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Easy Homemade Southwest Salad Dressing Recipe

Close-up of a vibrant, orange-hued southwest salad dressing with visible specks of herbs and red pepper flakes in a clear glass dish.
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Make this zesty, creamy Southwest salad dressing at home. It is perfect for taco salads and pairs well with fresh vegetables.

Ingredients

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  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk or milk
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice, fresh
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional, for heat)

Instructions

  1. Combine the mayonnaise, buttermilk, lime juice, and olive oil in a medium bowl. Whisk until smooth.
  2. Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix well to incorporate the spices.
  3. Stir in the chopped cilantro and minced jalapeño, if you are using them.
  4. Taste the dressing and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more lime juice for tang or more salt.
  5. If the dressing is too thick, add a teaspoon of water or milk at a time until you reach your desired consistency for this creamy Southwest dressing.
  6. Cover the bowl and chill the dressing for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the bold flavors to meld.

Notes

  • For a vegan Southwest dressing option, substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan mayonnaise and use a plant-based milk instead of buttermilk.
  • To make this dressing spicier, leave some seeds in the jalapeño or add a dash of hot sauce.
  • This dressing works well as a dip for vegetables or as a sauce for grilled chicken or fish.
  • If you prefer a thinner vinaigrette Southwest style, reduce the mayonnaise to 1/4 cup and increase the olive oil to 1/4 cup.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delicerecipe.com/southwest-salad-dressing-recipe-easy-homemade/