Are you tired of the same old coleslaw? Ready to elevate your next barbecue or potluck with a dressing that’s both incredibly flavorful and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This homemade ranch coleslaw dressing recipe is your answer. Forget those bland, store-bought versions; this creamy, tangy concoction will transform your humble coleslaw into a truly delicious dish. It's perfect for busy weeknights because it's one of those quick dinner ideas that still feels special. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet stunning recipe!
Ingredients:
This recipe makes approximately 1 ½ cups of dressing, enough for a generous-sized coleslaw. Adjust quantities as needed.
- 1 cup mayonnaise (best quality you have available)
- ½ cup buttermilk (or sour cream for a richer flavor)
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
- 1 tablespoon dried dill
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and buttermilk until smooth. This is your base for delicious homemade cooking.
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Add Herbs and Spices: Stir in the chopped parsley and chives, dried dill, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until everything is well combined and the dressing is evenly colored.
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Taste and Adjust: Give the dressing a good taste test. You might want to adjust the seasonings to your preference. Add more lemon juice for extra tang, salt for extra savoriness, or a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors. This is where the magic of homemade cooking truly shines.
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Chill (Optional): For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. However, if you're short on time, you can certainly use it immediately.
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Dress Your Coleslaw: Once your coleslaw is prepared (shredded cabbage, carrots, etc.), pour the dressing over it and toss gently to coat.
Tips and Variations:
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Fresh Herbs: Using fresh herbs makes a significant difference in the taste of this dressing. If you don’t have fresh parsley and chives, you can substitute with 1 tablespoon of dried mixed herbs.
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Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
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Creamy Variations: For an even creamier dressing, substitute heavy cream for some of the buttermilk.
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Tangy Twist: Add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar for a sharper, more acidic flavor.
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Make it Ahead: This dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is approximate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used. One serving is considered to be approximately ¼ cup of dressing.
- Calories: 150-200
- Fat: 15-20g
- Saturated Fat: 3-5g
- Cholesterol: 5-10mg
- Sodium: 100-150mg
This Ranch Coleslaw Dressing is a fantastic addition to any healthy meal. It’s a simple yet elegant way to make your coleslaw stand out from the crowd. Enjoy!