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Restaurant Style Ranch Dressing

This restaurant style ranch dressing is packed full of flavor with just the right amount of creamy, tangy, and fresh herb taste. You will think you are eating at a fine dining restaurant right at home.

Salad Dressing with Fresh Herb Taste

Whether you put it on your salads, drizzle it on a sandwich, or use it as a dipping sauce, this salad dressing is just delicious. We generally have a store brand bottle of ranch dressing in the refrigerator and use it often. However, once we have this freshly made salad dressing, it is gone in a flash. That is a telltale sign that using fresh herbs amps up the flavors in this recipe.

Restaurant Style Ranch Dressing

Ratio of Using Fresh versus Dried Herbs

Generally a good ratio is 1 to 3 when substituting dried herbs for fresh. Dried herbs tend to have a deeper flavor than fresh. Therefore, add less dry herbs than you would with fresh herbs. If the adjustment is not made the dried herbs can overtake the recipe with too strong of a flavor.

While I prefer the element that fresh herbs adds to this recipe, you can certainly use dried herbs in this recipe. If using dried herbs, make sure to let this ranch dressing sit overnight. This helps them rehydrate and flavor the buttermilk mixture. I have found that dried herbs help this last a bit longer in the refrigerator too; approximately 7-10 days.

Fresh Herbs

What is Buttermilk?

Buttermilk is the liquid that is left behind after churning cream and making butter. You can find containers of buttermilk in the store.  

However, if you have whole milk at home, you can make your own in a pinch. It does not have quite the same taste, but it can be substituted in this recipe. The milk must curdle to get that tangy taste and thicken just a bit.

Here are three ways to make your own buttermilk with whole milk.

Add 1 Tablespoon of white vinegar, or lemon juice, or cream of tartar to 1 Cup of whole milk.

No matter what method you use to make your own buttermilk: let sit for 5 minutes for the magic to happen. When it is ready to use, the milk will begin to curdle and thicken.

Homemade Ranch Dressing

Buttermilk Alternative

If you prefer, the buttermilk can be swapped out for sour cream or Greek yogurt that is thinned with a few tablespoons of milk.

Better yet, skip thinning the sour cream and Greek yogurt and make a ranch dip. Try adding half a cup of grated cheddar cheese or 3-4 pieces of bacon that has been cooked and crumbled. So scrumptious.

Fresh Salad with Homemade Dressing

Eat More Salads and Vegetables

When I have a good salad dressing, it makes me want to eat more salad. I seem to go out of my way to find things to eat this dressing with. If you have children, this is a great way to get them to eat raw vegetables too. A great tasting and healthy salad dressing option can make all the difference.

Our sister site, Pattern Princess, has other great tasting homemade salad dressings worthy of trying. Once you do, I bet you will be hooked on making your own from now on.

Salad with Restaurant Style Ranch Dressing

Make This Restaurant Style Ranch Dressing Recipe at Home

Once you see how easy this is to make at home, my guess is that you will be making this often. It is a perfect side for a delicious homemade family meal.

Restaurant Style Ranch Dressing
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Restaurant Style Ranch Dressing

This restaurant style ranch dressing is packed full of flavor with just the right amount of creamy, tangy, and fresh herb taste. You will think you are eating at a fine dining restaurant right at home.
Prep Time10 minutes
Chilling1 hour
Total Time1 hour 10 minutes
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Keyword: easy recipe, healthy recipe, restaurant recipe, salad dressing
Servings: 32 Servings
Calories: 58kcal

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Ingredients

  • 1 Cup Mayonnaise
  • 1/2 Cup Sour Cream
  • 1/2 Cup Buttermilk
  • 1 Teaspoon Garlic Minced
  • 1 Teaspoon Lemon Juice
  • 1 Teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 Teaspoon Pepper
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1/4 Teaspoon Dry Mustard
  • 1/8 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
  • 3 Tablespoons Fresh Parsley Minced
  • 2 Tablespoons Fresh Dill Minced
  • 1 Teaspoon Fresh Chives Minced (can use 1 green onion)

Instructions

  • Add mayonnaise and buttermilk into a mixing bowl and whisk until smooth.
  • Prepare fresh herbs and add all other ingredients.
    Fresh Herbs
  • Whisk until well combined. Chill 1 hour before serving.
    Restaurant Style Ranch Dressing

Your Own Private Notes

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Nutrition

Calories: 58kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 124mg | Potassium: 14mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 70IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 1mg

AboutVictoria

You can find Victoria crocheting, quilting, and creating recipes. She has worked in restaurants for many years. Her many crochet patterns and quilt patterns are enjoyed by many. In her professional career, she has worked in management in a wide variety of businesses including higher education as a dean of a division. All the while attending college part-time to achieve her doctorate in higher education with an emphasis in e-learning.

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