Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving.
