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Zesty Dipping Sauce Recipe

This zesty dipping sauce turns any snack table into a party spread. You can dip vegetables, chips, crackers, bread, or meat for a flavorful taste sensation.

Perfect Party Dips Everyone Will Love

zesty dipping sauce beside a plate of carrots, crackers, and cucumbers

One thing I can honestly say is that when you put out chips, crackers, and vegetables, you can’t have too much dip.

Yes, I realize that’s an overstatement. But in my world, it’s better to have too much than not enough.

When we have an appetizer spread, I like to offer a variety. That way, everyone will be happy.

This zesty dipping sauce is pretty wonderful, but then so is this Buffalo chicken dip.

Another one we like is this yummy spinach dip. People who don’t care for spinach will eat this one … and enjoy it!

If you’re serving chips, I highly recommend this 3-layer Mexican dip. Or you can add more layers if you have time.

Remember that salad dressings also serve as dips. You’ve probably used ranch dressing as a dip, but that’s not the only one.

When I make Thousand Island dressing, you’d better believe I’ll include that for dipping.

Zesty Dipping Sauce Ingredients

In order to make this dip, you need several ingredients. Start with mayonnaise and then add either sour cream or Greek yogurt.

I add ketchup, horseradish, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne.

It’s up to you whether or not you want to use the same amount of each ingredient.

Greek yogurt, ketchup, horseradish, cayenne pepper, mayonnaise, onion powder, and garlic powder

For the exact measurements of each ingredient and full directions, go to the recipe card at the bottom of the page. You can even print out the card by using the “print” button.

You can also omit anything you don’t care for.

One example is that if you’re making it for children or people who prefer mild foods, you might want to leave out the cayenne pepper.

How to Make a Zesty Dipping Sauce

You’ll need a medium-size mixing bowl to make the sauce and a smaller serving bowl. I also recommend putting a ladle or spoon in the serving bowl.

First, combine all of the ingredients in the medium-size mixing bowl. Stir or whisk until everything is well mixed.

Whisking the ingredients for the dipping sauce

Give it a taste to see if you feel that it needs more of anything. If you add more, do so a little bit at a time so you don’t overdo it.

Next, transfer the mixture to the serving bowl. Set it on the table with the rest of the spread.

Scooping the dip from the mixing bowl to a serving bowl

Make the Recipe Your Own

If you want to change things up with this recipe, try omitting either the garlic or onion powder. Then double up the one you keep in the recipe.

I’ve been known to use both sour cream and Greek yogurt when I only have a little bit of one or the other.

But I really can’t tell the difference in the taste because they pretty much taste the same in the recipe.

You can cut back on or increase the amount of mayonnaise to change the ratio.

We prefer either Duke’s or Hellmann’s mayo, but use whatever you have in your fridge.

There have been times when I ran out of ground cayenne. So I used a dash of Tabasco. Or you can use sriracha.

Fun Foods to Dip

There are so many different things you can dip in this sauce. In fact, anything goes if you like it.

If you’re tired of dipping your French fries in ketchup, try using this sauce. Mmm, so good!

We enjoy dipping a variety of vegetables, including carrots, celery, broccoli, and more. These zucchini fries are wonderful when they’re dipped in this sauce.

Dip beside a plate of crackers and veggies

You can also drizzle this dipping sauce over cooked vegetables. One that’s delicious is this sheet pan roasted squash from Miz Helen’s Country Cottage.

Any kind of cracker is good for dipping. Or you can offer specialty breads or toast wedges.

Most chips taste better when dipped. That goes for potato chips, corn chips, and even plantain chips.

We particularly enjoy these sweet potato chips. Although I typically use yogurt to dip them in, they’re also good dipped in this zesty sauce.

This sauce is so good you’ll catch yourself looking around for something to dip into it.

zesty dipping sauce beside a plate of veggies and crackers

More Appetizer Recipes

Whether you’re keeping the family’s hunger at bay while you cook dinner or you’re hosting a dinner party, offer some appetizers.

We enjoy slow cooker marinated mushrooms. You can dip them or eat them without anything on them because they’re so delicious.

These Buffalo wings are amazing, either with ranch dressing or this zesty dipping sauce. Or offer both options.

My husband and I both enjoy snacking on roasted pecans. They’re also a great addition to your appetizer table.

See this recipe shared at Weekend Potluck, Meal Plan Monday, and Full Plate Thursday.

Bowl of dipping sauce beside a plate of vegetables and crackers

Zesty Dipping Sauce

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

This zesty dipping sauce is delicious on vegetables, chips, crackers, bread, and more!

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup of mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon of prepared horseradish
  • 1 tablespoon of ketchup
  • 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon of ground cayenne

Instructions

    1. In a medium-size mixing bowl, combine all of the ingredients. Mix well.
    2. Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl and set out for all to enjoy.
    3. Dip your fresh or fried vegetables for a delightful flavor sensation!
Nutrition Information
Yield 4 Serving Size 1
Amount Per Serving Calories 185Total Fat 17gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 12gCholesterol 18mgSodium 188mgCarbohydrates 4gFiber 0gSugar 3gProtein 5g

The nutrition information is a product of online calculators. I try to provide true and accurate information, but these numbers are estimates.

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