Ingredients
1 cup mayonnaise (preferably homemade or a high-quality brand)
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (or white vinegar)
2 cloves garlic (minced or pressed)
1 teaspoon dried dill weed (or 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped)
1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped)
1/2 teaspoon dried chives (or 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped)
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Optional: pinch of sugar (to balance flavors if needed).
Instructions
1. Combine Base Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk. Whisk together until smooth and well blended.
2. Add Flavorings
Add the lemon juice, minced garlic, dill weed, parsley, chives, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir well to incorporate all the ingredients.
3. Season
Season the ranch dressing with salt and black pepper to taste. If you like a slightly sweeter ranch, add a pinch of sugar and stir to combine.
4. Chill
For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the ranch dressing for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and develop.
5. Stir and Serve
Give the dressing a good stir before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Tips for Success
Fresh Herbs: Use fresh herbs if possible for the best flavor. If using dried herbs, make sure they are fresh and not past their prime.
Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Texture Adjustment: Adjust the consistency of the ranch by adding more buttermilk or milk if you prefer a thinner dressing.
Customization: Feel free to tweak the seasoning or add extra ingredients like a splash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
Serving Suggestions
Salads: Use as a dressing for your favorite salads, whether it’s a simple green salad or a hearty pasta salad.
Dipping Sauce: Serve with fresh vegetable sticks, chicken wings, or even as a dip for crispy fries.
Sandwiches and Wraps: Spread on sandwiches and wraps for extra flavor.
Storage
Store leftover ranch dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The dressing may thicken over time; simply stir in a little buttermilk or milk to reach your desired consistency.
Enjoy this homemade ranch dressing as a delicious, versatile addition to your meals!
