This healthy greek yogurt Southwest Salad Dressing has big and bold flavors! Made with Greek yogurt, cilantro, lime, and a smoky spice blend, it’s a quick 5-minute recipe that’s perfect for Southwest Chicken Salads.
Table of Contents
This boldly flavored Southwest Salad Dressing will be the star of all of your salads!
It’s easy to make by blending Greek yogurt, cilantro, lime, and pantry-staple spices together, leaving you with a crave-worthy creamy dressing with smoky and tangy flavors. It’s perfect for southwest salads but will upgrade any salad or taco you crave!
Reader
Love
The only dressing recipe I use! I add puréed chipotle peppers (about 1/8 cup or a few tablespoons to it for an extra kick but that’s just me!) so so good!
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Ingredient notes
- Greek yogurt – Full fat Greek yogurt lends a creamy, yet light base for the southwestern dressing. With its tangy undertones, every bite is better than the last! Sour cream or mayonnaise work well as substitutes.
- Lime zest and juice – For a refreshingly tangy-zesty flavor.
- Cilantro – Or leave it out if you don’t like cilantro.
- Dry spices – Smoked paprika, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper give this dressing its signature spicy warmth.
Spicy variation: Blend 1 Tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo into the dressing! These smoked and dried jalapeno peppers are sold in small cans in most major grocery stores and give the salad dressing a big boost of rich, smoky, and spicy flavors.
How to make southwest salad dressing
Add all of the dressing ingredients to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy, then enjoy!
Recipe tips
- If the consistency of the dressing is too thin, slowly blend in more yogurt until it thickens.
- If it’s too thick, blend in a splash of water or lime juice until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Upgrade the flavor by substituting garlic powder for roasted fresh garlic.
- As-is, the dressing has a mild level of heat. If you don’t want any spice, use regular paprika instead of smoked.
Variations
- Make it spicy – Either blend chipotle peppers in adobo, chili powder, cayenne, or your favorite hot sauce into the dressing.
- Dairy free – Make it with plain dairy free yogurt or vegan sour cream.
- Play with the seasonings – Adjust the flavor of the dressing by blending in cumin, oregano, or diced chili peppers.
Make ahead and storing
Blend the dressing and transfer it to an airtight jar or container. Use it all week long! It keeps well in the fridge for 4 to 5 days.
Serving suggestions
The best way to use this dressing is on a southwest salad of course! Add washed and diced romaine lettuce to a bowl and add all of your favorite southwest toppings on top. Grilled corn, black beans, pico de gallo, avocado, smoked chicken breasts, and tortilla strips are all tasty options. Drizzle the southwest salad dressing on top, toss to combine, and enjoy!
The bold flavors in this homemade southwest dressing make it a fantastic dressing or finishing sauce for these recipes as well:
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new!
Creamy Feta Dressing
Did you make this creamy southwestern dressing?
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Full Recipe
Greek Yogurt Southwest Salad Dressing
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup full fat greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 1 lime (zested and juiced)
- 2 Tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 clove)
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon pepper (plus more to taste)
Instructions
- Blend all the ingredients together in a small blender or food processor until smooth and creamy.
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