Easy Homemade Southwestern Salad Dressing

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Discover a creamy, flavorful homemade Southwestern salad dressing that’s simple to make. Perfect for burrito bowls, salads, or tacos!

Creamy Southwestern Salad Dressing Recipe 35 - Discover a creamy, flavorful homemade Southwestern salad dressing that's simple to make. Perfect for burrito bowls, salads, or tacos!

Ready to shake up your salad routine? This creamy Southwestern salad dressing brings all the bold flavors you crave—zesty lime, smoky spices, and just the right amount of heat. Whether you’re drizzling it over a fresh salad, using it as a dip for veggies, or giving your tacos an extra kick, this dressing is the kind of versatile magic your kitchen needs. And the best part? It comes together in minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have!

DON’T LOSE THIS DELICIOUS RECIPE, PIN IT FOR LATER!

CREAMY SOUTHWESTERN DRESSING - Discover a creamy, flavorful homemade Southwestern salad dressing that's simple to make. Perfect for burrito bowls, salads, or tacos!

This dressing isn’t just tasty—it’s a better-for-you choice, too. Made with Greek yogurt and olive oil, it’s lighter than most store-bought options while still delivering big on flavor. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll never go back to the bottled stuff.

What Makes This Salad Dressing Recipe Healthy?

Unlike many store-bought dressings loaded with unnecessary sugar and preservatives, this homemade version uses wholesome ingredients like Greek yogurt and olive oil. The Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a boost of protein, while olive oil brings healthy fats. It’s a flavorful way to stick to your healthy eating goals!

PRO TIP

Keep your salad dressings in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Mason jars work perfectly. Just give your dressing a good shake or stir before using, as homemade dressings thicken slightly when chilled.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Salad Dressing Recipe

  • Healthier option: Packed with protein and made without artificial ingredients.
  • Quick and simple: You can whip this up in just 5 minutes.
  • Customizable: Adjust the spices and lime juice to match your taste.
  • Multi-purpose: Great as a salad dressing, dip, or taco topping.

RELATED: Healthy Southwest Chopped Salad – Fresh and flavourful, this Southwest Chopped Salad is quick, easy, and delicious! It’s loaded with fresh veggies and a hearty drizzle of a creamy homemade Southwest Ranch dressing that your whole family will love!

Creamy Southwestern Salad Dressing Recipe 18 - Discover a creamy, flavorful homemade Southwestern salad dressing that's simple to make. Perfect for burrito bowls, salads, or tacos!

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Ingredients you’ll need to make this Homemade Southwestern Salad Dressing Recipe

Creamy Southwestern Salad Dressing Recipe 1 - Discover a creamy, flavorful homemade Southwestern salad dressing that's simple to make. Perfect for burrito bowls, salads, or tacos!

Here’s what you’ll need to make about one cup of this dressing:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra spice)

Be sure to check out the full ingredient list and printable recipe in the recipe card below.

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How to Make This Salad Dressing

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, and olive oil until smooth.
Creamy Southwestern Salad Dressing Recipe 4 - Discover a creamy, flavorful homemade Southwestern salad dressing that's simple to make. Perfect for burrito bowls, salads, or tacos!
  1. Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and cayenne pepper.
Creamy Southwestern Salad Dressing Recipe 6 - Discover a creamy, flavorful homemade Southwestern salad dressing that's simple to make. Perfect for burrito bowls, salads, or tacos!
  1. Stir until all the spices are fully incorporated.
Creamy Southwestern Salad Dressing Recipe 7 - Discover a creamy, flavorful homemade Southwestern salad dressing that's simple to make. Perfect for burrito bowls, salads, or tacos!
  1. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning or lime juice to your liking.
  2. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to a week.
Creamy Southwestern Salad Dressing Recipe 9 - Discover a creamy, flavorful homemade Southwestern salad dressing that's simple to make. Perfect for burrito bowls, salads, or tacos!

Make this Creamy Southwestern Salad Dressing, then check out my Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing, my Apple Cider Vinaigrette and more of my healthy salad dressing recipes.  

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Frequently asked questions about this Creamy Southwestern Salad Dressing Recipe

Read on for tips and substitution ideas on how to make this recipe, such as how to customize this salad, and how to store this salad.

Can I make this dressing dairy-free

Yes! Substitute the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt.

What if I don’t have smoked paprika?

Regular paprika works fine, though you’ll miss the smoky flavor.

Is Southwestern Salad Dressing spicy?

It’s mildly spicy, but you can skip the cayenne if you prefer no heat.

Can I use lemon juice instead of lime juice?

Lime juice is best for the Southwestern vibe, but lemon works in a pinch.

How to store leftovers of this salad dressing

Keep your dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. A mason jar works perfectly. Just give it a good shake or stir before using, as it may thicken slightly when chilled.

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Creamy Southwestern Salad Dressing Recipe 33 - Discover a creamy, flavorful homemade Southwestern salad dressing that's simple to make. Perfect for burrito bowls, salads, or tacos!

This creamy Southwestern salad dressing is a simple and flavorful way to add some spice to your meals. Whether you’re tossing it in a burrito bowl, drizzling it over grilled veggies, or spooning it onto tacos, this healthy, homemade recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try—it’s easy, delicious, and full of bold flavor

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Yield: 1 cup of dressing

Creamy Southwestern Dressing Recipe

Creamy Southwestern Dressing Recipe

This creamy Southwestern salad dressing brings all the bold flavors you crave—zesty lime, smoky spices, and just the right amount of heat. Whether you’re drizzling it over a fresh salad, using it as a dip for veggies, or giving your tacos an extra kick, this dressing is the kind of versatile magic your kitchen needs. 

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, and olive oil until smooth.
  2. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and cayenne pepper. Stir until fully combined.
  3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Notes

Storage Tip: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

16

Serving Size:

1 Tablespoon

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 58Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 83mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 0g

The provided nutrition information is an estimate and it does not take brands into account. I use an automatic API to calculate this information.

Did you make this recipe?

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