Southwest Ranch Sauce

I discovered this sauce during a late-night craving when Buffalo Wild Wings felt too far away but the flavor obsession was real. After some kitchen experimenting, I landed on something that might actually be better than the original. Now it lives in my fridge constantly, ready to rescue everything from boring salads to last-minute wraps.

Last summer I made a triple batch for a backyard barbecue and watched it disappear before the wings even hit the table. My friend asked for the jar, then paused and asked if I could just make her a batch instead. Now it is my go-to host gift.

Ingredients

• Mayonnaise: Use full-fat for the creamiest results, but light mayo works if you are watching calories
• Buttermilk: This creates that classic ranch consistency and tang, plus you can adjust to get your perfect thickness
• Hot sauce: Franks RedHot gives the most authentic flavor, but your favorite hot sauce will work beautifully
• Ketchup: Adds just enough sweetness to balance all those spices
• Ranch seasoning: The backbone of the sauce, so do not skip or substitute this
• Taco seasoning: Brings that southwest warmth and depth
• Paprika: Gives color and a mild pepper flavor
• Cayenne pepper: Adjust this based on your heat tolerance
• Cumin: Adds that earthy, smoky note
• Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors together

Instructions

Collect vegetable peels, food scraps, and trimmings while cooking to keep your kitchen clean and organized.

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Whisk the base:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and buttermilk until completely smooth and no lumps remain

Add the kick:

Pour in the hot sauce and ketchup, then whisk until the mixture turns a lovely pale orange-pink

Season it up:

Dump in all those spices and ranch seasoning, whisking like you mean it until everything is incorporated

Taste and adjust:

Dip a spoon in and see if it needs more salt, heat, or buttermilk to reach your perfect consistency

Let it rest:

Transfer to a jar and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can become best friends

Serve it up:

Use it as a dip, drizzle, or spread wherever you need a burst of southwest flavor

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This sauce has turned my sad desk lunches into something I actually look forward to eating. There is something magical about having a jar of it ready to transform leftovers.

Make It Your Own

Swap chipotle powder for the cayenne if you love smoky heat. I have also added a squeeze of lime juice when serving with fish tacos, and it was a game-changer.

Storage and Make-Ahead

This sauce keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to a week. I actually think it tastes better on day two or three once all those spices have really mingled together.

Serving Ideas

Beyond the obvious wing dip, try drizzling this over roasted sweet potatoes or mixing it into smashed avocado toast. It also makes an incredible burger sauce.

• Thin it with extra buttermilk for an instant salad dressing
• Mix a tablespoon into egg salad for an extra layer of flavor
• Keep a small jar at work for emergency lunch upgrades

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Once you have this sauce in your rotation, you will find yourself putting it on everything. That is not a warning, that is a promise.

Recipe Questions

→ How long does Southwest Ranch Sauce last in the refrigerator?

This sauce stores well in an airtight container for up to one week. The flavors actually develop and become more pronounced after a day or two in the refrigerator.

→ Can I make Southwest Ranch Sauce thinner or thicker?

Absolutely. For a thinner consistency perfect for drizzling, add more buttermilk one tablespoon at a time. For a thicker dip consistency, reduce the buttermilk to ¼ cup.

→ What can I use instead of buttermilk?

You can substitute regular milk thinned with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar, or use plain Greek yogurt thinned with water. Both alternatives will maintain the creamy texture.

→ Is Southwest Ranch Sauce spicy?

This sauce has mild to medium heat from the cayenne pepper and hot sauce. It provides a pleasant warmth without being overpowering. Adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing the cayenne and hot sauce.

→ What dishes pair best with Southwest Ranch Sauce?

This sauce complements chicken wings, french fries, onion rings, vegetable sticks, salads, wraps, burgers, and grilled meats. It's also excellent as a dipping sauce for pizza or breadsticks.

→ Can I make this sauce dairy-free?

Use dairy-free mayonnaise and substitute buttermilk with unsweetened almond milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice. Ensure your ranch and taco seasoning mixes are also dairy-free.