Hi friends, as I promised last week…I am starting a little series called Back to Basics. Each week I will share a quick…easy…yummy recipe or two that is a great go to and can be whipped up quickly. Everyone loves a good salad and one topped with Homemade Creamy Ranch Dressing is at the top of many peoples list…so that is where we are going to start today! This dreamy and creamy blend will be perfect for the most simple of salads and ones that are embellished! A smile is guaranteed!
So if you want to have this Homemade Creamy Ranch Dressing for your dinner tonight…make it ahead of time…the longer it sits and the flavors marry…the better it is! Sealed tight it will stay fresh in the fridge for about a week (it won’t last that long : )
Let’s whip some Homemade Creamy Ranch Dressing up right now! You will need a pint size mason jar…yep…we are going to put everything in one jar and shake shake shake!
Ingredients:
1/2 cup full fat buttermilk
1/4 cup of sour cream
1/4 cup of whole milk Greek yogurt (you can use and extra 1/4 cup of sour cream if you don’t like yogurt…I love the zip!)
1/4 cup of a very good mayo
1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
1 heaping tablespoon of fresh chives…if you don’t have chives…you can substitute with thinly sliced scallions (greens only)
1 tablespoon of your favorite herbs…parsley…tarragon…thyme…rosemary…dill…finely minced
(if you are using dry herbs…2 teaspoons will do…dried herbs are much more intense in flavor)
1 clove of garlic minced fine or the best thing to do is use a microplane grater…it works perfectly and no one will get an unexpected bit of raw garlic! I use it for MANY recipes!
1/8 teaspoon of salt and freshly ground pepper to tast
Directions:
Put all of the ingredients into the mason jar and shake…shake…shake!!! Taste…if your taste buds are telling you you need a bit more of something…add it…shake again and then simply place in the fridge where it will get even yummier while waiting to crown your favorite salad!
A few tips:
I highly recommend a full fat buttermilk…it is richer and creamier and will create a dreamy dressing.
A good rich mayo is very important also…we can create some light dressings another time…but if you are looking for that rich and creamy dressing…be sure to use a good mayo
I like to add a dash of hot sauce (Sriracha) for a little zing…if you like a little heat…it is really yummy
Use your favorite herbs…there is not “fixed” combo…create to your taste! One thing that I believe you truly need are the chives/scallions : )
Drizzle over your favorite salad…this one is a basic Romaine Lettuce Salad with thinly slice English Cucumbers and a melange of Cherry Tomatoes! Topped with Homemade Crunchy Herb & Cheese Croutons! YUM YUM!
I have a feeling you won’t be buying Ranch Dressing any more! There’s nothing like FRESH!
Bon Appetit and make sure to check out the Homemade Crunchy Herb & Cheese Croutons…another new Back to Basics Recipe!
Linda @ Mason Jar Crafts Love says
Okay, have to pin this one too — to go with those awesome croutons! I’ve never been quite so excited about eating salad! Ha!
🙂 Linda
Andrea says
You made me smile this morning!!! Being a “veggie” Salad is a part of like…so might as well make it fun! lol!!! hugs…
Laura Strack says
We always keep the other famous ranch dressing packets on hand because we love it so much, but to make it homemade has to be healthier and taste so much better. I’ve tried some copy cat recipes before and they just didn’t taste good. Can’t wait to try this recipe. Thanks, Andrea 🙂
Andrea says
Hi there Laura! How are you : ) I hear you…that little packet is pretty tasty! : ) This is a much healthier version and I do have to say it is really tasty. If you like it really spiced…just add a bit more of everything : ) Another hint…the longer is sits…the tastier : ) I sure hope you enjoy it! Let me know ok : ) This is not quote on quote “copy cat” it’s the way we have found we really love it! : ) ENJOY!!! hugs…
Holly Nelson says
This looks delicious – thanks! Pinning!