Chipotle Ranch

Course: Sauce

Cuisine: Mexican

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 0

Total Time: 5

Servings: people

Calories: 279kcal

Author: Platings and Pairings

Chipotle Ranch comes together with creamy mayo, ranch seasoning, chipotles in adobo, and a few basic pantry staples to make the most irresistible sauce. Simply blend everything in minutes, then use as a dip or easily thin it out to your preferred consistency.

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Ingredients

1 cup mayonnaise
3 Tablespoons buttermilk or milk
1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, plus 1 Tablespoon adobo sauce
1 Tablespoon lime juice
2 Tablespoons dry ranch seasoning mix
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
½ teaspoon pepper plus more to taste
1 Tablespoon fresh cilantro minced (optional)

Instructions

Place all of the ingredients, except cilantro, in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth.
If the dressing is too thick, add more milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until you get your desired consistency. Add cilantro and pulse to desired consistency. Season with additional salt and pepper, to taste.
Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

Notes

Storing

Store leftover chipotle ranch in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Make sure to give the sauce a good stir before serving, as the creamy ingredients may separate during storage.
I don’t recommend freezing this sauce as the freezing and thawing can alter the smooth and creamy consistency.

Tips and tricks

Always taste the chipotle ranch sauce after mixing the ingredients together. You may find that you want to adjust the flavor by adding an extra kick of heat, more lime juice to balance the richness, or mix in additional ranch seasoning for a more prominent taste.
Adjust the consistency of the sauce to your liking. Stir in more buttermilk or water for a thinner sauce, or mix in more mayo or sour cream for a thicker sauce.
Don’t forget to chill the sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce to thicken and for the flavors to meld together and intensify.
Stir leftover chipotle ranch with additional liquid (if needed) as it will naturally thicken in the fridge and the creamy ingredients may also separate.
Make a double batch of chipotle ranch by simply doubling the ingredients called for in this recipe, if needed.

Variations

No chipotles in adobo: If you're out of chipotles in adobo, try using chipotle powder or smoked paprika with a small pinch of cayenne as a substitute.
Vegan-friendly: For a plant-based version, swap the mayonnaise and buttermilk for vegan alternatives.
Extra spice: To turn up the heat, mix in one more chipotle pepper or add a dash or two of cayenne.
Lighter version: For a lighter take, substitute plain Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise.

Nutrition