Tired of store-bought ranch that lacks the pop of bright fresh flavors? Our homemade buttermilk ranch dressing is about to change your dipping game forever.
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Toss out boring, bland bottled dressings once and for all
We’ve cracked the code on this classic, balancing dried herbs for that authentic ranch flavor, then kicking this condiment recipe up a notch with our secret ingredient: onion powder. This simple addition delivers a bolder, more satisfying ranch experience and reminds us of the familiar packets we used to use.
Ingredients for homemade ranch dressing
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Parsley
- Dill
- Chives
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream
- Buttermilk
- Vinegar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
How to Make Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
- Mix the Spices:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together onion powder, garlic powder, parsley, dill, and chives to create a flavorful spice base.
- Combine with Creamy Ingredients:
- Add mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk to the spices. Stir thoroughly to ensure the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Season:
- Incorporate vinegar to add a subtle tang, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Store:
- Transfer the dressing to a resealable glass jar and refrigerate. It can be stored and used for up to 4 days.
Why Onion Powder Matters
- Flavor Depth: Onion powder provides a more concentrated, bold flavor than fresh onions, which is crucial in creating a ranch dressing with a memorable taste.
- Consistency: Using onion powder helps maintain a smooth texture in the dressing, without the bits that fresh onions would contribute.
- Ease of Use: It simplifies the recipe process, ensuring that anyone can make this dressing quickly and with pantry staples. You read that right, no chopping onions!
Tips for Perfect Ranch Dressing
- Adjust Consistency: Depending on your preference for thickness, adjust the amount of buttermilk or mayo to achieve the desired consistency for dressing or dipping.
- Fresh vs. Dried Herbs: While dried herbs are convenient and essential for the signature ranch flavor, feel free to add fresh herbs, if available, to enhance the dressing’s vibrancy. We particularly love fresh chives.
- Taste and Adjust: After mixing, taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings if necessary. Sometimes a little extra pinch of salt or a dash more vinegar can make all the difference.
How to Serve
Drizzle this homemade buttermilk ranch dressing over a classic Cobb salad, use it as a dip for fresh veggies, a fry sauce, or as a creamy sauce in wraps and sandwiches. Or use it as a base for coleslaw and sauces. And, it’s versatile, pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, and is a go-to salad dressing any day of the week.
This homemade buttermilk ranch dressing is not just a condiment; it’s a game-changer in the kitchen. With its creamy texture and robust flavor, courtesy of key ingredients like onion powder, it’s sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Whip up a batch today and transform ordinary salads into extraordinary ones!
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This is game-changing homemade buttermilk ranch dressing that perfectly balances creamy tanginess with a bold herb flavor, elevated by our secret ingredient: onion powder. This versatile recipe gives you a ranch dressing that’s ideal for salads, veggies, wings, and more, promising to outshine any store-bought version with its fresh, robust taste.
Prevent your screen from going to sleep
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Whisk the spices together in a bowl.
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Add the mayo, sour cream and buttermilk and stir to combine.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Transfer to a resealable glass jar and store in the fridge until ready to use, for up to 4 days.
- Adjust Consistency: Depending on your preference for thickness, adjust the amount of buttermilk or mayo to achieve the desired consistency for dressing or dipping.
- Fresh vs. Dried Herbs: While dried herbs are convenient and essential for the signature ranch flavor, feel free to add fresh herbs if available, to enhance the dressing’s vibrancy.
- Taste and Adjust: After mixing, taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings if necessary. Sometimes a little extra pinch of salt or a dash more vinegar can make all the difference.
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 35kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 31mg | Potassium: 15mg | Fiber: 0.03g | Sugar: 0.4g | Vitamin A: 37IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 0.02mg
FAQs
Not a whole lot, other than buttermilk adds a zing and a bit more sourness that you simply can’t get without it. It is also a little thinner. To thicken, use a bit of sour cream.
