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Best Southwestern Salad Dressing Recipe

This Best Southwestern Salad Dressing Recipe is easy to make, full of zesty and spicy flavors, and only requires simple ingredients. It is a versatile creamy dressing that goes well not only with salads but is a perfect dressing to be used as a marinade or in rice bowls. A great recipe for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.

A serving of a simple Southwestern Salad.

Why this is the Best Southwestern Salad Dressing

When it comes to salads, the dressing can make all the difference.

And if you’re looking for a dressing that adds a burst of zesty, spicy, and smoky flavors to your greens, look no further than this easy Southwest salad dressing. This dressing is a true fiesta for your taste buds, combining the bold and vibrant flavors of the American Southwest.

We will explore how to make a delicious Southwest salad dressing that can elevate your salads to a whole new level. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a mouthwatering experience.

Ingredients needed to make Southwestern Salad Dressing on a board.

Other great Southwest recipes

I adore the bold and vibrant flavors of the Southwest.

They inspire me to create some of my most cherished recipes. From the tangy and spicy kick of the Southwest Salad, to the rich and zesty flavors of the Southwest Pasta Salad, to the hearty and comforting Southwest Potato Casserole, and the mouth-watering Southwest Quinoa Taco Salad, each recipe represents the vibrant and diverse culinary traditions of the region.

Side-by-side view of making the Southwestern Salad Dressing.

What ingredients are needed for Southwestern Salad Dressing

Are you curious to know what makes the Southwestern Salad Dressing so special? Well, the secret lies in its unique blend of ingredients that come together to create a delicious and flavorful dressing that can elevate any salad.

To begin with, we start with a base of plain non-dairy yogurt. Then we mix it with a dash of vinegar to give it a tangy kick, and a generous amount of olive oil to create a creamy and smooth consistency.

We also add a carefully curated selection of seasonings that include chili powder, garlic cloves, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. The combination of these spices adds a burst of flavor to the dressing and makes it stand out from the rest.

Top view of a small mixing bowl with all ingredients of the Southwestern Salad Dressing.

How to make Southwestern Salad Dressing

If you’re looking for a flavorful homemade dressing, get ready to find out how easy it is.

To make it, simply mix some tangy yogurt with a blend of spices (chili powder, onion powder, garlic, smoked paprika and cumin), along with a bit of apple cider vinegar, oil, salt, and pepper.

This dressing is perfect for adding a zesty kick to any salad and can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.

Top view of a small bowl with the mixed dressing.

Serving Suggestions

Southwestern Salad Dressing is a versatile and flavorful dressing that can add a zesty twist to a variety of salads and dishes inspired by Southwestern cuisine. This dressing has a tangy and slightly spicy taste, making it perfect for those who enjoy bold and vibrant flavors.

Some serving ideas for this dressing include creating a classic Southwestern salad by combining romaine lettuce, black beans or pinto beans, fresh corn, diced tomatoes, and red onion. Mix with red bell pepper, avocado, and grilled vegan chicken breast, and drizzle the southwest salad dressing on top. You can also use it as a spread for a Southwestern-inspired veggie wrap or as a dipping sauce for nachos or tortilla strips.

Another idea is to marinate grilled vegan chicken breast in the dressing before grilling for a delicious and slightly spicy flavor. Serve the chicken over a bed of mixed greens, along with roasted corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, and diced avocado. You can also mix cooked quinoa with black beans, roasted sweet potatoes, bell peppers, red onions, and cilantro and drizzle the dressing over the top for a vibrant and hearty dish.

Overall, Southwestern Salad Dressing is a great way to add some zest to your meals. With its tangy and slightly spicy taste, it can elevate any dish and take your taste buds on a flavorful journey inspired by Southwestern cuisine.

Closeup on the Southwestern Salad Dressing on a served salad.

Other easy salad dressings to try

Collage of two photos of the Southwestern Salad Dressing.

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Enjoy, Florian.

Closeup on the Southwestern Salad Dressing on a served salad.

Best Southwestern Salad Dressing Recipe

Yield: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes

This Best Southwestern Salad Dressing Recipe is easy to make, full of zesty and spicy flavors, and only requires simple ingredients. It is a versatile creamy dressing that goes well not only with salads but is a perfect dressing to be used as a marinade or in rice bowls. A great recipe for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup non dairy yogurt
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 2 cloves garlic, pressed
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • salt, black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, simply mix yogurt with the apple cider vinegar and olive oil.Side-by-side view of making the Southwestern Salad Dressing.
  2. Season with the chili powder, garlic, and cumin, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Top view of a small mixing bowl with all ingredients of the Southwestern Salad Dressing.
  3. Add salt, and black pepper to taste.Top view of a small bowl with the mixed dressing.

Notes

This dressing is perfect for adding a zesty kick to any salad and can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1/4 cup
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 58Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 197mgCarbohydrates: 6gFiber: 1gSugar: 4gProtein: 3g

 

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