Salsas & Dips – Page 5

Cajun Ranch Dipping Sauce

A simple Southern dipper…

Like mayonnaise or sour cream, ranch dressing is a perfect base for a mix of fiery spices. It makes it so simple to pull together something with a little Cajun flair. This Cajun ranch dipping sauce has three ingredients only, but the flavor is a whole heck of a lot more than what you’d expect. Cajun seasoning has a wide world of spices in it that give this dipping sauce its Southern charm.

We add additional fieriness to this simple recipe via a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can opt for it or drop it completely if you want a milder overall flavor. We like it even hotter than a pinch (think 1/4 teaspoon) if you’re one for extra-spicy in everything. Use this Cajun ranch dipping sauce with fried foods (it’s so yum with fried pickles – try it with this recipe). It’s also delicious with a simple vegetable platter – it beats the heck out of a plain ranch salad dressing dip with crudites.

Kickin’ Cajun Dipping Sauce

by Matt Bray

Simple Southern charm…

Want a simple dipping sauce that still charms the pants off your guests? This kickin’ Cajun dipping sauce is all that. It takes only five minutes to pull together, but it’s chock full of Southern charm and a decent kick to boot.

There are multiple heat sources here. Cajun seasoning typically contains a bit of chili pepper powder (typically cayenne pepper) and the Louisiana hot sauce adds some additional pop (and a subtle tang). We like to top it off with additional cayenne for extra boom, too. This sauce is excellent for all sorts of things: pita, veggies, and grilled chicken fingers to name a few.

Spicy Tahini Sauce

by Matt Bray

Not just for hummus…

When you think tahini, “hummus” is likely the first thing that comes to mind. Well, that and…nothing. Many know nothing about this delicious paste. Hummus is where it’s found among commonly purchased foods, but tahini can be a heck of a lot more than that earthy, nutty, and slightly bitter flavor behind the chickpeas.

Take for instance this spicy tahini sauce recipe. It’s simple to create, but it provides an exotic touch to many common-day cooking needs. It’s delicious as a salad dressing (just add more water to thin the sauce to your preferred dressing thickness) or as a dip for vegetables and crusty bread. It’s perfect, too, as a sandwich spread for roasted vegetable sandwiches and more. Tahini also pairs well with lamb and other rich meats. It’s a big earthy, slightly bitter flavor that doesn’t get lost with these bold flavors.

Cayenne pepper provides the fire here. Use as directed and adjust according to your heat preference.

Spicy Baba Ganoush

by Matt Bray

Eggplant dip turned bold…

For most, spicy hummus would be the first Middle Eastern dip they’d reach for (and we have a few delicious recipes for that, like this smoky chipotle one) – but a spicy baba ganoush is so yum as well. This eggplant dip is perfect paired with hummus as a side to chopped fresh vegetables and pita chips, or use it as a sandwich spread (it’s perfect on a roasted vegetable sandwich).

Cayenne pepper is the simple heat source here, with mild paprika as a garnish for color. Of course, adjust the amount used of cayenne to increase or decrease the heat. Or you could opt for a hot paprika as a garnish to provide a heat boost along with the color pop.

Spicy Avocado Salsa

by Matt Bray

Guacamole goes chunky…

That’s avocado salsa simply put. It is a guacamole, but with chunks of avocado (among other chopped salsa ingredients) instead of the creamy smooth experience you’ll often get from many store-bought options or recipes. It’s chunky like a salsa, making it a fun guacamole alternative for a game-day or party appetizer.

We like it spicy, so we reach for serrano peppers in this recipe. They may be available at your local grocer, but if they aren’t (or you prefer slightly less heat), a jalapeño pepper works as well.

Jalapeño Salsa Verde

by Matt Bray

Bring a little go to your tomatillo salsa… Salsa verde is typically known more for its tang more than its heat, but we sure do love adding a little oomph to this popular salsa. Jalapeño peppers add just enough spiciness to bring a little go to …

Chipotle Ranch Dressing

by Matt Bray

Ranch dressing all amped up…

For those that love the creamy tang of ranch dressing, get ready for a taste bud revolution. Chipotle ranch dressing takes what’s best with ranch and layers in heat and a hint of smoke. It turns an everyday salad into something bold.

This touch of Tex-Mex serves more than simply salad, too. As a veggie dipper, it’s delicious. We especially love the chipotle pepper smokiness paired with the sweetness of carrots. And if you’re having buffalo wings, try chipotle ranch instead of the regular plain Jane dressing for a little extra fire.

Red Pepper Hummus

by Matt Bray

Sweet and smoky…

Adding a little red bell pepper and smoked paprika to your traditional hummus is a delicious twist. It’s slightly sweet with a hint of smoke and only the mildest sense of simmering heat. The smokiness comes from both the smoked paprika and the freshly roasted red bell pepper. Roasting the bell only takes ten minutes under a broiler, with a nifty kitchen trick after to make peeling the pepper super simple.

Serve the red pepper hummus with pita or vegetable crudités as a healthy dipper. Or – one of our favorites – try it as a spread for veggie sandwiches.

Spicy Tomato Chutney

by Matt Bray

Big tomato flavor, fiery red chili heat. We love a fiery spicy tomato chutney for bruschetta or simply to use as a table dip for an evening of bread and cheese. But its uses can go much farther. Use it as a sandwich spread or dip …

Guajillo Salsa

by Matt Bray

Guajillo peppers are well-loved for their smokiness and tea-like sweetness, and it’s these two flavors that make it such an excellent salsa pepper. Here mixed with tomatillo, this guajillo salsa has a sweet tang with a trailing smoke. It’s excellent finely blended and served with …