Homemade Southwest Sauce: A High-Protein Copycat Recipe
How to make Southwest sauce that’s healthier and more flavorful than any copycat Subway chipotle version? Start with this simple, higher protein recipe.
I take simple ingredients and create your new favorite sauce you will want to put on everything. From salad dressing for salad greens and grain bowls, a spread for wraps or sandwiches or a delicious dip for breaded mushrooms or roasted veggies, this dressing is so versatile! One of my favorite applications is as a sauce for roasted sweet potatoes and baked sweet potato fries!
This sauce is healthy with 4g of protein per serving, delicious and is the perfect sauce for you to try today!
Three Reasons I Love This Southwest Sauce
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Protein Boost: This sauce adds creaminess and extra protein from blended cottage cheese, helping you feel full and satisfied.
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Meal Prep Friendly: It’s perfect to make ahead and keeps well in the fridge, ready to grab and use when you need it.
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Quick and Easy: All the ingredients are easy to find and it comes together in about 5 minutes.
Sauce Tip!
Let this Southwest Sauce rest for 1 to 2 hours before serving so the flavors can blend together. It’s the same idea as letting ranch, dill pickle dip, or spinach artichoke dip sit for a bit, worth it for the best flavor. You can store this sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Tools Needed
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Blender, food processor, or a mini blender like a Magic Bullet
I forgot to include the fresh lime!
Ingredients
This sauce is made with real-food ingredients that pack in flavor and protein without a long ingredient list.
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Cottage cheese: A creamy, high-protein base that blends beautifully into a smooth sauce. I used a local PNW brand of cottage cheese Dairigold. Another one of my favorite brands is Good Culture.
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Lime juice: Adds brightness and a fresh, citrusy tang.
**One of my favorite citrus hacks: If you are fresh out of limes you can swap for True Lime, 1 tbsp water + 1 packet of true lime is equivalent to 1 tbsp of lime juice.
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Olive oil or avocado oil: For a smooth texture and dose of healthy fats. I love Graza Drizzle olive oil for this recipe.
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Chili powder and cumin: Warm spices that give this sauce its classic Southwest flavor
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Garlic powder and onion powder: For savory depth and no need to chop anything
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Kosher salt (optional): Enhances all the other flavors
- Adobo sauce (optional): Adds a smoky, spicy kick if you like a little heat
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Water or milk (optional): Used to thin the sauce to your desired consistency
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
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Swap cottage cheese with plain Greek yogurt for a slightly different texture
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Use sour cream or mayo if you prefer a richer, tangier sauce
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Add a chipotle pepper or pickled jalapeños if you want more heat
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Try a splash of Worcestershire sauce for added depth of flavor
- Use 1 tsp lime zest for more citrus flavor
How To Make Southwest Sauce: It is as easy a 1-2-3!
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Add all ingredients to a blender or food processor.
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Blend until smooth, about 15 to 20 seconds.
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Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking.
**Optional: Add water or milk as needed to reach your desired consistency.
Recipe Tip: This sauce thickens slightly after chilling. If you think it is too thick after chilling you can add water or milk 1 tbsp at a time and mix until you reach your desired consistency.
How To Use This Sauce
This higher protein Southwest sauce is the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your fridge. It’s creamy, smoky, and just the right amount of zippy. Here are a few of my favorite ways to use it:
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Roasted Veggies: Drizzle over carrots, cauliflower, or broccoli for an easy flavor boost.
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Potatoes (Any Style): Try it with baked, air-fried, or smashed potatoes for something craveable.
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Grain Bowls: Spoon it over quinoa, rice, or farro with beans, greens, and roasted veggies.
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Sauce for Protein: Tastes great on tofu, tempeh, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even leftover steak.
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Salads: Thin it with olive oil, rice vinegar, lime juice or all three for a creamy, spicy dressing.
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Sandwiches and Wraps: Spread on bread or tortillas to add flavor and moisture.
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Tacos: A dollop works well with both plant-based and meat-filled tacos.
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Chicken Nuggets: A fun dip for adults and kids, great with homemade or store-bought nuggets.
It’s one of those sauces you’ll start making on repeat because it pairs well with just about anything.
More Copycat Recipes You Will Love
Copycat Panera Thai Chicken Soup
Blended Cottage Cheese Southwest Sauce
Equipment
- Food Processor or blender
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese whole milk preferred
- 4 tbsp lime juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp adobo sauce optional
- ½ tsp kosher salt optional
- 1-4 tbsp water or milk optional
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender or food processor.
- Blend until smooth, about 15 to 20 seconds.
- Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking.**Optional: Add water or milk as needed to reach your desired consistency.
Notes
Nutrition
Hi, I’m Sarah Harper, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist passionate about cooking, eating, and sharing all things food! At The Addy Bean, you’ll find a variety of flexitarian recipes designed to inspire and empower you to explore the delicious world of plant-based eating. My mission is to make plant-forward meals approachable, enjoyable, and part of your everyday life!
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