Zesty Southwestern Ranch Salad Dressing
Elevate your salads with this vibrant and creamy Zesty Southwestern Ranch Salad Dressing. Homemade from scratch, this dressing marries the tangy richness of mayonnaise and buttermilk with a kick of hot sauce, fresh cilantro, and zesty orange peel. It’s the perfect complement to a hearty Southwestern Cobb salad, enhancing fresh ingredients like crunchy romaine, buttery avocado, and crispy jicama. Fast and easy to whip up, this dressing will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the flavor explosion with every bite!
N/A
Servings
68
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
mayonnaise
1/3 cup (none)
buttermilk
1/3 cup (none)
hot sauce
1 tablespoon (none)
cilantro
3 tablespoons (chopped)
scallion
1 (sliced)
orange zest
1 teaspoon (zested)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
salt
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise and buttermilk. Whisk together until smooth and creamy.
2
Add the hot sauce, chopped cilantro, sliced scallion, orange zest, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt.
3
Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or hot sauce if desired.
4
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5
Serve drizzled over a fresh salad of romaine, diced avocado, jicama, and orange segments, finishing with crumbled cotija cheese or your favorite toppings.
Nutrition Information
7.2g
Fat
0.4g
Carbs
0.2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Southwestern Ranch Salad Dressing?
It is a vibrant and creamy homemade dressing that combines the tangy richness of mayonnaise and buttermilk with hot sauce, fresh cilantro, and orange zest.
What are the main ingredients for this dressing?
The primary ingredients are mayonnaise, buttermilk, hot sauce, chopped cilantro, sliced scallion, orange zest, minced garlic, and salt.
How do I make the dressing creamy?
The creaminess is achieved by whisking together equal parts mayonnaise and buttermilk until the mixture is smooth.
Is this dressing spicy?
Yes, it has a kick of heat from the inclusion of one tablespoon of hot sauce, which can be adjusted to your preference.
How long should the dressing chill before serving?
It is recommended to chill the dressing in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
What kind of salad does this dressing pair best with?
It is a perfect complement to a hearty Southwestern Cobb salad featuring romaine, avocado, jicama, and orange segments.
How many calories are in a serving of this dressing?
There are 68 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
The dressing contains 7.2 grams of fat per serving.
Are there many carbohydrates in this recipe?
No, it is very low in carbs with only 0.4 grams per serving.
How much protein is in the dressing?
The dressing contains approximately 0.2 grams of protein per serving.
How much cilantro is needed?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro.
What does the orange zest add to the flavor profile?
The orange zest provides a zesty, citrusy brightness that balances the creamy and spicy elements.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 8 total ingredients used in this recipe.
Can I adjust the seasoning?
Yes, after mixing, you should taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or hot sauce if desired.
What type of cheese is recommended as a topping for the salad?
Crumbled cotija cheese is suggested as a finishing touch for the salad.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The recipe requires one clove of garlic to be minced.
How should the scallion be prepared?
One scallion should be sliced before being added to the mixture.
Is this dressing easy to make?
Yes, it is described as fast and easy to whip up from scratch.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to combine mayonnaise and buttermilk in a medium bowl and whisk until smooth.
What salad greens are recommended for this dressing?
Crunchy romaine lettuce is the recommended base for the salad.
Is there any fiber in this dressing?
The nutritional data indicates there is no significant fiber content in this dressing.
Does the dressing contain sugar?
Based on the nutritional information provided, there is no added sugar.
Can I use this as a dip?
While designed as a salad dressing, its creamy texture makes it suitable as a flavorful dip for vegetables.
What tools do I need to make this?
You will need a medium bowl and a whisk to combine the ingredients.
How much orange zest is required?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of orange zest.
Can I store the leftovers?
Yes, keep the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
What is the texture of the dressing?
The texture is creamy and smooth.
Is the dressing considered a Southwestern style?
Yes, it is tagged as a Southwestern style dressing due to the cilantro, garlic, and hot sauce.
Can I use this on a Cobb salad?
Yes, it specifically enhances a Southwestern Cobb salad.
Is the salt amount fixed?
No, salt should be added 'to taste'.