Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

This creamy buttermilk ranch dressing is tangy, delicious, and loaded with great ranch flavor. Fresh garlic and a touch of vinegar brighten the flavors.

IngredientsClear All

• 6 tbsp mayonnaise
• ¾ cup buttermilk (plus extra to thin if needed)
• ¾ cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced or made into paste
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried dill
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 2 tbsp fresh chives, minced
• White vinegar to taste
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Make garlic paste: If using garlic paste, either use a garlic press to press the clove directly into the bowl, or mince the garlic clove finely and use the flat of your knife to smear and press it into a smooth paste.

2. Combine ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, sour cream, and lemon juice until smooth.

3. Add seasonings: Add garlic paste, onion powder, dill, parsley, and chives. Whisk together thoroughly.

4. Season: Add white vinegar to taste (start with ½ tsp and adjust). Season with salt and pepper to your preference.

5. Adjust consistency: If the mixture is too thick, thin with additional buttermilk as desired.

6. Chill and serve: For best flavor, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend.

Notes

Storage:

• Stores in the refrigerator for up to 7 days
• Keep in an airtight container or jar

Tips:

• Fresh garlic paste provides better flavor than garlic powder
• Start with less vinegar and add to taste - it's easier to add more than to fix over-vinegared dressing
• Letting it chill for 30 minutes or more significantly improves the flavor
• If too thick for dressing, thin with buttermilk; if using as a dip, keep it thicker
• To make a thicker dip, add up to ½ cup additional sour cream

Variations:

• Add ¼ tsp cayenne pepper for a spicy ranch
• Use fresh dill instead of dried (use 1 tbsp fresh)
• Add 2 tbsp grated Parmesan for extra umami
• Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter version
• Add ½ tsp smoked paprika for a smoky flavor

Uses:

• Salad dressing
• Vegetable dip
• Chicken wing dip
• Pizza dip
• Sandwich spread
• Drizzle over baked potatoes

Nutrition

Per 2 tablespoon serving (recipe makes 16 servings):

• Calories: 43 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 3mg
• Sodium: 34mg
• Potassium: 15mg
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 1g
• Calcium: 29mg

Source

Adapted from Sip and Feast