Ah, ranch dressing—a deceptively simple concoction that holds the power to elevate just about any dish to new heights of creamy, tangy perfection. I once thought ranch was simply a bottled afterthought in the grocery aisle, until I tried making it from scratch. Imagine the difference between a store-bought melody and a live orchestra! This version, with its fresh herbs and a hint of garlic, might just make you reconsider everything you thought you knew about salads, veggies, and even pizza crusts.
Steps
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine sour cream, ¼ cup of mayonnaise, and 2 tablespoons of milk. Add dried dill, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, and some freshly ground pepper.
- Whisk the mixture until smooth and well-combined. For a thicker consistency, incorporate more mayonnaise, or for a thinner consistency, add extra milk.
- Adjust the seasoning to your liking by adding more salt or pepper if needed. If desired, fold in fresh chives and dill for added flavor.
- Chill the dressing in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. It can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Use the dressing as a dip or salad dressing, or try it with roasted vegetables or pizza as suggested.
Ingredients
- Sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Dried dill
- Lemon juice
- Distilled white vinegar
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground pepper
- Fresh chives (optional)
- Fresh dill (optional)
FAQ
- Can I use a substitute for sour cream in this ranch dressing recipe?
- Yes, whole milk Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream in this recipe. It will maintain the creamy texture while adding a slight tang.
- What can I use instead of buttermilk if I don’t have any on hand?
- Regular milk can be used in place of buttermilk. If you need a dairy-free option, consider trying a vegan ranch dressing recipe.
- How can I adjust the thickness of the ranch dressing?
- To make the dressing thicker, add more mayonnaise. If a thinner consistency is preferred, simply stir in additional milk.
- How long can I store homemade ranch dressing, and what’s the best way to store it?
- Store the ranch dressing in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to five days.
- Are fresh herbs necessary for this ranch dressing recipe?
- Fresh herbs like dill and chives are optional but recommended for added freshness and flavor. If unavailable, you can skip them or substitute with fresh parsley.
Tips
- Adjust Consistency as Needed: If you prefer a thicker ranch dressing for dipping, simply add more mayonnaise. For a thinner version to drizzle over salads, mix in additional milk.
- Enhance Flavor with Fresh Herbs: While optional, incorporating fresh dill and chives into the dressing can add a delightful freshness and deepen its savory flavor.
- Experiment with Substitutions: If you’re out of sour cream, Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute. For buttermilk, regular milk can work as well, or explore vegan options if needed.
- Store Properly for Freshness: Keep your homemade ranch dressing in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to five days. This makes it convenient for snacking or as a quick addition to meals.
Equipment
- Airtight Container or Jar – Useful for storing the homemade ranch dressing in the refrigerator.
- Whisk – Essential for mixing the ingredients smoothly.
- Medium Mixing Bowl – A good size for combining and whisking the dressing ingredients together.
