Jalapeno Ranch Dressing

Several years ago, I used to live in a super small city in New Mexico, pretty close to the Texas border. Whenever we wanted to go to a “big city” we would travel to Amarillo or Lubbock, TX.

I know, I know, those are not that big, but they certainly seemed like it at the time! Any time we wanted to go back-to-school shopping, or we needed to go to a specialist doctor, we would travel a couple hours to Texas. And, as one does, we would eat out at new restaurants in the big city 🙂

One such trip, we ended up eating at Chuys.

Trying out new Recipes

Chuy’s is a Mexican restaurant (I guess they call themselves TexMex), and I admit, I am usually a little apprehensive about eating anything that is branded as TexMex.  I’m a native New Mexican, after all, and we take our Mexican food very seriously around here.  

I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised!  The restaurant has an unusual decor, from its metal palm trees, to the old-fashioned photographs hanging on the walls. Their wait staff was very friendly and attentive, and they even have a little nook, where you can watch a lady making fresh tortillas.  

On this trip, I ended up ordering fajitas, which were very tasty. But, of everything I ate, I have to say their jalapeno ranch dressing was my favorite.  

They served the jalapeno ranch dressing with our chips and salsa.  And yeah, it is kind of weird to eat tortilla chips with ranch dressing, but I think they’re really onto something here.  It was sooo good.  The jalapeno ranch dressing was finely blended, so there were no large chunks of jalapenos to be found, but it added a nice element of spice to the dressing.  The dressing wasn’t as thick as a traditional ranch either, which made it a fine chip companion.  

As with all great recipes I try when I eat out, I wanted to recreate this wonderful feast at home, since I can’t drive to Texas every time I get a craving. And as with all of my homemade re-creation, I wanted to share it with you guys!  

Without further adieu, here it is.  

Homemade Jalapeno Ranch Dressing

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup sour cream 
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tbsp fresh chives
• 1 tbsp fresh dill
• 1 – 2 jalapenos, stems and seeds removed, and roughly chopped
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 tsp vinegar
• Juice from half a lemon
• 1/4 tsp salt 

Combine all ingredients in a food processor, and blend well, until smooth.  

This makes 2 cups of dressing, which you can use to dip tortilla chips in, pour over a salad, or toss with some freshly steamed veggies.