Homemade Ranch Dressing: Creamy, Fresh, and Flavorful

Homemade Ranch Dressing is a versatile and delicious condiment that elevates salads, vegetables, and snacks to a whole new level. Making your own ranch dressing from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and create a dressing that’s creamy, fresh, and packed with flavor. It’s perfect for dipping, drizzling, and dressing up your favorite dishes.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried dill)
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Gather Your Ingredients:

  • Ensure you have all the ingredients ready for mixing.

2. Combine the Wet Ingredients:

  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk until smooth.

3. Add the Flavorful Elements:

  • Stir in the fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, freshly chopped parsley, freshly chopped chives, and freshly chopped dill (or dried dill if using).
  • Season the mixture with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the seasonings to your taste preferences.

4. Mix Thoroughly:

  • Use a whisk to thoroughly combine all the ingredients. Make sure the herbs and seasonings are evenly distributed.

5. Adjust Consistency:

  • If you prefer a thinner ranch dressing, you can add a little more buttermilk until you reach your desired consistency. Conversely, if you want it thicker, use less buttermilk.

6. Refrigerate:

  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the dressing to an airtight container.
  • Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the dressing to thicken slightly.

7. Serve:

  • Homemade Ranch Dressing is ready to enjoy as a dip for veggies, a drizzle over salads, or a condiment for sandwiches and wraps.

8. Store:

  • Store any unused dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Be sure to give it a good stir before using if it separates.

Homemade Ranch Dressing is a flavorful and creamy condiment that adds a burst of freshness to a variety of dishes. You can taste the rich blend of herbs, garlic, and tangy buttermilk in every bite by making it from scratch. This homemade version is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen, whether you’re dressing a salad or using it as a dip.