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Are you a fan of ranch dressing? Even if you’re not, you’ll definitely like this homemade buttermilk ranch! It’s packed with dried spices, fresh garlic and lemon juice, and lots of creamy tang–plus none of the preservatives you’ll find in store bought ranch. Let’s dig in!
What is ranch dressing?
Ranch dressing is a combination of mayo, sour cream, and spices that’s used as a dip for veggies or as a salad dressing. In fact, it’s the most popular dressing in the United States! In my recipe, I add buttermilk, lemon juice, and freshly minced garlic for a real zesty kick and amazing flavor.
What is ranch dressing made of?
Ranch dressing is made from a combination of mayonnaise and sour cream (or Greek yogurt). It’s seasoned with dried spices like parsley, dill, onion powder, salt, and pepper. For buttermilk ranch, we also add a splash or two of buttermilk to add extra tang and to thin out the dressing.
When and where was ranch dressing invented?
You might be surprised to find out that ranch dressing was invented by Steve Henson in the 1950s when he was working in a remote part of Alaska. Steve and his wife Gayle opened a dude ranch called Hidden Valley Ranch in California in 1954, where tourists tried ranch dressing and loved it. Eventually, the dressing was made commercially, and grew in popularity throughout the whole United States.
Will ranch dressing make you fat?
Ranch dressing is fine to be enjoyed in moderation. A serving size of 2 tablespoons of homemade ranch has 137 calories, 15.7g of fat, and 1g of carbs. That’s definitely a little healthier than Hidden Valley Ranch, which has 140 calories, 14g of fat, and 2g of carbs. Homemade ranch has no unhealthy preservatives or chemicals in it like the packet or bottled ranch does.
Is buttermilk dressing the same as ranch dressing?
Buttermilk dressing is slightly different from ranch in that it doesn’t contain herbs, like ranch does.
What is the best ranch salad dressing?
The best ranch salad dressing is the one you make yourself! I think that our recipe tastes 10 times better than the store bought ranch dressing. It’s got a nice kick from the fresh garlic and lemon juice, plus a thick, creamy texture and tangy flavor.
How do you make ranch seasoning?
Making your own ranch seasoning is a quick and healthier than buying store bought! Simply mix together the dried spices in the recipe (parsley, dill, onion powder, salt, and pepper) and set aside to use later. Feel free to add dried chives, garlic powder, or dried minced onion if that strikes your fancy.
You can also add buttermilk powder to the spice mixture. This means that you can mix the dried spices with mayo and milk instead of having to use real buttermilk. For more details on making your own ranch mix, check out Ali’s recipe and tips.
Can I make my own buttermilk for ranch dressing?
Yes, you absolutely can make your own buttermilk for ranch dressing. Pour 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of lemon juice or distilled white vinegar into a 1-cup (240 ml) measuring cup. Fill the measuring cup the rest of the way with milk, then gently stir and let it stand at room temperature for 10 minutes. This allows the milk to curdle.
If you can run to the store to get some cultured buttermilk, I’d recommend that over using the substitute. Store-bought buttermilk has healthy probiotic cultures, a distinctive tangy flavor, and thick texture that you don’t get in this quick homemade buttermilk.
How long does buttermilk ranch dressing last?
Homemade ranch dressing will last for about 1 week in the fridge. Seal it tightly inside of a mason jar to retain freshness and keep out odors.
Can you freeze buttermilk ranch dressing?
No, you shouldn’t freeze ranch dressing. The mayo and sour cream will separate once they’re thawed, giving the dressing an undesirable consistency. It’s best to make enough ranch that you can eat within a week, and just store it tightly sealed in the fridge.
How to Make Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
Measure out the ingredients. You’ll need mayo, sour cream, lemon juice, minced garlic, buttermilk, and spices. The spices are parsley, dill, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Put all the ingredients except the buttermilk into a bowl.
Whisk until smooth, then gradually add the buttermilk to thin out the dressing.
Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings as desired, then serve with veggies as a dip or as a salad dressing.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh garlic and lemon juice for the best flavor. It’s the secret to great-tasting ranch!
- Use the best quality mayo. Our favorite is Duke’s, but you can always make your own.
- Don’t have sour cream? Substitute with an equal volume of Greek yogurt.
- Run out of buttermilk? Use the separated liquid from the sour cream carton, whole milk, or heavy cream instead. You might want to add an extra dash of lemon juice for tang.
- Adjust seasonings to taste. This is an important step, as you might want the dressing to have extra lemon or garlic.
- Add the buttermilk at the end. This is just to thin out the dressing and add extra tang.
Our Favorite Kitchen Tools for Ranch Dressing
- Duke’s Mayo: this is our all-time favorite brand of mayo, ever.
- Stainless Steel Whisks: these rust-resistant whisks don’t bend out of shape.
- Measuring Spoons: these measuring spoons have served us well for years.
- Citrus Reamer: squeezing lemon juice couldn’t be easier with this tool!
- Bamboo Cutting Board: this spacious cutting board is great for mincing garlic.
Use your amazing ranch dressing in these delicious recipes.
- Layered Salad: this impressive salad is packed with healthy, colorful veggies.
- Buffalo Chicken Dip: this creamy, spicy, and cheesy dip is the perfect game day snack.
- Sausage Balls: these tender, cheesy balls would taste amazing dipped in ranch.
The pleasure of a 5-star review for this buttermilk ranch dressing recipe would be greatly appreciated.
Print
Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 1/3 cups 1x
Print Recipe
Pin RecipeDescription
This creamy buttermilk ranch dressing tastes way better than the packet mix version! This recipe is super quick to make; just mix together mayo, sour cream, lemon, garlic, spices, and buttermilk. You won’t want to go back to store bought dressing again!
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup Duke’s mayo (168g)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (120g)
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (15 ml)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 2 tablespoons buttermilk (30 ml)
Instructions
- Measure the mayo, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic, and spices into a medium bowl and whisk until smooth.
- Taste and adjust the amount of lemon, garlic, and seasonings to your personal taste.
- Thin the dressing with the buttermilk until it is your preferred consistency.
- Eat immediately or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Make this recipe perfectly the first time. Check out the step-by-step photos and pro tips before the recipe card.
- The pleasure of a 5-star review for this buttermilk ranch dressing recipe would be greatly appreciated.
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- Category: Salad Dressing
- Method: Whisked
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: buttermilk ranch recipe, hidden valley ranch dressing recipe
This tangy dip is lemony and full of spices. The garlic in it is delightfully pungent.
★★★★★
I love the combination of lemon and garlic too! Thanks for commenting, Beth,
The garlic in the ranch is delicious! The dressing tastes good on lettuce or with veggies. This dip tastes so good, it’s beyond description. 😋
★★★★★
I’m glad you enjoyed it that much, Alex!