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10-Minute Southwest Salad Dressing Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.8 from 44 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 1 serving (approximately 3/4 cup)
  • Category: Salad Dressing
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: Southwest American

Description

A creamy and smoky Southwest Salad Dressing that combines garlic, smoked paprika, and chopped chiles in adobo with sour cream, mayonnaise, and lime juice for a vibrant and zesty flavor. Perfect for adding a fresh kick to any salad or as a dip, this dressing can be made in just 10 minutes using a blender or whisk.


Ingredients

Dry and Spices

  • 1 clove garlic, coarsely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon chopped chiles in adobo
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine salt

Dairy and Liquids

  • 1/2 cup full fat sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

Herbs

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons coarsely chopped cilantro


Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients including garlic, smoked paprika, chopped chiles in adobo, cumin, fine salt, sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, and cilantro. Coarsely chop the garlic and cilantro as required.
  2. Blend the Dressing: Add all the ingredients into a blender jar such as a small Blendtec jar or a personal-sized Ninja blender. Blend for 30 seconds until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
  3. Refine Texture: Scrape down the sides of the blender jar to incorporate any remaining ingredients, then blend for an additional 15 seconds to ensure even consistency.
  4. Store Properly: Transfer the dressing to a covered glass jar and refrigerate. It can be stored safely for up to 1 week, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.

Notes

  • For a chunkier texture, use a whisk and finely chop ingredients instead of blending.
  • Adjust the amount of chopped chiles in adobo to control the heat level.
  • Shake or stir the dressing before each use to recombine separated ingredients.
  • This dressing pairs well with leafy green salads, grilled vegetables, or as a dip for chips.
  • Store in the refrigerator and consume within one week for optimal freshness.