When I get hooked on a salad dressing like this Jalapeno Ranch Dressing from Lighthouse, you can bet I'll try to recreate it myself.
It's not that I don't plan on grabbing the real thing from the store now and then, it's the challenge of making a version as close to the original that gets me going.
I started my bowl off with plain Fage Greek yogurt to give this Ranch dressing a substantially creamy texture, along with a small amount of mayonnaise just because I love the tangy flavor. (Though I opt for the olive oil versions available these days.)
When I'm attempting a lower calorie Ranch dressing, I've found that dried herbs like dill, garlic powder and celery salt work the best, though I chopped a handful of parsley for a refreshing lift.
But I have to say, it's the freshly minced jalapeno that keeps me coming back for more. That mellow heat takes Ranch dressing to another level!
It's a good thing this is a lower calorie salad dressing and vegetable dip, or I'd be hitting the gym more often than I'd like!
If you're into spicy like I am, then you'll enjoy this remake of Quizno's Chipotle Raspberry salad dressing too. It's a good thing I'm a copy cat, because Quiznos doesn't make this salad topper any more!
Hopefully, Lighthouse will continue to make their version of Jalapeno Ranch dressing, as I haven't quite got the combination of ingredients just right. I'm pretty darn close though!
Slender Jalapeno Ranch Dip
Recipe type: Dips and Dressings
- ½ cups plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup low fat mayonnaise, I prefer the olive oil brands
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon celery salt
- 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
- 2 tablespoons green onion, white ends, minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 small jalapeno, finely minced, if you like it hot add another pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
- Combine ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Chill for 15 - 30 minutes before serving.