Creamy Jalapeño Dressing with Greek Yogurt

Smooth and creamy with a kick of heat, my zesty Jalapeño Dressing is a quick fan favorite for salads, used as a sauce for grilled meats, seafood, poultry, and vegetables, but is also fantastic on tacos and sandwiches!

I love the fresh flavor that lemon juice and herbs add to the dressing, as well as how creamy and refreshing it is. A splash of water is the key to making sure it’s not too thick, which is a pet peeve of mine creamy salad dressings. You can customize the heat level to your specific liking by adding or removing jalapeño seeds. This dressing has it all and I’m certain it will become a quick favorite!

Check out more of my favorite easy salad dressing recipes, like this green goddess salad dressing, this garlicky Greek yogurt dressing, and my all-time favorite homemade Caesar salad dressing!

Ingredients

Greek yogurt: I recommend whole milk Greek yogurt, but if you prefer 2% or 0%, feel free to use that.
Mixed herbs, such as fresh basil, dill, and cilantro.
Jalapeño pepper
Garlic
Fresh lemon juice
Extra virgin olive oil
Honey
Kosher salt and black pepper
A splash of water

Variations To Try

No Greek yogurt? Use sour cream or mayonnaise instead, but note that the dressing will be slightly less thick and protein-rich.
Don’t have honey? Agave nectar or maple syrup can be used in its place. Do not use sugar as it will leave the dressing grainy.
For a slightly different flavor, you can use fresh lime juice instead of lemon juice.
And of course, feel free to use any fresh herbs you like!

Creamy Greek yogurt and jalapeño dressing in a food processor. — Place all ingredients in a blender, then process until smooth.

How To Make Creamy Jalapeño Dressing

If you make this in a personal blender or food processor, this comes together incredibly quickly — just 5 minutes total!

Combine all salad dressing ingredients in a food processor or small blender, then pulse until very smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, then refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

Consider enjoying this with my shaved Brussels sprouts and shrimp salad or this juicy grilled chicken salad.

Creamy Greek yogurt and jalapeno dressing.

Spicy and cream jalapeño Greek yogurt dressing in a glass jar.

FAQs

How spicy is this dressing?

The spiciness depends on the jalapeño and whether you include the seeds or not. For a milder salad dressing, omit or reduce the amount of jalapeño seeds.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

I strongly recommend fresh herbs here. If you really want to use dried, you can substitute 1 teaspoon dried herbs for every tablespoon of fresh herbs.

Ari’s Best Tips!

Let the dressing sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Totally optional, but just intensifies the flavor!
For a chunkier dressing, pulse the ingredients until combined but not entirely smooth.
Any herbs! Feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like parsley or mint for different flavor profiles.
If you like a lot of spice, consider adding a second jalapeño or using a spicier pepper altogether.

Spoonful of Greek yogurt and jalapeno salad dressing.

Make-Ahead, Leftovers, & Storage

This dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Shake or stir well before each use. The flavor of the jalapeño and raw garlic will intensify as it sits.

While technically freezable, I always advise against freezing creamy salad dressings. The texture is altered during freezing and thawing and it is never as creamy as it first was. Best enjoyed fresh!

Shrimp and brussels sprouts salad ingredients in a large bowl.

Serving Suggestions

Toss this dressing with your favorite salad greens, vegetables, and protein for a satisfying and flavorful lunch or side dish.
Drizzle it over grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp for a zesty summer meal.
Use it as a dip for crudités like carrots, celery, and bell peppers.
Dollop this dressing on tacos, burritos, or quesadillas alongside your favorite fillings.

Shaved brussels sprouts salad with shrimp and jalapeño dressing.

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