Homemade Ranch Dressing - Recipe Diaries (2024)

FAQs

How to make Hidden Valley ranch dressing taste better? ›

If you don't have time or inclination to make your dressing from scratch, but you want that elevated restaurant-style ranch, think about zhuzhing up the bottled version with things like finely chopped shallot or scallion, a clove of minced fresh garlic, a splash of buttermilk or dollop of sour cream if you have them ...

Stored in a well-sealed container in the fridge (assuming you began with fresh sour cream and buttermilk) your buttermilk ranch dressing should keep for up to two weeks. Help it stay fresh by not dipping anything directly into the container that you're storing it in—for example, a half-bitten carrot.

Directions. In a medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth. Whisk in thyme, garlic, and cayenne pepper. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

The secret to restaurant style ranch dressing are the ingredients. You can't use just any type or brand of mayonnaise or any type or brand of ranch powder. You have to use McCormick Mayonesa and Restaurant Style Hidden Valley Ranch powder. And, do not use regular milk.

The ranch packet has a fresher taste, because you add your own mayo and milk. Even though all the herbs and spices in the mix are dried, they rehydrate quickly and leave you with a product that feels homemade. This version of Hidden Valley Ranch is more flavorful than the bottled version and much, much thicker.

Speaking of condiments, stir in some barbecue sauce or pesto. Basil pesto is great, but I actually prefer dill pesto here. Since ranch seasoning already has a good amount of dill, it simply amplifies it. (If you're wondering if dill pesto is simply basil pesto with dill instead of basil, you are correct.)

There is no right or wrong combination; you just have to play and figure out what makes your skirt fly up. But here's how I approach it: the mayonnaise gives the dressing the solid, creamy, tangy base. I use more of it. The sour cream brings a thickness and a body to the dressing…but it's light and mild in flavor.

Ranch dressing is a savory, creamy American salad dressing usually made from buttermilk, salt, garlic, onion, mustard, herbs (commonly chives, parsley and dill), and spices (commonly pepper, paprika and ground mustard seed) mixed into a sauce based on mayonnaise or another oil emulsion.

To Freeze: Freezing homemade ranch isn't recommended since the taste and texture tends to change once it's thawed. I always prefer to whip up a fresh batch.

How to keep homemade ranch from going bad? ›

Homemade ranch is free of any super-effective preservatives, hence it will stay for up to 3 weeks in the refrigerator. Use an airtight container or tightly sealed plastic bag. Why does my homemade ranch contain water after refrigeration? The excess water in the ranch may be because of spoilage.

Ranch dressing is usually based with mayonnaise, with sufficient water added that it will pour to cover the salad. Ranch dip is usually based with sour cream, or sometimes yogurt, and is not thinned so that it will stick to chips or vegetable slices.

Who Invented Ranch? Around 1950, Steve Henson unknowingly made history when he whipped up a unique mixture of dry herbs and buttermilk. Originally a plumber, Steve came up with the concoction while working briefly in Anchorage as a construction worker and part-time cook for his crew.

To thicken the dressing you can add a teaspoon of cornstarch. Just be just you whisk it in really well and refrigerate for a few hours before it's ready to serve. The dressing will thicken up as it sits.

A traditional, creamy taste, reminiscent of delicious homemade dressing.

They use packets of dry Hidden Valley Ranch to flavor their dressing. It is the leading brand of ranch seasoning around, offering a rich, zesty flavor. Our easy-to-make Wingstop ranch dressing recipe uses this dry seasoning mix. However, you can make homemade ranch seasoning mix if you prefer.

Naturally Fresh, Inc. is a producer of dressings, sauces, marinades, dips, oils, and vinegar. The company also manufactures dressings, sauces and dips for a number of different restaurants and institutions, including Hooters.

Garden Herb Ranch Sauce

A creamy buttermilk ranch sauce with savory garlic, onion and herb flavors.