It’s no secret I am a huge fan of homemade dressings and sauces. They are such an easy way to spice up a meal and by making them at home, you know exactly what goes into them. Besides, the secret to a really good salad is a homemade dressing. This creamy salsa dressing is such a fun change from the norm and is so delicious.
It has the perfect amount of spice, is a little bit tangy, and has a creamy texture from the yogurt. The longer it sits, the thicker it gets too! You can adjust the heat depending on the spice level of the salsa you use. I like to use medium but use mild or hot depending on your taste.
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I developed it for this chopped southwest chicken salad, but it’s so versatile! Use it on salads, with chicken or steak, as a dip for tortilla chips or veggies, with tacos, or just as a dressing for power bowls.
Why we love this creamy salsa dressing
- ready in 10 minutes – all you need to do is blend everything up.
- creamy, spicy, and tangy
- super versatile – use it as a salad dressing, on tacos or taco bowls, as a dip for protein or chips, and more!
Ingredients
- red salsa – use your favorite brand but try to opt for a thicker salsa so the dressing is not too runny.
- full-fat greek yogurt – I like using full-fat for the most flavor and extra creaminess.
- lime juice – for a little tang.
- smoked paprika
- cumin
- salt and pepper
How to make creamy salsa dressing
- Make the dressing. Add all ingredients to a glass jar. Use an immersion blender to blend until smooth. You can also blend it in your blender or food processor. Adjust according to taste.
- Enjoy! Use as a salad dressing, on tacos, in bowls, with protein, and more!
What to use creamy salsa dressing with
- as a salad dressing – try it on this southwest chicken salad!
- on tacos, taco bowls, or taco salads
- as a dressing in pasta salad
- overtop chicken or steak
- as a dip for veggies
- with tortilla chips
Storage
- refrigerator – store in a tightly sealed glass jar (I love to use the ones I mix it in) or an airtight container in the fridge. It will last as long as your yogurt lasts (look at the expiration date on it).
- freezer – I do not recommend freezing this recipe due to the yogurt as the consistency and texture will change.
Substitutions and additions
- red salsa – any kind of salsa will work. You can also use green salsa to change up the flavor. Try to opt for a thicker salsa so the dressing is not too runny.
- full-fat greek yogurt – if you can’t have dairy, you can try a dairy-free yogurt. Any fat percentage will work. You will need to use plain yogurt. If you don’t want to use yogurt, mayonnaise or sour cream will work. This will add more fat to the recipe and decrease the protein.
- lime juice – lemon juice will work, but will change the flavor.
- spices – adjust the amounts to make the salsa your own. You can also add in more to spice it up even more. Chili powder, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes would all be good.
Here are some additions you can add:
- honey – to add a touch of sweetness.
- fresh cilantro – for some more freshness.
- jalapenos – for a little more spice.
More healthy dressing recipes
- coleslaw dressing with greek yogurt
- orange vinaigrette
- healthy caesar dressing
- burger sauce
- blue cheese dressing
If you love quick and easy meals and want to learn how to build a balanced plate, check out our FREE How to Build a Balanced Plate Guide!
Creamy Salsa Dressing
equipment
ingredients
- 1/2 cup full-fat greek yogurt (4 ounces)
- 1/2 cup red salsa
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- salt and pepper, to taste
instructions
- Make the dressing. Add all ingredients to a glass jar. Use an immersion blender to blend until smooth. You can also blend it in your blender or food processor. Adjust according to taste.
- Enjoy! Use as a salad dressing, on tacos, in bowls, with protein, and more! As the dressing sits in the fridge, it will thicken up more.
nutrition
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