This Chipotle Ranch Dressing is my homemade take on a fast-food favorite, because when Taco Bell took away their Chipotle Ranch Chicken Loaded Griller, my son wasn’t having it. So, I did what moms do best, I made my own version at home.
He swears it’s even better than the original (and no, I didn’t even have to bribe him to say that). Years later, and he still raves about it. Creamy, tangy, and with just the right amount of smoky heat, this Southwest-inspired ranch is perfect for tacos, salads, wraps, or just straight up dipping. It’s that good.
Why We Love This Dressing
- It’s bold, creamy, and full of flavor.
- You control the spice—mild or bring-on-the-heat!
- It’s easy to throw together in just 10 minutes.
Ingredients for Chipotle Ranch Dressing
- Mayonnaise – Makes it creamy and rich.
- Milk – Helps thin the dressing to just the right consistency.
- Green Onions – Adds a mild bite and fresh flavor.
- Garlic – One clove is all you need for that savory punch.
- Dill & Parsley – Use dried or fresh, depending on what you have on hand.
- Salt & Pepper – A dash or two to taste.
- Cumin – Brings in a warm, earthy flavor.
- Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce – Smoky, spicy, and key to that signature flavor. Start with less and add more if you’re into heat.
- Adobo Sauce – Comes from the same can as the chipotles. Adds richness and extra kick.
- Cayenne Pepper (optional) – Just a little if you like extra spice.
- Fresh Lime Juice – Adds a little zing and helps brighten up the whole thing.
Recipe Directions
- Toss in all the ingredients except the cayenne. Blend until it’s nice and smooth. You can leave a little texture if that’s your thing.
- Want more heat? Add another chipotle pepper, more adobo sauce, or a sprinkle of cayenne. Blend again and give it another taste.
- You can use it right away, but if you give it an hour in the fridge, the flavors really come together. It's worth the wait.
- Use it up within a week... if it even lasts that long.
- Having your cat help make this sauce is optional. (pic 2)
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A Few Notes From Mom
- Not all canned chipotles are created equal. Some are spicier or saucier than others. Try a few brands and see which one you like best.
- This recipe is super flexible. Want it thicker? Cut back on the milk. Need it thinner? Add a splash more.
- Keep in mind the heat builds over time. If you’re making this ahead, start mild, you can always spice it up later.
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Printable Recipe
Chipotle Ranch Dressing
Creamy Chipotle Ranch Dressing made with smoky chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, and fresh herbs. Perfect for salads, tacos, wraps, and more.
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Servings: 8 Servings
Calories: 108kcal
Ingredients
- ½ cup Mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup Milk
- 2 Green Onions cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 clove Garlic
- ½ teaspoon Dill dried or about 2 teaspoons if using fresh
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- dash Ground pepper a dash or two
- 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley fresh or about 1 teaspoon if using dried
- ½ teaspoon Cumin
- 2 Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce more or less to taste
- 1-2 teaspoons Adobo Sauce more or less to taste
- Cayenne pepper dash or two. optional, if you need an extra kick
- Lime juice juice from ½ a lime
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients, except the cayenne pepper, into a blender cup or food processor. Blend until smooth, or leave just a bit chunky if you prefer.
- Taste and adjust any seasoning as you see fit. Now would be the time to add the cayenne pepper and/or add more chipotles or adobo sauce if you want to spice it up a bit more. Re-blend.
- Place the sauce in a jar or container for storing in the refrigerator.
- You can use the Chipotle Ranch Sauce right away or wait an hour or so for the flavors to enhance.
- Store unused sauce in the refrigerator.
Notes
The chipotle peppers and adobo sauce come from the same can. Use to taste.
** Use chicken strips from the lunchmeat aisle at the supermarket along with shredded cheese and Chipotle Ranch Sauce in a tortilla. Roll up tortilla and warm on both sides in a skillet over medium-high heat.
** This sauce is delicious on Shrimp Tacos. Marinate shrimp in olive oil, lime juice, and cumin. Cook until done. Add shrimp to a tortilla with some shredded cabbage, Chipotle Ranch Sauce, tomato, avocado, etc...
Nutrition
Calories: 108kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 322mg | Potassium: 22mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 285IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 1mg
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