Smoky Chipotle Ranch Dressing
Elevate your salads and dip game with this creamy and smoky Chipotle Ranch Dressing. This delightful blend features a zesty ranch base mixed with tangy salsa and smoky chipotle powder, creating a flavor explosion that is perfect for drizzling over greens, marinating chicken, or serving as a flavorful dip for veggies and chips. Quick to prepare and made with simple ingredients, this dressing packs a punch while adding a delicious twist to your meals. Share it with friends for a game day snack or keep it all to yourself for everyday use!
2.5
Servings
N/A
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ranch dressing
2 cups (Store-bought or homemade)
Salsa (Pace mild Picante Sauce)
1/2 cup (Choose your preferred salsa for desired heat level)
Ground dried chipotle powder
1/2-3/4 teaspoon (Adjust according to spice preference)
Instructions
1
Start by pouring the salsa into a food processor and blend for about one minute using the steel blade until it reaches a smooth consistency. A blender or immersion blender can also be used if preferred.
2
Next, add the ranch dressing to the pureed salsa. Sprinkle in the ground chipotle powder, starting with 1/2 teaspoon and adding more if you desire extra heat.
3
Process the mixture for an additional 30 seconds, or until everything is well combined and creamy.
4
Taste the dressing and adjust the chipotle and seasoning as needed.
5
Transfer the dressing to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to one week. Serve chilled.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smoky Chipotle Ranch Dressing?
It is a creamy and zesty dressing made by blending ranch dressing with tangy salsa and smoky chipotle powder.
What are the main ingredients in this recipe?
The primary ingredients are ranch dressing, salsa (such as Pace mild Picante Sauce), and ground dried chipotle powder.
How do I prepare the salsa for this dressing?
Pour the salsa into a food processor and blend for about one minute using the steel blade until it reaches a smooth consistency.
Can I use a blender if I don't have a food processor?
Yes, a standard blender or an immersion blender can be used to puree the salsa and mix the ingredients.
How much chipotle powder should I use?
Start with 1/2 teaspoon and increase up to 3/4 teaspoon or more depending on your preferred level of heat and smokiness.
How long does it take to blend the final mixture?
After adding the ranch and chipotle powder to the salsa, process the mixture for an additional 30 seconds until creamy.
How should I store the leftover dressing?
Transfer the dressing to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator.
How long will this homemade dressing stay fresh?
The dressing can be kept in the refrigerator for up to one week.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe makes approximately 2.5 cups of dressing.
Is this dressing served warm or cold?
This dressing should be served chilled for the best flavor and texture.
Can I use store-bought ranch dressing?
Yes, you can use any store-bought ranch dressing or a homemade version if you prefer.
What can I use this dressing for besides salad?
It works excellently as a dip for vegetables and chips, or as a flavorful marinade for chicken.
What kind of salsa works best for this recipe?
Pace mild Picante Sauce is recommended, but you can choose any salsa based on your desired heat level.
How do I adjust the spiciness of the dressing?
You can adjust the heat by choosing a hotter salsa or by increasing the amount of ground chipotle powder.
Is this dressing easy to make?
Yes, it is a quick and simple recipe that requires only 3 main ingredients and a few minutes of blending.
Why is the salsa blended first?
Blending the salsa first ensures the final dressing has a smooth, consistent texture without large chunks of vegetables.
Can I use this for a game day snack?
Absolutely, it is a perfect crowd-pleasing dip for game day festivities.
Is ground chipotle powder different from chili powder?
Yes, ground chipotle powder is made specifically from smoked jalapeños and provides a distinct smoky flavor compared to standard chili powder blends.
What is the texture of the Smoky Chipotle Ranch Dressing?
The dressing is creamy and smooth thanks to the combination of ranch and pureed salsa.
Can I use this as a chicken marinade?
Yes, the tangy and smoky profile makes it a delicious marinade for poultry.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
You only need three ingredients: ranch dressing, salsa, and chipotle powder.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can make it dairy-free by substituting the traditional ranch dressing with a vegan or dairy-free ranch alternative.
Does the flavor improve over time?
Like many dressings, the flavors often meld and deepen after sitting in the refrigerator for a few hours.
Should I taste the dressing before storing it?
Yes, you should taste and adjust the chipotle and seasoning to ensure it meets your preference before refrigeration.
Can I use fresh chipotle peppers instead of powder?
You can use canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, but you would need to blend them thoroughly and adjust the quantity as they are very potent.
Is this a gluten-free recipe?
The recipe itself uses ingredients that are typically gluten-free, but you should check the labels of your specific ranch and salsa brands to be certain.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can easily double or triple the ingredients if you are serving a larger group or want to meal prep for the week.
What category of food does this fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Salad Dressings and can also be used as a dip.
What flavor profile can I expect?
Expect a rich, creamy base with tangy notes from the salsa and a lingering smoky heat from the chipotle.
Can children eat this dressing?
Yes, if you keep the chipotle powder to the lower end (1/2 teaspoon) and use a mild salsa, it is generally family-friendly.