Name: Southwest Salad Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Southwestern
Ingredients: ¾ cup full-fat sour cream; ¼ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup water; 4 teaspoons fresh lime juice; 2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder (or 1 tablespoon ancho chili powder); 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon cumin; 1 tablespoon minced garlic (approximately 2 large cloves); ½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste); Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves (or 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro)

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Introduction

This Southwest Salad Dressing is creamy, zesty, and packed with smoky flavors that brighten up any salad. It’s easy to make and brings a vibrant twist to your favorite greens or grilled veggies.

A clear glass bowl filled with a fresh salad consisting of chopped green lettuce, black beans, diced red tomatoes, yellow corn kernels, and light beige chicken pieces. Thick creamy orange dressing with visible specks is being poured from a white bowl held by a woman's hand onto the center of the salad. The salad layers show a mix of crunchy and soft textures with vibrant, fresh colors. The scene is set against a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

¾ cup full-fat sour cream
¼ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup water
4 teaspoons fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder (or 1 tablespoon ancho chili powder)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon cumin
1 tablespoon minced garlic (approximately 2 large cloves)
½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
Freshly cracked black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves (or 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro)

Instructions

Step 1: Add the sour cream, mayonnaise, water, lime juice, chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, minced garlic, salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and fresh cilantro leaves to a blender.
Step 2: Blend the ingredients until the mixture is completely smooth. Pause blending as needed to scrape down the sides with a spatula, then continue until fully combined.
Step 3: Transfer the dressing to an airtight container. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to use.

Tips & Variations

For a milder flavor, substitute chipotle chili powder with ancho chili powder or reduce the quantity of chili powder.
If you prefer a thinner dressing, add a bit more water until you reach your desired consistency.
Fresh cilantro adds a bright note; adjust the amount based on your taste or substitute with parsley for a different herbal twist.

Storage

Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Stir well before serving, as ingredients may separate slightly. This dressing can be used chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A close-up of a bowl filled with a smooth, creamy light orange sauce topped with small red chili flakes scattered on the surface. The bowl is white with a slight brown rim and sits on a white marbled texture. Around the bowl, there are a few lime slices and a lime wedge, along with a white spoon that has a light brown handle resting next to the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dressing vegan?

You can substitute the sour cream and mayonnaise with vegan alternatives like cashew cream and vegan mayo to make this dressing vegan-friendly.

How long does this dressing stay fresh?

When kept refrigerated in a sealed container, the dressing stays fresh for up to seven days. Always smell and check for any changes before use.