Description
Creamy homemade ranch salad dressing blends tangy buttermilk with zesty herbs for a classic American condiment. Chefs mix simple ingredients to create a versatile dressing that elevates salads and enhances your culinary experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tsp lemon juice)
- ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp dried dill
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp lemon juice (or white vinegar, for extra tang)
- ½ tsp dried chives (optional)
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Blend Base: Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk into a silky, uniform mixture ensuring a smooth, creamy foundation for the ranch dressing.
- Infuse Aromatics: Gently fold in garlic powder, onion powder, dill, parsley, and chives, distributing the herbs evenly to create a complex flavor profile.
- Elevate Taste: Splash lemon juice into the mixture, adding a bright, tangy dimension while carefully seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to balance the overall taste.
- Meld Flavors: Thoroughly mix all ingredients to ensure complete integration, then transfer to a sealed container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the herbs and spices to develop a rich, harmonious flavor.
- Serve & Enjoy: Stir the chilled dressing before serving, creating a versatile condiment perfect for drizzling over salads, dipping vegetables, or enhancing sandwiches with its vibrant, creamy essence.
Notes
- Chill for Maximum Flavor: Refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes to allow herbs and spices to blend, creating a more robust and balanced taste profile.
- Customize Herb Intensity: Adjust the amount of fresh herbs like dill, parsley, and chives to suit personal preference, ensuring a personalized flavor experience.
- Maintain Creamy Consistency: Whisk ingredients thoroughly and avoid overmixing to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, velvety texture.
- Dietary Adaptation: Swap regular mayonnaise and sour cream with Greek yogurt or vegan alternatives for a lighter, healthier version suitable for different dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 128
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 163 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg