Embarking on a culinary adventure often leads us to blend traditional flavors with a twist of creativity, and the Jalapeño Cilantro Ranch Salad Dressing perfectly embodies this spirit. This recipe is a delightful fusion of classic ranch dressing’s creamy comfort with the vibrant kick of jalapeño and the fresh, aromatic presence of cilantro. It’s an exploration of tastes that promises to elevate the humble salad or become the secret ingredient in your next taco night, blending health-conscious choices with uncompromised flavor.
Crafted with the health-conscious foodie in mind, this dressing utilizes low-fat buttermilk and mayonnaise, ensuring that every spoonful is as guilt-free as it is delicious. The inclusion of fresh herbs and spices not only imbues the dressing with a unique character but also adds a nutritional boost. Whether drizzled over a bed of crisp greens or used as a zesty dip, this dressing is designed to be versatile, making it a staple in any kitchen looking to marry nutrition with taste.
Moreover, the simplicity of this recipe is its true charm. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of your time, you can whip up a batch of this dressing, ready to impress at any meal. It’s an invitation to experiment and find joy in the preparation of your food, encouraging even the novice cook to take part in the creative process. As this Jalapeño Cilantro Ranch Dressing comes together, it’s a reminder of the magic that happens when we dare to play with flavors, creating something truly special that speaks to the heart of home-cooked meals.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup low-fat buttermilk: Adds a tangy flavor and creamy texture without too much fat.
- ¼ cup low-fat mayonnaise: Provides creaminess and helps emulsify the dressing. You can substitute with Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
- 1 jalapeño, stemmed and seeded: Adds a fresh, spicy kick. Adjust the amount to taste or leave some seeds in for extra heat.
- 1 clove garlic: Gives a punch of sharp, aromatic flavor.
- 1 green onion: Adds a mild onion flavor. You can use both the white and green parts.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (about ½ lime): Brings a bright, acidic component that balances the creamy elements.
- 1 handful cilantro: Offers a fresh, herbaceous note. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley can be a good substitute.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning is key to bringing out all the flavors.
Instructions
- Preparation: Before you start, make sure all your ingredients are prepared. Wash the cilantro and green onion under cold water and pat them dry. For the jalapeño, wear gloves to avoid irritation from the capsaicin, and carefully remove the stem and seeds unless you prefer more heat.
- Blending: Add the buttermilk, mayonnaise, jalapeño, garlic, green onion, lime juice, and cilantro to the bowl of a food processor. Secure the lid and pulse a few times to chop the ingredients. Then, blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth. This might take a minute or two, depending on your food processor.
- Seasoning: Taste the dressing and then season with salt and pepper according to your preference. The amount of seasoning can greatly influence the final flavor, so start with a pinch of each and adjust gradually. Blend again for a few seconds to mix in the seasonings thoroughly.
- Consistency Check: If the dressing seems too thick, you can thin it out with a little more buttermilk or water. Blend again after adding to achieve your desired consistency.
- Storing: Pour the dressing into an airtight container and refrigerate. It’s best to let it chill for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Notes
- Storage: This dressing will keep well in the fridge for 5-7 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Serving Suggestions: Besides salads, this dressing is excellent on grilled vegetables, as a sauce for fish or chicken, or as a unique dip for fries or chips.
- Nutritional Information: Please note that substitutions or adjustments to the recipe can affect the nutritional content.
Nutritional Information (per 2 tablespoons serving)
- Calories: 107 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 3 mg
- Sodium: 601 mg
- Potassium: 181 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 6 g
- Vitamin A: 1358 IU
- Vitamin C: 29 mg
- Calcium: 29 mg
- Iron: 1 mg
This expanded recipe ensures you have all the details needed to make a delicious and healthy Jalapeño Cilantro Ranch Salad Dressing that will add a burst of flavor to any dish. Enjoy your cooking!
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