Are you ready to ditch the store-bought stuff and experience the creamy, tangy delight of truly amazing ranch dressing? This recipe, inspired by the Pioneer Woman herself, Ree Drummond, is incredibly easy to make, uses fresh ingredients, and tastes infinitely better than anything you can find in a bottle. Get ready to elevate your salads, dips, and even your chicken wings with this simple yet incredibly flavorful homemade ranch dressing recipe. It’s a delicious and versatile addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meal options. Perfect for a quick dinner idea or a homemade cooking project!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mayonnaise (choose your favorite brand!)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar added)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh chives
- 2 tablespoons dried dill
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and buttermilk until smooth and creamy. This simple step is crucial for a well-emulsified dressing.
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Add Herbs and Spices: Stir in the chopped parsley, chives, dill, minced garlic, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well incorporated.
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Taste and Adjust: Taste the ranch dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or herbs to your liking. This is where your personal touch comes in!
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Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step enhances the depth of flavor, making the dressing even more delicious. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Ranch Dressing:
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Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: Using fresh herbs elevates the flavor significantly. If fresh herbs aren't available, you can substitute with 1 tablespoon of dried herbs, but remember to reduce the amount.
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Buttermilk vs. Milk: Buttermilk adds a tangy depth that complements the creamy mayonnaise perfectly. If you don't have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by adding lemon juice or white vinegar to regular milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to curdle slightly.
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Adjust to Your Taste: Don't be afraid to experiment! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick, or some extra garlic powder for a stronger garlic flavor. The beauty of homemade dressing is the ability to customize it to your preference.
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Storage: Store leftover ranch dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Variations:
- Spicy Ranch: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Garlic Ranch: Increase the amount of minced garlic or add a teaspoon of garlic powder for a stronger garlic flavor.
- Dill Ranch: Increase the amount of dill to make the dill flavor more prominent.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: High
- Protein: Moderate
- Carbohydrates: Low
This delicious homemade ranch dressing is perfect for salads, vegetables, chips, and so much more! It’s a crowd-pleaser and a great way to add flavor to your favorite dishes. Enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of this Ree Drummond-inspired recipe, perfect for both quick weeknight meals and special occasions. Let us know in the comments how you enjoyed it!