Description
Creamy homemade ranch salad dressing brings zesty flavor to any plate, elevating simple greens with its tangy herb-packed goodness. Ranch lovers will delight in this quick, fresh alternative that blends perfectly with crisp salads and makes you the star of any mealtime.
Ingredients
Scale
Dairy Base:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- ½ cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 teaspoon lemon juice)
Herbs and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried chives (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Acidic Component:
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (or white vinegar, for extra tang)
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients in a medium-sized mixing vessel to prepare the creamy ranch dressing.
- Create a silky foundation by whisking mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk until the mixture achieves a uniform, smooth consistency.
- Introduce aromatic seasonings including garlic powder, onion powder, finely chopped dill, fresh parsley, and delicate chives into the creamy base.
- Enhance the flavor profile by incorporating a splash of bright lemon juice, which will add a subtle tangy undertone to the dressing.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, carefully balancing the spices to create a harmonious blend of flavors.
- Thoroughly incorporate all ingredients, ensuring each component is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Transfer the dressing to a sealed container and place in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing the herbs and spices to meld and intensify their flavors.
- Before serving, give the dressing a gentle stir to reincorporate any separated ingredients and restore its creamy texture.
- Versatile and delicious, this homemade ranch can be drizzled over salads, used as a dipping sauce for vegetables, or spread on sandwiches for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- Customize the consistency by adjusting buttermilk amount for thinner or thicker dressing preferences.
- Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a more vibrant and intense flavor profile that elevates the entire recipe.
- Swap traditional mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or vegan alternatives to create healthier or dietary-specific versions of the ranch dressing.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, allowing flavors to continue developing and intensifying over time.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg