Are you craving that creamy, cool, and incredibly addictive ranch dressing but looking for a healthier option? Look no further! This Greek yogurt Hidden Valley Ranch dressing recipe delivers all the tangy, herbaceous goodness you love, but with a lighter, healthier twist. It's surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights. This homemade ranch is a delicious and healthy addition to your favorite salads, vegetables, or even as a dip for chicken nuggets! Get ready to experience the best of both worlds – flavor and health!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat for extra creaminess)
- 1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning mix
- 1/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning mix, milk, dill, parsley, minced garlic, and lemon juice until completely smooth and creamy. This step ensures even distribution of flavor.
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Season to Perfection: Add the onion powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want more lemon juice for extra tang or a pinch more salt for extra depth.
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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 profile, making the flavors more intense.
Tips for the Best Homemade Ranch:
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Greek Yogurt Type: Full-fat Greek yogurt will create the creamiest dressing. However, you can use low-fat or non-fat if you prefer a lighter option, although the consistency might be slightly thinner.
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Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs significantly elevate the flavor of this ranch dressing. If you don't have fresh herbs, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of dried dill and 1 teaspoon of dried parsley. Remember that dried herbs are more potent, so use less than fresh herbs.
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Adjust to Taste: Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking. Add more or less of any ingredient to suit your preferences. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
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Storage: Store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Variations:
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Garlic Lover's Ranch: Add an extra clove of garlic or a teaspoon of garlic powder for a more intense garlic flavor.
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Spicy Ranch: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
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Avocado Ranch: Blend in ½ a ripe avocado for a richer, creamier, and healthier version.
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Roasted Red Pepper Ranch: Add a tablespoon of roasted red pepper for a smoky sweetness.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. This recipe makes approximately 2 cups of dressing.
- Calories: Approximately 70-90 per 2 tablespoons
- Fat: 5-7g
- Protein: 3-4g
- Carbohydrates: 3-4g
This easy and healthy Greek yogurt Hidden Valley Ranch dressing recipe is a delightful addition to your healthy meal repertoire. It's a perfect example of how homemade cooking can be both delicious and nutritious, offering a quick and easy solution for a healthy, flavorful meal. Enjoy!