Southwestern Salad Dressing Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Why You’ll Love This Southwestern Salad Dressing Recipe

This homemade southwestern salad dressing is the perfect addition to bring your salads up to the next level of flavor! With simple ingredients and a burst of southwest flavor, it’s sure to become your new favorite dressing. Try it on romaine lettuce with black beans, fresh sweet corn, red onion, and grape tomatoes for a southwest-inspired salad that’s both delicious and nutritious. Don’t forget to add some crushed tortilla chips on top for a little extra salty crunch! Say goodbye to store-bought dressings and hello to homemade goodness!

Various condiments and ingredients for a southwest salad arranged neatly on a marble surface.

Ingredients Needed for this Southwest Salad Dressing Recipe

Adding this Southwest-inspired dressing to nutrient-packed fresh ingredients will become your new favorite way to dress up your greens. So gather your ingredients and let’s whip up this easy Southwest Salad Dressing together!

Mayonnaise: Creamy base for the dressing. Use real mayo for best results. I like Duke’s Mayo.
Sour cream: Adds tanginess and richness.
Ranch seasoning: For that classic southwestern flavor.
Taco seasoning: Whether you use a package of store-bought taco seasoning or want to make my homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe, it brings the heat.
Lime juice: Provides a refreshing citrus kick. (optional)
Pantry staples: Salt and black pepper, to taste.

Variations:

Plain Greek yogurt: Swap out sour cream for a healthier twist.
Red onion: Add a pop of color and flavor.
Garlic powder: Enhance the dressing with aromatic garlic notes.
Olive oil: For a smoother, silkier texture.
For more spicy flavors, add some chopped serrano pepper or chipotle peppers.
Adjust seasoning to your taste preferences.

salad dressing being combined with a rubber spatula

How to Make Southwest Salad Dressing

For full recipe details, including ingredient measurements, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. Directions for making this salad dressing are super simple- just combine everything in a bowl and mix well! Enjoy on your favorite salad, tacos, rice bowls, etc!

1. Combine Ingredients

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning, taco seasoning, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well incorporated.

Pouring mayo into a southwest salad bowl.

A bowl of creamy southwest salad garnished with lime on a wooden board with a striped cloth.

2. Refrigerate until ready to Serve

Refrigerate until ready to serve. Toss with your favorite salad just before serving.

A bowl of creamy, southwest salad sauce on a wooden surface beside a lime and herbs.

A plate of creamy southwest salad garnished with fresh herbs, served with a pair of gold-colored utensils on a marble tabletop.

Storing + Make Ahead Directions

Store this creamy dressing in an airtight container (like a mason jar with tight fitting lid) in the fridge for up to 1-2 weeks. Make sure to give it a good stir before each use, as separation may occur over time.

Make Ahead– Because this homemade salad dressing stays fresh in the fridge so well, feel free to make it a few days before you plan to use it.

I don’t recommend freezing this salad dressing. Mayo never freezes and thaws well.

More Creamy Salad Dressing Recipes to Try!

If you love this creamy salad dressing, you have to try these dressing recipes!

Whether you add this southwestern salad dressing to one of your favorite salads, my Southwest Chicken Chop Salad, or eat it like a dip with fresh veggies, you’re going to love it because it’s packed with so much flavor! You’ll be making this recipe over and over again! The recipe card is down below. Have a great day, friends! 🙂

If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would give it a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.

Print Pin It

5 from 1 vote