Are you tired of store-bought dressings packed with artificial ingredients and lacking that fresh, homemade taste? Then get ready to elevate your salads and dips with this incredible Better Homes and Gardens-inspired creamy ranch dressing recipe! This easy recipe is perfect for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs, delivering a delicious and healthy homemade dressing in minutes. It's the perfect addition to your quick dinner ideas, transforming even the simplest salads into delicious dishes. This recipe is a family favorite, bringing a homemade touch to your meals, far surpassing any store-bought option.
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it easy to whip up even on a busy weeknight.
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (choose your favorite brand)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
- 2 tablespoons dried dill
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Best Ranch Dressing
Follow these simple instructions to create a creamy, flavorful ranch dressing that will impress your family and friends.
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and mayonnaise until well combined. This creates a smooth base for your dressing.
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Add Herbs and Spices: Stir in the chopped parsley, chives, dried dill, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is thoroughly incorporated.
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Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This chilling step enhances the overall taste, making the dressing even more delicious. Serve chilled over your favorite salads, vegetables, or use as a dip for chicken wings or fries.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Ranch Dressing Every Time
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Fresh Herbs: Using fresh herbs significantly improves the flavor of the dressing. If fresh herbs aren't available, you can substitute with 1 tablespoon of dried mixed herbs.
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Adjust to Taste: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your preference. If you like a tangier dressing, add a little more lemon juice. For a garlicky kick, add an extra half teaspoon of garlic powder.
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Make it Ahead: This dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
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Variations: Experiment with different herbs and spices! Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy ranch, or swap the dill for oregano or thyme.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 150
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 1g
This Better Homes and Gardens-inspired ranch dressing recipe is a guaranteed hit. It's quick, easy, delicious, and perfect for adding a homemade touch to your favorite dishes. Enjoy!