Craving that creamy, tangy, Southwestern kick of Buffalo Wild Wings' famous Southwestern Ranch dressing? Forget takeout – this copycat recipe lets you recreate that deliciousness at home, easily and affordably. It's perfect for dipping chicken wings, veggies, or even using as a salad dressing. This is one of those easy recipes that’s surprisingly delicious and perfect for those quick dinner ideas everyone appreciates. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mayonnaise (choose your favorite brand)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (full-fat recommended for best texture)
- 1/4 cup buttermilk (or substitute with milk and a tablespoon of lemon juice)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Combine ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk until smooth and creamy. This is the base of our delicious dish.
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Add spices: Stir in the cilantro, green onions, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Make sure everything is well incorporated.
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Season to taste: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it away!
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Chill and serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dressing to chill. This step really elevates the overall taste experience. Serve with your favorite foods and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Southwestern Ranch:
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Fresh herbs: Using fresh cilantro and green onions makes a huge difference in the flavor. If you don't have fresh, you can substitute with dried, but use about 1/3 of the amount listed.
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Spice level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level. If you're not a fan of spice, you can omit it altogether.
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Make it ahead: This ranch dressing tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead of time. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Variations:
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Creamy Avocado Ranch: Add 1/2 a ripe avocado, mashed, for a creamier, richer flavor.
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Roasted Red Pepper Ranch: Stir in 1/4 cup of finely chopped roasted red peppers for a smoky sweetness.
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Lime Ranch: Add the zest and juice of 1 lime for a zesty twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on mayonnaise and sour cream brands)
- Fat: 15-20g
- Protein: 2-3g
- Carbohydrates: 5-7g
This homemade Southwestern Ranch is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and delicious dishes. It's quick, easy, and impressively flavorful, transforming simple snacks and meals into something truly special. Perfect for game day or a casual weeknight dinner, this easy recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!