Craving that creamy, dreamy ranch dressing you get at Longhorn Steakhouse? Stop dreaming and start making! This copycat recipe is surprisingly easy to whip up at home, using simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. It’s the perfect complement to everything from steak and chicken to veggies and fries. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will have you saying goodbye to store-bought ranch forever! This recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals. It's quick dinner ideas perfected!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mayonnaise (preferably Duke's for that authentic tang)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice/white vinegar)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons dried chives
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
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Combine the wet ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, buttermilk, and sour cream until smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps! This is a crucial step for a smooth, delicious homemade ranch.
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Add the dry ingredients: Add the garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Whisk everything together until well combined.
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Incorporate the fresh herbs: Gently stir in the chopped parsley and chives. Don't overmix; you want to keep the herbs vibrant in color and texture.
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Chill and serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dressing to thicken. This step is key for the best flavor. The longer it sits, the better it tastes!
Tips for the Best Homemade Ranch:
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Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs make all the difference! If you don't have fresh parsley and chives, you can use dried, but the flavor will be slightly less intense.
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Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic powder, onion powder, dill, salt, and pepper to your liking. Start with the recipe as is and then make it your own!
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Make it ahead: This ranch dressing can be made a day or two in advance. In fact, the flavors often improve with time!
Variations:
- Spicy Ranch: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
- Avocado Ranch: Blend in 1/2 of a ripe avocado for a creamier, richer dressing. This adds healthy fats and a beautiful green hue.
- Bacon Ranch: Crumble some cooked bacon and stir it into the dressing before chilling.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150
- Fat: 14g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
This Longhorn Steakhouse copycat ranch recipe is perfect for any occasion. Its delicious taste and ease of preparation make it a great addition to your repertoire of homemade cooking. Enjoy this delicious dish as a quick dinner idea, part of a healthy meal or alongside your favorite meats and sides. It's a simple recipe that consistently delivers amazing flavor – the best recipe for creamy ranch, guaranteed!