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Homemade ranch dressing recipe
Ranch dressing is a popular creamy salad dressing that originated in the United States. This iconic American condiment, first created in the 1950s by Steve Henson at his Hidden Valley Ranch in California, has become a beloved staple in kitchens across the country. Its luscious texture and savory profile have captivated taste buds across the nation. With this dressing, you can transform simple salads into delectable experiences.
The quintessential ranch dressing relies on a harmonious blend of key ingredients. Our recipe combines the perfect blend of buttermilk, sour cream, and a medley of herbs and spices to create a versatile dressing that’s not just for salads. Here’s how to make ranch dressing:
Best Ranch Dressing
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk until smooth.
- Add remaining ingredients to the bowl.
- Stir until well combined.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Notes
- Amp up the garlic for a more pungent kick
- Introduce fresh chives for a mild oniony note
- Incorporate a dash of Worcestershire sauce for umami depth
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 weeks
- Don’t leave it out for more than 2 hours. Shelf life depends on the freshness of the buttermilk and dairy used.
- Freezing isn’t recommended, as it alters the texture and causes separation.
- Before using, stir it.
Variations
The ranch salad dressing above serves as a foundation for countless variations. From this, you can create multiple versions by adjusting elements.
1. Buttermilk ranch serves as the cornerstone of ranch varieties. Its tangy profile stems from the fermented dairy base, which imparts a distinctive zest to the dressing.
2. Avocado lime ranch dressing combines the richness of avocado with zesty lime and ranch seasoning. It is often considered a healthier alternative to the traditional ranch recipe.
3. Spicy ranch introduces a fiery twist to the classic formula. Incorporating ingredients like cayenne pepper, sriracha, chipotle, or diced jalapeños can transform the mild condiment into a zesty sensation.
4. Blackened ranch dressing is a flavorful twist on traditional ranch, characterized by its smoky and spicy profile. It is often inspired by the popular version served at Popeyes. If you prefer this type, here’s the Popeyes blackened ranch recipe.
5. Dietary variations:
- Low-calorie options: For those mindful of calorie intake, low-calorie ranch options offer a lighter alternative. These variations often substitute Greek yogurt for some or all of the mayonnaise and sour cream.
- Vegan and dairy-free alternatives: These often rely on cashews or tofu as a creamy base. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor, while apple cider vinegar mimics the tang of buttermilk.
6. Regional versions: Ranch dressing has inspired regional riffs across the country. For instance, Southwest ranch might feature cilantro and cumin, while a New England variation could incorporate maple syrup for a subtle sweetness. Seasonally, I’ve enjoyed infusing my ranch with garden-fresh herbs in the summer and warming it up with roasted garlic in the winter.
7. Other ranch versions:
- Buffalo Ranch has the spicy kick of buffalo sauce.
- Cottage Cheese version combines the creaminess of cottage cheese
- Cucumber Ranch incorporates fresh cucumber for a refreshing twist.
- Lite Ranch Dressing
- Peppercorn Ranch
- Blue Cheese Ranch combines the tangy taste of blue cheese with the herbal notes of ranch dressing.
Ranch dressing vs. ranch dip
1. Consistency differences
Ranch dressing and ranch dip differ primarily in their consistency. Dressing possesses a pourable texture, ideal for coating salads, while dip maintains a thicker, more substantial body suitable for scooping.
2. Usages
The applications for ranch dressing and dip span a wide culinary spectrum. Here’s a comparison of their typical uses:
| Ranch Dressing | Ranch Dip |
| Salad topping | Vegetable platter accompaniment |
| Sandwich spread | Chip dip |
| Marinade base | Baked potato topping |
| Pizza drizzle | Appetizer spread |
3. Recipe adjustments
To convert a dressing to a dip or vice versa, I typically focus on modifying the buttermilk ratio. Reducing the buttermilk yields a thicker consistency for dips, while increasing it creates a more fluid dressing. Additionally, incorporating Greek yogurt into dips can boost both thickness and tanginess, enhancing their scoopability without sacrificing flavor.
How to use
1. As a salad dressing
2. As a dip for vegetables and snacks like potato chips, pretzels, and chicken wings, adding a tangy zip to each bite.
3. In cooking and recipe integration
- Mixing into mashed potatoes for added flavor
- Using as a marinade for grilled chicken
- Stirring into pasta salads for a creamy dressing
- Drizzling over pizza as a finishing touch
- Incorporating into breading for fried foods
4. Other uses
- Blending into smoothies for a savory twist
- Using as a base for chilled summer soups
- Incorporating into homemade ice cream for a unique flavor profile
- Mixing into bread dough for herb-infused loaves
