Hey there! You are about to make the most delicious jalapeno ranch ever. I am talking about a creamy, spicy, and herby dip that will make you forget store-bought dressings.
And guess what? It takes just a few minutes to whip up. Let’s get started.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and equipment you need to make this recipe:
- Blender or food processor
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
Important Info
- Servings: About 1 ½ cups of dressing
- Estimated Cost to make this recipe: Around $5
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: No cooking required
- Total time: 10 minutes
- Calories per serving: About 120 per 2 tablespoons
- Cook method: No-Cooking Required
- Season: All seasons
- Courses: Condiment, Dressing, Dip
- Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
- Diets: GlutenFreeDiet, LowCarbDiet, VegetarianDiet
How to Make Jalapeno Ranch
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup buttermilk (or more for a thinner consistency)
- 1 jalapeno (seeds removed for mild, keep them for more heat)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Sour cream | Greek yogurt |
| Buttermilk | Milk + 1 teaspoon vinegar |
| Fresh cilantro | Fresh parsley |
| Lime juice | Lemon juice |
| Jalapeno | Serrano pepper (spicier) or green bell pepper (mild) |
Instructions
- Chop the jalapeno and cilantro into small pieces.
- In a blender or food processor, add all the ingredients.
- Blend until smooth. If it’s too thick, add more buttermilk until you reach your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust salt and lime juice if needed.
- Pour into a bowl or jar, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend.
- Serve chilled as a dip, dressing, or spread.
Helpful Tips
- If you like extra spice, leave the jalapeno seeds in or add an extra jalapeno.
- For a tangier taste, increase the lime juice.
- Always refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. It tastes better when the flavors have blended.
- If you don’t have a blender, finely chop everything and whisk together.
- Store leftovers in a sealed jar to keep them fresh longer.
What to Serve with Jalapeno Ranch
This jalapeno ranch goes with almost anything. Here are some ideas:
- Use it as a dip for tortilla chips, veggies, or chicken tenders.
- Drizzle over tacos, burrito bowls, or nachos.
- Spread on burgers, wraps, or sandwiches.
- Toss with salad greens for a spicy dressing.
How Do You Serve Jalapeno Ranch?
Pour it into a small bowl for dipping or a squeeze bottle for drizzling. If using as a salad dressing, thin it out with extra buttermilk or milk.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
This dip is great for backyard barbecues, game nights, and parties. It’s also perfect for meal prep—keep a jar in the fridge and use it throughout the week.
Storage
Short-term Storage (Room Temperature)
- Since this recipe contains dairy, do not leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Refrigeration
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Stir well before using, as the ingredients may separate over time.
Freezing
- Freezing is not recommended because dairy-based dressings tend to change texture when thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without a blender?
Yes, just chop the jalapeno and cilantro very finely and whisk everything together. It won’t be as smooth but will still taste great.
How do I make it thicker or thinner?
For a thicker ranch, reduce the buttermilk. For a thinner consistency, add more buttermilk a little at a time.
Is this spicy?
It depends. Removing the jalapeno seeds makes it mild, while keeping them in makes it spicier. If you want it really hot, add an extra jalapeno.
Can I use dried cilantro instead of fresh?
I don’t recommend it. Fresh cilantro gives the best flavor. If you must use dried, use 1 teaspoon, but it won’t taste as fresh.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free mayo and sour cream, and replace buttermilk with unsweetened almond or coconut milk mixed with a little vinegar.