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Authentic Ranch Dressing Recipe
Santa Barbara, United States of America
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We strongly advise you to read the cooking tips before jumping to the recipe though
Introduction & history
Creamy, herby, and simple to make, ranch sauce is by far the most popular salad dressing in the USA. However, it is also commonly used as a dip for chips, fried foods, and vegetables, or as a condiment in burgers, pizzas, and sandwiches. Although there are many industrial versions available, ranch dressing can easily be prepared at home. Mayonnaise, buttermilk, and sometimes sour cream are whisked in a bowl, while fresh onions and garlic are crushed into a paste with some salt. Alternatively, powdered garlic and onion can also be used. Fresh or dried herbs, typically chives, parsley, and dill, are stirred in, and to finish, the dressing is seasoned with salt, pepper, and mustard. Ranch dressing should be refrigerated before serving and can keep for a week if stored in an air-tight container.
Serve With
Cooking tips
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buttermilk
Buttermilk is a liquid dairy product which is made after the butter is churned out of cultured cream. Its taste is slightly sour, somewhat similar to yogurt, and it is thicker than regular milk, but not as thick as cream. When you prepare ranch dressing, use fresh, well-chilled buttermilk. If buttermilk is not available, you can easily substitute it with milk to which you have added a spoonful of ... Read more -
mayonnaise
Use full-fat mayonnaise in ranch dressing preparation. If you wish to lower the fat percentage, replace the mayonnaise with sour cream. If possible, avoid low-fat mayonnaise, since it will not make the dressing as rich and creamy. -
onion and garlic
To make the ranch dressing, you can either use fresh onions and garlic or opt for their powdered versions. If using fresh onions and garlic, peel them, finely chop the onion, and crush them into a paste in a mortar and pestle. -
herbs
Typically, ranch dressing is made with fresh, finely chopped chives, parsley, and dill. If you wish, you can add other herbs such as basil, thyme, and oregano. If you use dried herbs, make sure they have not evaporated and changed flavor. -
spices and seasonings
A simple combination of salt and pepper is a fail-proof seasoning choice for ranch dressing. Some recipes include mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, paprika, and chili. -
keeping
If stored in an air-tight container, homemade ranch dressing can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Recipe variations
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Classic Ranch Dressing
Ready in 20minThe following recipe shows the basic and classic ranch dressing preparation method. To get the best result, use fresh onion, garlic, and herbs, and upgrade the taste with some dry mustard. The recipe is adapted from Epicurious.com, Condé Nast's digital platform dealing with food and cooking topics.
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Ree Drummond's Ranch Dressing with Worcestershire Sauce, Paprika, and Vinegar
Ready in 15minThe following ranch dressing recipe is adapted from The Pioneer Woman cooking show by Ree Drummond. In this variety of ranch dressing, the base is a mix of mayonnaise, buttermilk, and sour cream that, apart from the traditional herbs and vegetables, is also seasoned with Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce.
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Vegan Ranch Dressing
Ready in 1h 40minAs the most popular US salad dressing, ranch dressing has numerous variations, including vegan ones. This recipe was adapted from organicauthority.com, a popular and leading U.S. wellness platform. The egg-based mayonnaise is replaced with a vegan version, while buttermilk is substituted with almond milk.
Classic Ranch Dressing
PREP 20min
READY IN 20min
The following recipe shows the basic and classic ranch dressing preparation method. To get the best result, use fresh onion, garlic, and herbs, and upgrade the taste with some dry mustard. The recipe is adapted from Epicurious.com, Condé Nast's digital platform dealing with food and cooking topics.
Ingredients
Classic Ranch Dressing
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 clove garlic
1 tbsp onion
1/8 tsp fine sea salt
1/2 tsp dry mustard
2 tbsp fresh chives
1 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 tbsp fresh dill
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Preparation
1
Classic Ranch Dressing
Step 1/5
Combine mayonnaise and buttermilk in a small bowl.
Step 2/5
Peel the garlic and chop the onion finely. Add sea salt and crush into a paste using a mortar and pestle.
Step 3/5
Add onion and garlic paste and mustard to the mayonnaise and buttermilk mixture.
Step 4/5
Chop the chives, parsley, and dill. Stir them into the dressing and season it with freshly ground black pepper. If necessary, add more salt.
Step 5/5
Chill the ranch dressing in the refrigerator and serve.
Other Variations
-
Ree Drummond's Ranch Dressing with Worcestershire Sauce, Paprika, and Vinegar
Ready in 15minThe following ranch dressing recipe is adapted from The Pioneer Woman cooking show by Ree Drummond. In this variety of ranch dressing, the base is a mix of mayonnaise, buttermilk, and sour cream that, apart from the traditional herbs and vegetables, is also seasoned with Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce.
-
Vegan Ranch Dressing
Ready in 1h 40minAs the most popular US salad dressing, ranch dressing has numerous variations, including vegan ones. This recipe was adapted from organicauthority.com, a popular and leading U.S. wellness platform. The egg-based mayonnaise is replaced with a vegan version, while buttermilk is substituted with almond milk.
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