This spicy Chipotle ranch is easy to make in under 5 minutes and great on top of salads, tacos, burgers and steak - and an amazing option to dip your chips or veggies in. This version is made without buttermilk, using store-bought mayonnaise - so you can make it no matter where you live.
The Spicy Version of Everyone’s Favorite Dressing
This chipotle ranch is the perfect spicy sauce for all your dipping and dressing needs. But you can also serve it with steak or seafood.
It's just perfect for barbecue season and so quick (5 minutes!) and easy (just mix!) to make you'll be coming back to it over and over again.
You don't even need to bring out your food processor! A bowl, a fork, and a garlic press or knife is all you need.
You Just Need 6 Ingredients
A Note on Chipotle
I use chipotle paste and if you can find it I think this is the easiest way to go. But you can also swap it for chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (2-3 peppers for one batch) or chipotle powder (½ teaspoon for one batch).
Chipotle paste usually has some added seasonings apart from chipotle. So if you're using another kind of "plain" chipotle like chipotle powder or a chipotle paste without added seasoning (check the ingredient list!) you can add a bit of onion powder as well.
You can add more or less chipotle paste to make it more or less spicy. If you're worried it will become too spicy, start with half the amount stated. This can also be a good idea if you plan to let it sit for a day or so before serving, as it will become spicier as it sits
Smash, Mix & Serve!
1. Smash Garlic & Salt
Start by smashing together minced (or chopped) garlic with salt. This helps ensure the garlic flavor will be evenly spread throughout the sauce.
2. Mix
Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well.
3. Taste & Serve
Taste test and add any additional seasonings you need. This could mean a bit more salt, chipotle paste, or a dash of onion powder. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Storing & Making Ahead
Storing: Store in the fridge in an airtight container and it's good for at least a week.
Make ahead: You can make this up to a few days ahead. The flavor deepens as it sits and it become more spicy, so if you plan on storing it you might want to reduce the amount of chipotle paste
How to Serve It
Just like a more traditional ranch, this chipotle version is great for so many things. Here are just some of my favorite ways to have it:
- As a salad dressing
- In a sandwich
- As a sauce for steak
- With chicken
- To dip tortilla chips or raw veggies in
- As a sauce for cooked veggies
- With french fries
- On top of burgers
- Drizzled over tacos
More 5-Minute Sauces to Try
- 5-minute Lime Aioli from Scratch5 Minutes
- Avocado Lime Ranch Dressing5 Minutes
- 5-Minute Blue Cheese Sauce5 Minutes
- 2-minute Gluten Free BBQ Sauce2 Minutes
Recipe
Chipotle Ranch Dressing
Print RateIngredients
- 1 garlic clove peeled and minced; or garlic powder (1 clove = ¼ tsp)
- 1 pinch fine table salt
- ½ cup mayonnaise* store-bought is fine
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 teaspoon chipotle paste see note for options
- ¼ teaspoon paprika powder + extra to serve (optional)
Instructions
- Place minced garlic and salt in a bowl and mash together with a fork.1 garlic clove, 1 pinch fine table salt
- Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well. Taste test and adjust seasoning if needed, and serve!½ cup mayonnaise*, ¼ cup sour cream, 2 teaspoon chipotle paste, ¼ teaspoon paprika powder
Equipment (may contain affiliate links)
Video
Notes
- Chipotle paste can be swapped for chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (2-3 peppers for one batch) or chipotle powder (½ teaspoon for one batch).
- If using chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, blend the sauce in a food processor or blender
- If using chipotle powder or chipotles without seasoning you can add a bit of onion powder as well
- If you don't have a garlic press you can chop the garlic very small instead
- The flavor and spice deepens as it sits so if you plan on storing it you might want to reduce the amount of chipotle paste
- Make it less spicy by using less chipotle paste
- Make it spicier by adding more chipotle paste or a dash of cayenne pepper
- Store in the fridge in an airtight container and it's good for at least a week
Nutrition
Nutritional information is approximate and automatically calculated, and should only be viewed as an indication.
Traci
Chipotle ranch wins every time in our house. So easy and goes on everything. YUMMMM
Emmeline Kemperyd
Same here Traci!
Dannii
I love anything with chipotle in, so this sounds amazing.
Emmeline Kemperyd
Thansk Dannii!
Alexandra
So simple to prepare and full of flavour - this sauce goes with so many things!
Adrianne
I love a dressing that has a little kick to it and this chipotle ranch sounds like it does! I can definitely see this being used on everything. Can't wait to give it a go, thanks!
Emmeline Kemperyd
Let me know how it turns out!
jack
This ranch recipe is so easy to make and delicious. I love the addition of the chipotle
Emmeline Kemperyd
Thank you, Jack!