Keto Creamy Chipotle Sauce (Sugar-Free)

This sauce is sour cream and mayonnaise stirred together with minced chipotle peppers in adobo, garlic powder, onion powder and lime juice. It is smoky, tangy and creamy, with only a little heat, and there is nothing to cook. It makes 8 servings with about 1 gram of carbohydrates each and no added sugar.

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Prep takes 10 minutes. The card lists a total of 40 minutes because the sauce rests in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can blend.

What Goes in the Bowl

• Sour cream (1 cup): the base. It gives the sauce its creaminess and a tang that balances the heat.
• Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): adds richness and a smooth texture.
• Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (2 tablespoons, minced): the smoke and the heat.
• Garlic powder and onion powder (1 teaspoon each): a savory backbone. The onion powder adds a touch of sweetness.
• Lime juice (1 teaspoon): brightens the sauce and cuts through the richness.
• Salt and pepper: to taste.

Mixing and Resting

Stir the sour cream and mayonnaise in a medium bowl, with a whisk or spatula, until smooth. Add the chipotle peppers, garlic powder, onion powder and lime juice and mix well until everything is evenly distributed. Season with salt and pepper.

Taste before you add more chipotle. If you want more heat, add more minced pepper a little at a time. If you want a milder sauce, use fewer peppers, or use smoked paprika instead.

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. The sauce can also be made a day ahead, and it tastes better after it has sat in the refrigerator for a while.

Variations

• Herbs: chopped fresh cilantro or parsley adds a fresh note and some color. It goes well with grilled meats and salads.
• Avocado: blend in a ripe avocado for extra creaminess.
• Lemon zest: a bright, zesty twist that works well as a dip for fresh vegetables.

How to Use It

Serve it as a dip, a dressing or a sauce. It suits grilled chicken or steak, zucchini fries for dipping, and cauliflower rice, which absorbs the flavor. It also works as a dressing on a salad or a spoonful on tacos. Sparkling water with a squeeze of lime goes well with it.

Nutrition

Each serving has about 80 calories, 8 grams of fat, 1 gram of carbohydrates, no fiber or sugar, and 1 gram of protein. The card lists saturated fat and sodium as varying, since they depend on the brands of sour cream, mayonnaise and chipotles you use.

FAQ

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes. Making it ahead lets the flavors blend, and a day in advance works well.

How long does it keep?

Up to a week in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Stir it before serving, since some separation may happen.

Can I use fresh chipotle peppers?

Yes, though the flavor will be different from canned chipotles in adobo. Adjust the amount to the heat you want, since fresh peppers vary in spiciness.

What can replace the sour cream?

Plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt has a similar tang and creaminess.

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Written and edited by The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team

The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team writes and edits the recipes on Foodie Yummy: classic American potluck salads, holiday sides and easy comfort food, with a few low-carb options. Every recipe lists exact quantities, numbered steps and a printable recipe card, plus notes on swaps, storage and make-ahead timing. Spot a problem with a recipe? Tell us through the contact page and we will correct it. About us