Creamy Chipotle-Lime Dressing (or Dip)

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Dressing or dip? I love it when recipes can be multi-purposed. I use this creamy dressing more for salads, but it quite tasty as a dip when served along side a veggie platter or with poached shrimp.

Making dressings in a blender is certainly quick and easy, but I just want to give you a couple general tips.  

1. Anything that needs to be finely minced (garlic, shallot, chipotle, etc...), add it to the blender with the creamy ingredients (mayonnaise, yogurt, sour cream, etc...).

2. Once the dressing is completely blended, add the herbs and blend with a few short pulses. (If you add the herbs in the beginning, your dressing will turn out green.)

3. If the dressing recipe calls for grated or crumbled cheese, add that to the blender last and give it another blend with a few short pulses. (if you add the cheese in beginning, your dressing will turn out muddled or grainy.)

4. Creamy dressings can be made and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. (Otherwise they can get a little funky smelling and tasting.)

Looking for a salad to enjoy this with this dressing?  Stay tuned...

Printable Recipe

Creamy Chipotle-Lime Dressing (or Dip)

makes about 1 1/2 cups

5 Tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice

1 medium shallot, peeled and roughly chopped

1 small garlic clove, peeled and roughly chopped

1-2 teaspoons minced chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, or more to taste

1 teaspoon granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

3/4 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup sour cream (full-fat or light)

1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

In a blender, process the lime juice, shallot, garlic, chipotle, sugar, cumin, salt and pepper until the shallot and garlic are finely chopped, about 15 seconds. Add the mayonnaise and sour cream and process until smooth, about another 15 seconds.  Scrape down the sides of the blender. Add the chopped cilantro and process until just incorporated, about 2-3 seconds. Transfer the dressing to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.  Dressing can be made up to 4 days in advance.  Enjoy!

Source: Adapted from The Best 30-Minute Recipes, by America's Test Kitchen