You can never have enough dip. This Jalapeno Ranch Dip with Greek Yogurt is zippy, bright, and full of flavor. It takes 5 minutes to make, is gluten-free, and surprisingly healthy.
This recipe yields a thick, luscious, and scoop-able dip. We believe that a dip should be thick and creamy—not at all runny, because then that's a sauce. Serve this healthy Jalapeno Ranch with chips or veggies for dipping. Or, get creative: in this post we share 10+ ways to use ranch dip! Keep reading to learn all about this delicious and versatile dip.
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Why you'll love this recipe
- Easy to make: This recipe comes together in 5 minutes and there's no kitchen appliances needed!
- Healthy: There's no mayonnaise or sour cream in this recipe! This dip uses Greek yogurt for a lighter spin.
- Versatile: Jalapeno ranch dip is great with chips and veggies. But it can also be used with tots, fries, and pretty much anything that can benefit from a creamy, herb sauce!
What is ranch made of?
Ranch is typically known to have three main components: a creamy base, allium flavor (from onion and garlic), and herbs (source). Usually the creamy base is made with buttermilk and mayonnaise—and sometimes sour cream. It is often seasoned with mustard too.
You can buy packets of dried ranch mix powder, but we prefer the freshness and simple ingredients of homemade!
This Jalapeno Ranch Dip with Greek Yogurt recipe is loosely inspired by ranch. It has a creamy base—but uses Greek yogurt for a healthier spin. This dip is then seasoned with garlic, onion, and dijon. But, the addition of jalapeno, cilantro, and lime juice are not at all traditional! They do however add just the right amount of zesty flavor. Consider this a twist on the ever-popular creamy ranch dip.
Recipe ingredients
- Greek yogurt: This recipe uses plain Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative to mayonnaise or sour cream. A full-fat Greek yogurt will yield the best flavor and texture—but you could also use reduced fat if you prefer.
- Jalapeno: The spice levels in jalapenos varies pepper to pepper, so adjust as needed. If in doubt, start with less and build up from there—it's easier to make something spicier than to go the other way around!
- Garlic powder: We use garlic powder in this dip—rather than fresh garlic—because it has a milder, less intense garlicky taste. Some people are sensitive to a lot of raw garlic, so we like to play it safe when serving a crowd so everyone enjoys it.
How to make
There are only two steps to making this easy creamy jalapeno ranch dressing. No kitchen appliances needed (that's right, no blender or food processor)...just a bowl and spoon!
What goes with ranch dip?
Ranch is extremely versatile. Here are 10 delicious ways to serve this healthy Jalapeno Ranch Dip with Greek Yogurt:
- Salty potato chips: We especially love ridged chips for scooping!
- Pita chips: Make these Air Fryer Pita Chips as a lighter alternative to potato chips.
- Veggie platter: Arrange crisp, colorful veggies like carrot sticks, bell peppers, cucumbers for dipping into ranch.
- Air Fryer Broccoli Tots: These delicious homemade tots are perfect for dunking into ranch dip. But, frozen store-bought tots work too.
- Fries: You've probably dipped fries into mayo before, so why not Jalapeno Ranch instead? Check out this Air Fryer Broccoli Fries recipe for a healthier spin on fries!
- Sandwich spread: Use this Greek Yogurt Ranch as a lighter substitute, instead of mayo or other creamy spread.
- Quesadillas: Instead of dipping quesadillas in sour cream, you could use this instead!
- Salad dressing: Thin the dip with lime juice, olive oil, and/or buttermilk, then drizzle it over your favorite greens.
- Breakfast potatoes: Sometimes in the morning, we'll dip our breakfast potatoes (home fries) into any extra ranch sauce. It's a great combo!
- Pizza: Use this creamy sauce for dipping pizza into—especially the crust.
Frequently asked questions
The difference between ranch dip and ranch dressing is the consistency. Dip is thicker, so it can be easily scooped up with chips, crackers, veggie sticks, fries, etc. Dressing tends to be runnier, so that it can lightly coat salad greens.
In our recipe tests, we found that using a blender made a runny Jalapeno Ranch—that's more like a dressing than a true dip. We wanted to create a thick and creamy ranch dip, so this recipe method calls for mixing the ingredients in a bowl.
Yes, this homemade Jalapeno Ranch Dip recipe is gluten-free. Store-bought ranch dip may or may not be gluten-free, so check the label to confirm.
This homemade ranch can be stored in a sealed container—refrigerate for up to 4 days.
📖 Recipe
Jalapeno Ranch Dip with Greek Yogurt
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (see note 1)
- ⅓ cup minced cilantro (more for garnish, optional)
- 1 to 2 jalapeno peppers, de-seeded and minced (more for garnish, optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Mix: In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, cilantro, jalapeno, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, dijon mustard, and salt. Mix until smooth. Taste and add more salt if needed.
- Serve or refrigerate: If desired, right before serving, garnish with thinly sliced jalapenos and/or more chopped cilantro. Serve immediately, otherwise cover and refrigerate.
Notes
- Greek yogurt: Use full-fat Greek yogurt for the best taste/texture. But this recipe has also been tested with low-fat Greek yogurt and that works too.
- Jalapenos: The heat levels of jalapenos vary by pepper, so adjust the amount of jalapeno to suit your tastes.
- Storage tips: Cover extra dip and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Serving suggestions: This dip is delicious served with chips, fresh veggies, crackers, pita chips, fries, tots, and so much more!
Ilana says
I love meal prepping different dips for the week and storing them in small tupperware to take with me to work. This was my favorite of the bunch! Will make again!
bri says
Amazing, so happy to hear that! Thanks for writing in!