Salsa Ranch Dressing

This creamy salsa ranch dressing is a quick and easy irresistible sauce perfect for taco salads, burrito bowls, and more! Here’s how to make this easy 5-minute dressing with simple pantry ingredients that will transform your meals.

Some flavor combinations just make perfect sense, and this salsa ranch dressing is definitely one of them. I discovered this magical pairing when I was trying to figure out an easy sauce to add to my taco salad. This creamy, tangy salad dressing takes just minutes to whip up, and if you love them both—the flavor is even better in combination!

This is my favorite way to make a quick salad dressing with only a few ingredients. It’s perfect for drizzling over a burrito bowl, though I love it most with this fajita salad. It also works as a taco sauce or to spoon over stuffed sweet potatoes. Hope you love this trick as much as I do!

Building the perfect salsa ranch dressing

There’s not much to this salsa ranch dressing: it’s a matter of mixing together a few ingredients! Here are a few tips and tricks:

Mayonnaise and sour cream make a creamy sauce. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream if you prefer! For vegan, use vegan mayonnaise.
Use your favorite red salsa. Using a quality brand is key!
Fresh chives add great flavor, but they’re optional. I usually have chives on hand in my herb garden, and they add that classic ranch dressing flavor. But they can be expensive to buy, so you can omit them if desired.
The custom spice blend makes the flavor. Just add garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and salt and pepper. No substitutions on the dried dill: that’s what makes a good classic ranch flavor!

Customizing your salsa ranch

While I love the classic version, there are so many ways to make this dressing your own:

Heat lovers: Use medium or hot salsa, or add a spoonful of adobo sauce from a can of chipotle peppers in adobo for a smoky kick.

Herby variations: Try fresh cilantro instead of chives for a more Mexican flavor profile, or add fresh dill for extra ranch taste.

Protein boost: Add a dollop of Greek yogurt (or use it instead of the sour cream) to increase the protein content and add extra tanginess.

Storing leftovers

This salsa ranch dressing stores refrigerated for up to 1 week. It’s possible it can last longer: check the dates on your mayo, sour cream and salsa.

My favorite ways to use salsa ranch dressing

This versatile dressing has found its way into so many meals at my house. Here are my favorite ways to use it:

Mexican-inspired salads: I love it most on my fajita salad, but it’s equally delicious on Mexican chopp ed salad or any green salad with a Tex-Mex twist.
Rice and grain bowls: Drizzle it over burrito bowls, rice bowls, or my shrimp bowl with cilantro lime rice.
Taco night: It’s perfect for my ultimate taco salad or vegan taco salad.
Sweet potato dishes: I love spooning this over stuffed sweet potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, or using it as a dip for sweet potato fries.
Protein pairings: It makes an excellent sauce for grilled salmon, baked salmon, grilled shrimp, sauteed shrimp, or pan seared chicken, or as a dip for chicken nuggets.
Snacking: Use it as a dip for ultimate nachos, homemade tortilla chips, or fresh vegetables.

How do you plan to use your salsa ranch dressing? Let us know in the comments below, and let us know if you tried it!

Fajita Salad in bowl drizzled with salsa ranch dressing.

Dietary notes

This salsa ranch dressing is vegetarian and gluten-free. For dairy-free and vegan, substitute vegan mayonnaise and cashew cream.

Frequently asked questions

What is salsa ranch dressing?

Salsa ranch dressing is a flavorful blend of classic ranch dressing and your favorite salsa. It’s a creamy, zesty dressing with a hint of spice, perfect for salads, tacos, burritos, or even as a dipping sauce for chips and veggies.

Can I use store-bought ranch dressing and salsa for this recipe?

Absolutely! While making your own ranch dressing from scratch can be rewarding, using store-bought versions is a convenient shortcut. Choose your favorite brands and flavors of ranch and salsa to customize the taste.

How spicy is salsa ranch dressing?

The spice level of your salsa ranch dressing will depend on the type of salsa you use. If you prefer a milder dressing, opt for a mild or medium salsa. If you like it hot, go for a hot salsa or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

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This creamy salsa ranch dressing is a quick and easy irresistible sauce perfect for taco salads, burrito bowls, and more! Here’s how to make this easy 5-minute dressing with simple pantry ingredients that will transform your meals.