Homemade Cajun Ranch Sauce
This homemade Cajun ranch sauce has all the fresh tang of ranch dressing plus a zesty Cajun kick. Try this Cajun ranch as a salad dressing, or dipping sauce for wings, fries, and chicken. Skip the ranch seasoning packet, and make this homemade ranch instead!
The best homemade ranch sauce
Growing up in south Louisiana, cajun seasoning was always out on the dinner table next to the salt and pepper. Combine that with my love of any kind of dipping sauce, and this zesty cajun ranch dressing was born.
This ranch sauce can be kept thicker for a dipping sauce for chicken, french fries, onion rings, crispy wings, and more. It’s the best wing sauce for cajun wings! Thin it out a little to be used as a spicy ranch dressing for salads. This will be your new favorite ranch dressing!
If you’re a fan of dipping sauces like I am, I bet you will also love Chipotle Lime Sauce, Louisiana Remoulade Sauce, or Spicy Cajun Garlic Aioli!
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Quick and easy! This cajun ranch sauce only takes about 10 minutes to make!
- Cajun flavor. With Cajun seasoning, horseradish, and a dash of hot sauce, this sauce is full of Cajun flavor.
- It’s homemade. Homemade dressings and sauces are so much better than store bought.
- Perfect texture. My secret to a good creamy sauce? Use a combination of sour cream and mayonnaise!
Ingredients & Substitutions
See the recipe card below for the complete list of ingredients and measurements.
- Mayo AND sour cream. The secret to a perfect creamy dipping sauce is using a combination of both mayonnaise and sour cream. You can substitute for one or the other, but this will change the texture.
- Fresh herbs – That fresh dill flavor is a hallmark of ranch dressing. I take it a step further by also adding parsley and chives for more flavor. You can substitute for dried herbs, but for best results, use fresh herbs. Substitute chives for green onions if needed.
- Cajun seasoning – This is a mix of paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and other dried herbs and spices. You can use store bought or make your own spicy Cajun seasoning. You can also substitute blackening seasoning. Cajun seasoning already has cayenne pepper in it, but you can add a little extra if you want it extra spicy.
- Horseradish – This recipe only calls for a little bit, but that’s all that is needed for that perfect zesty punch! Use prepared horseradish in a bottle or jar and not fresh.
- Lemon zest – Adding fresh lemon zest gives this sauce a fresh citrus flavor without making it too watered down like lemon juice would.
- Hot sauce – I like using a vinegar based hot sauce here for an extra sourness. I like Crystal hot sauce.
PRO TIP: Using a combination of mayonnaise and sour cream is my secret for a thick and perfectly creamy dipping sauce.
Equipment needed
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Buy Now → How to make Cajun ranch sauce
This ranch sauce recipe is super easy to make!
STEP ONE: PREP
Finely chop dill, parsley, and chives. Mince garlic. Zest lemon.
STEP TWO: MIX
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.
PRO TIP: Refrigerate this sauce about 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
Expert Tips
- Make it a salad dressing. Thin this cajun ranch sauce out a little bit with a splash of milk, buttermilk, or water and mix well to make a salad dressing. Serve it with homemade croutons.
- Chill out! Let this dressing chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
- Make your own cajun seasoning! Cajun seasoning goes great on just about anything, and is really easy to make with this homemade cajun seasoning recipe.
Storage & make ahead
How to store leftovers: Store leftover cajun ranch in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
How to freeze: I do not recommend freezing ranch dressing.
Make ahead directions: You can prepare this cajun ranch sauce 1 day in advance and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Ways to use cajun ranch sauce
This is a great sauce for dipping chicken wings. Try honey lemon pepper wings, dry rub oven baked wings, or crispy blackened chicken wings.
Add it to cajun-spiced chicken breast or use it as a sauce for burgers.
It makes a great sandwich spread with Cajun turkey breast.
Of course it’s delicious as a dipping sauce for fries, onion rings, and tater tots!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can make this homemade ranch ahead of time. Prepare it the day before you want to use it and keep refrigerated. It’s even better after it sits in the fridge for a little bit!
You can substitute for dry herbs for this cajun ranch recipe, but I recommend using fresh herbs for the best flavor!
Cajun ranch is like regular ranch dressing with a twist. It has most of the same ingredients as regular ranch, like mayonnaise, dill, parsley, chives, and garlic, plus cajun spices, horseradish, and hot sauce to spice it up.
More homemade sauce recipes
More Cajun spiced recipes
Meet Lauren
I’m the blogger, recipe developer, food photographer, and otherwise food obsessed gal behind Lauren From Scratch. I was born and raised in New Orleans and lived in South Louisiana most of my life. Growing up around Cajun country has instilled a love of food that runs deep in my bones. I am passionate about food and teaching you how to make mouth-watering Louisiana inspired dishes in your own kitchen!
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The Best Cajun Ranch Dressing
Ingredients
- 1 ½ teaspoon fresh dill (finely chopped)
- 1 ½ teaspoon fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- 1 ½ teaspoon fresh chives (finely chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- ¼ teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce (I like a vinegar based hot sauce like Crystal)
- ¼ teaspoon white vinegar
- ⅛ teaspoon horseradish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- PREP: Finely chop dill, parsley, and chives. Mince garlic. Zest lemon.
- MIX: Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.
- CHILL: For best results, refrigerate about 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- How to store leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- How to freeze: I do not recommend freezing ranch dressing.
- Make ahead directions: You can prepare this cajun ranch sauce 1 day in advance and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Thin the sauce out with a splash of milk, buttermilk, or water and mix well to make a salad dressing.
Equipment
- sharp knife
