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I made this divine ranch dressing last weekend and I simply must share it with you. It's bursting with fresh herbs and creamy goodness that store bought versions just can't match. My family begs for this dressing and I always keep a jar ready in the fridge. The secret lies in balancing the herbs with just the right amount of buttermilk for that perfect consistency.
The Magic Behind This Ranch
Listen, I've spent years perfecting this recipe in my kitchen and it's become my signature dressing. The combination of fresh herbs with creamy ingredients creates this incredible flavor that just makes everything taste better. What I love most is how versatile it is you can make it thicker for dipping vegetables or thin it out for the perfect salad dressing. Trust me, once you try this recipe you'll understand why my friends always ask me to bring it to potlucks.
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What You'll Need From Your Kitchen
- Mayonnaise: ½ cup I use the full fat version for extra richness
- Sour Cream: ½ cup this adds such a lovely tang
- Dried Parsley: 1 teaspoon I sometimes use fresh from my garden
- Dry Dill: ½ teaspoon this gives it that classic ranch flavor
- Dried Chives: ¼ teaspoon or ½ teaspoon fresh when my garden is blooming
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon trust me on this amount
- Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon balances everything perfectly
- Sea Salt: ½ teaspoon I prefer pink Himalayan
- Black Pepper: ⅛ teaspoon freshly cracked is best
- Lemon Juice: 2-3 teaspoons fresh squeezed only please
- Buttermilk: 4-6 tablespoons depending on how thick you like it
Let's Make It Together
- Start With The Basics
- Grab your favorite mixing bowl and combine your mayo and sour cream. Add all those wonderful seasonings and squeeze in that fresh lemon juice.
- Mix It Up
- Get everything nice and smooth with your whisk. Make sure there aren't any lonely spice clusters hanging around.
- Perfect Your Texture
- Now comes the fun part. Pour in your buttermilk slowly. I usually start with 4 tablespoons and add more if I want it thinner.
- Let It Rest
- Pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours. This is when the magic happens and all those flavors get to know each other. Overnight is even better.
Ways To Enjoy It
This ranch makes everything taste incredible. I love it drizzled over a crisp garden salad or as a dip for warm buffalo wings. My kids can't get enough of it with carrot sticks and cucumber slices. Last week I served it at a party with some spicy chicken tenders and everyone went crazy for it. The possibilities are endless with this recipe.
Keeping It Fresh
Keep your ranch happy in an airtight container in the fridge. I use a cute mason jar that fits perfectly on my middle shelf. It stays fresh for about a week but honestly it never lasts that long in my house. Give it a good stir before using and you're good to go. Just remember not to freeze it or the texture gets weird.
What Makes This Recipe Special
The difference between this homemade ranch and the bottled stuff is night and day. The fresh lemon juice adds this brightness that you just can't get from the store bought version. Plus you can adjust everything to your taste. Want it tangier? Add more buttermilk. Craving more herbs? Toss them in. This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen and I know it will in yours too.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long does this dressing keep?
Stays fresh up to 1 week in fridge. Store in airtight container for best results.
- → Why wait before serving?
Resting time allows herbs to rehydrate and flavors to blend properly. Four hours minimum, overnight is best.
- → Can I make it thicker?
Use less buttermilk for dip consistency. Add more gradually to reach desired thickness.
- → Can I use dried herbs?
Yes, dried herbs work great. If using fresh, triple the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
- → How do I make buttermilk substitute?
Mix regular milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice, let sit 5 minutes. Use as directed in recipe.
Conclusion
Create a delicious homemade ranch dressing that's fresher and more flavorful than store-bought versions. By combining simple ingredients like mayonnaise, sour cream, and herbs, you can craft a versatile condiment perfect for salads, dips, and more.