Looking for a new dip recipe to add some flavor to your next gathering or party? Try our Mexican Ranch Dip, a delicious blend of classic ranch flavors with a Mexican twist. This recipe combines ranch, onion, and canned jalapenos with a mix of spice and fresh herbs, such as red chili flakes and cilantro, to create a perfectly creamy and zesty dip for dipping chips, vegetables, or even as a topping for carne asada, tacos, and burritos.
It is easy to make and can be prepared in advance, making it a great option for hosting or bringing to a potluck. For more Mexican-Inspired Dipping Sauce, check out this👉 Homemade Salsa, Pico de Gallo, Guacamole, and Mexican Cheese Dip.
Jump to:
- What is Mexican Ranch Dip?
- 5 Ways To Use Mexican Ranch Dip
- Why This Mexican Ranch Dip Works
- Mexican Ranch Dip Ingredients
- Tools You’ll Need
- How to Make Mexican Ranch Dip
- Substitutions
- Variations
- How To Serve
- How to Store
- How to Make Ahead
- How to Freeze
- Tips for Making The Best Mexican Ranch Dip
- FAQ
- More Mexican-Inspired Dishes
- Watch How to Make Mexican Ranch Dip
- 📖 Recipe
What is Mexican Ranch Dip?
Mexican Ranch Dip, also known as Mexican white sauce or salsa Blanca, is a dip or sauce that combines the classic flavors of ranch dressing with Mexican-inspired spices and herbs; this creates a creamy and zesty dip that has a unique flavor combination of classic Ranch and Mexican cuisine. It’s commonly used as a dip for chips or as a topping for tacos, burritos, and other Mexican dishes.
5 Ways To Use Mexican Ranch Dip
- As a dipping sauce for chips or vegetables: Mexican Ranch Dip makes a great dip for tortilla chips or raw veggies like carrot sticks, celery, or bell peppers.
- As a topping for tacos or burritos: Spread a spoonful of Mexican Ranch Dip on top of your favorite taco or burrito fillings for added flavor and creaminess.
- As a spread for sandwiches or wraps: Use it as a spread for sandwiches or wraps, adding a Mexican flavor to your sandwich.
- As a salad dressing: Mix it with some lime juice, making it a great salad dressing for a Mexican-inspired salad. You can use it as a dressing for your favorite greens or as a topping for a taco salad.
Why This Mexican Ranch Dip Works
Our Mexican Ranch Dip recipe combines the classic flavors of ranch dressing with Mexican-inspired spices and herbs. The ranch dressing provides a creamy base for the dip, while the onion adds a subtle sweetness, the jalapeno adds a spicy kick, the cilantro adds a fresh and herbaceous flavor, and the red pepper flakes add a little extra heat. The dip is also very versatile and can be served with a variety of foods, and it’s easy to make and can be prepared in advance, making it great for hosting or bringing to a potluck.
Mexican Ranch Dip Ingredients
Note: The full ingredients list is provided in the recipe card below.
- Ranch Dressing: Provides a creamy base for the dip and adds a classic ranch flavor. We used Ken’s Steak House Buttermilk Ranch but your favorite ranch dressing.
- Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and a slight crunch to the dip.
- Canned Jalapeno: Gives the dip a spicy kick and adds flavor. We used La Costeña Brand.
- Fresh Cilantro: Adds a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the dip.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Provides a little extra heat and a nice pop of color.
Tools You’ll Need
How to Make Mexican Ranch Dip
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
In a blender or food processor, combine the ranch dressing, onion, canned jalapeno, fresh cilantro, and red pepper flakes.
Blend the ingredients until they are well combined and the dip has a smooth and creamy consistency.
Taste the dip and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more red pepper flakes or pickle jalapeno as desired. Cover the dip and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Substitutions
Here are substitutions for the ingredients in the Mexican Ranch Dip recipe:
- Ranch Dressing: If you don’t have ranch dressing on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of sour cream or mayonnaise.
- Onion: If you don’t have yellow onion, you can use white onion or red onion.
- Canned Jalapeno: You can use fresh jalapeno instead of canned or omit it entirely.
- Red Pepper Flakes: If you don’t have red pepper flakes, you can use 3 whole dried red chili peppers or cayenne pepper instead.
Keep in mind that these substitutions may change the overall flavor and consistency of the dip, so adjust the seasoning and ingredients as needed.
Variations
Here are some variations of the Mexican Ranch Dip recipe that you can try:
- Add avocado: Mash up some avocado and stir it into the dip for a creamier texture and added nutrition.
- Add cheese: Stir in some shredded cheddar, Monterey jack, or queso fresco for a cheesy twist on the dip.
- Add diced tomatoes: Stir some diced tomatoes for flavor and texture.
- Add fresh tomatoes and corn: Stir in fresh tomatoes and corn for a southwestern twist on the dip.
- Add chipotle pepper to adobo sauce: Add chipotle pepper to adobo sauce for a smoky and spicy flavor.
These are just a few ideas; feel free to experiment and create your own variations of the dip to suit your taste preferences.
How To Serve
Mexican Ranch Dip can be served in a variety of ways, depending on your preference and the occasion. Here are a few suggestions:
- As a dip: Serve the dip in a bowl with veggies like carrot sticks, celery, or bell peppers or with your favorite tortilla chips.
- As a topping: Spread a spoonful of the dip on top of your favorite taco or burrito fillings for added flavor and creaminess.
- As a spread: Use it as a spread for sandwiches or wraps; it will add a Mexican flavor to your sandwich.
- As a topping for a salad: Mix it with some lime juice; it makes a great salad dressing for a Mexican-inspired salad. You can use it as a dressing for your favorite greens or as a topping for a taco salad.
- As a dip for an appetizer platter: Serve the dip alongside some quesadilla wedges, taquitos, or empanadas.
- As a topping for nachos: Spread a spoonful of the dip on top of your favorite nachos; it will add a creamy and tangy flavor.
- As a topping for baked potatoes: Spread a spoonful of the dip on top of your baked potatoes; it will add a creamy and tangy flavor.
These are just a few ideas; feel free to experiment and find the way you like best to serve the dip.
How to Store
Store the dip in an airtight container or cover it with plastic wrap. Label the container with the name of the dip and the date it was made. Store the dip in the refrigerator. Consume the dip within 3 days. It’s important to keep dips refrigerated at all times, as they can spoil quickly due to the presence of dairy products.
How to Make Ahead
Mexican Ranch Dip can be made a day ahead. Prepare the dip according to the recipe. Transfer the dip to an airtight container or cover it with plastic wrap. Label the container with the name of the dip and the date it was made. Store the dip in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve the dip, simply remove it from the refrigerator and give it a quick stir before serving.
How to Freeze
Mexican Ranch Dip is not recommended to be frozen because it can cause the ingredients to separate, affecting the dip’s overall taste and appearance.
Tips for Making The Best Mexican Ranch Dip
Here are some tips for making the best Mexican Ranch Dip:
- Taste and adjust the seasoning: Before you serve the dip, taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more spices as needed to suit your taste preferences.
- Chill the dip: Refrigerate the dip for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Use fresh ingredients: Use fresh ingredients, such as fresh cilantro and lime juice, for the best flavor.
- Use high-quality ranch dressing: Use a high-quality ranch dressing, such as Ken’s Steak House Buttermilk Ranch, for the best flavor.
- Experiment with different variations: Experiment with different variations of the dip, such as adding avocado to suit your taste preferences.
- Be careful with the amount of heat: Be careful with the amount of heat you add to the dip, Start with less and add more as you go; that way, you can adjust it to your taste.
- Use a blender or food processor: Use a blender or food processor to combine all the ingredients and make the dip smooth and creamy consistency.
- Store the dip properly: Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume it within 3 days.
FAQ
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dip ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for 3 days.
Can I use other types of dressing instead of ranch dressing?
Yes, you can use sour cream or mayonnaise as a substitute for ranch dressing.
Can I make this dip spicier or milder?
Yes, you can make the dip spicier or milder by adjusting the amount of jalapeno or red pepper flakes. Start with less and add more as you go. That way, you can adjust it to your taste.
Can I use fresh jalapenos instead of canned ones?
Yes, you can use fresh jalapeno instead of canned; just make sure to remove the seeds and ribs before adding them to the dip.
Can I use dried cilantro instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use dried cilantro instead of fresh, but keep in mind that the flavor will be less potent.
Can I add other herbs or spices to the dip?
Yes, you can add other herbs or spices to the dip, such as coriander, oregano, or smoked paprika, to suit your taste preferences.
More Mexican-Inspired Dishes
- Easy Chicken Quesadilla
- Homemade Cheese Dip
- Mexican Hot Cocoa
- Mexican Cafe de Olla
- Roasted Tomatillo Salsa
- Lime Crema
- Tomatillo Sauce ( Microwave Version)
- Corn Tortilla
- Bolillos Rolls
- Quesadilla with Bean Salad
Watch How to Make Mexican Ranch Dip
📖 Recipe
Mexican Ranch Dip
Ingredients
- (2) 16 FL OZ Ranch , such as Ken's Steak House Buttermilk Ranch
- 1 small yellow onion , quartered
- 3 pickled jalapeños , such as La Costeña Brand
- 1 bunch Cilantro leaves , roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes , adjust to taste
Instructions
- In a blender or food processor, combine the ranch dressing, onion, canned jalapeno, fresh cilantro, and red pepper flakes.
- Blend the ingredients until they are well combined and the dip has a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Taste the dip and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more red pepper flakes or pickle jalapeno as desired. Cover the dip and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Notes
- How to Store: Store the dip in an airtight container or cover it with plastic wrap. Label the container with the name of the dip and the date it was made. Store the dip in the refrigerator. Consume the dip within 3 days. It's important to keep dips refrigerated at all times, as they can spoil quickly due to the presence of dairy products.
- How to Make Ahead: Mexican Ranch Dip can be made a day ahead. Prepare the dip according to the recipe. Transfer the dip to an airtight container or cover it with plastic wrap. Label the container with the name of the dip and the date it was made. Store the dip in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you're ready to serve the dip, simply remove it from the refrigerator and give it a quick stir before serving.
- How to Freeze: Mexican Ranch Dip is not recommended to be frozen because it can cause the ingredients to separate, affecting the dip's overall taste and appearance.
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.
