Southwest Ranch Sauce (Printable)

Creamy, zesty Southwest-spiced sauce ready in 10 minutes. Perfect for wings, salads, wraps, and dipping.

# What You Need:

→ Base

01 - 1 cup mayonnaise
02 - ½ cup buttermilk, plus more as needed for thinning

→ Flavorings

03 - 2 teaspoons hot sauce
04 - 1 teaspoon ketchup

→ Seasonings

05 - 2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning mix
06 - 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
07 - ½ teaspoon paprika
08 - ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
09 - ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
10 - ½ teaspoon kosher salt
11 - ½ teaspoon black pepper

# Directions:

01 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and buttermilk until smooth and well combined.
02 - Add the hot sauce and ketchup to the bowl; whisk again until fully incorporated.
03 - Add the ranch seasoning mix, taco seasoning, paprika, cayenne pepper, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the sauce is creamy and all spices are evenly distributed.
04 - Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. For a thinner sauce, add more buttermilk one tablespoon at a time. For a thicker dip, reduce the initial buttermilk amount to ¼ cup.
05 - Transfer the sauce to a jar or airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve as a dip for wings, fries, and vegetables, or drizzle over salads and wraps.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 10 minutes with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry
  • The flavor actually gets better after a day in the fridge, so meal prep becomes your secret weapon
  • One batch makes enough to last through the week, meaning less cooking and more enjoying
02 -
  • The sauce thickens in the refrigerator, so make it slightly thinner than your desired final consistency
  • Letting it rest for at least 30 minutes is non-negotiable, the flavors need time to become friends
  • If you only have regular milk instead of buttermilk, add a teaspoon of vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes first
03 -
  • Use room-temperature mayonnaise to prevent lumps and ensure smooth blending
  • Let your sauce come to room temperature for 10 minutes before serving if it's been in the fridge
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