Ranch Salsa
A fresh, flavorful salsa combining tomatoes, green chiles, olives, green onions, cheese, and a creamy dressing, perfect for parties, snacking, or dipping with tortilla chips.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the tomatoes with green chiles, drained chopped black olives, chopped green onions, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and Italian salad dressing in a bowl.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Chill the salsa until ready to serve.
- Serve with tortilla chips.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra kick, consider adding a teaspoon of chili powder or diced jalapeños. If you prefer a creamier texture, you can substitute sour cream for the Italian dressing. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, like Pepper Jack for added spice. This Ranch Salsa can also be made ahead of time for gatherings, ensuring flavors meld beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
This Ranch Salsa is perfect as a dip with tortilla chips, but it also pairs beautifully with Gigi'S Nachos for a fun appetizer. Consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad or as a topping for tacos. It can elevate any Mexican-inspired meal or serve as a zesty condiment.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salsa may thicken as it chills, so stir it well before serving. Avoid freezing due to the tomatoes' texture change. Simply refresh with a dash of Italian dressing if needed when serving again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ranch Salsa contains roughly 260 calories, with 1g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1036mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but you'll need to dice them and consider adding some diced green chiles for the same flavor. Fresh tomatoes will provide a different texture and may require additional seasoning to achieve the desired taste.
How long can I keep this salsa in the fridge?
This salsa can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious the next day.
Can I make this salsa ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Ranch Salsa can be prepared a day in advance. Chilling it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just give it a good stir before serving to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).