Salads > Salad Bars & Salad Making Stations > Dressings and Toppings for a Salad Bar > Selection of Salad Dressings for a Bar

Creamy Ranch Dressing

A classic creamy ranch dressing, perfect for drizzling over salads or using as a dip for vegetables. A crowd-pleaser for any salad bar.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
0 minutes
Servings
About 1 3/4 cups
Ingredients
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup Buttermilk
  • 1/4 cup Sour Cream
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Dill
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper

Combining the Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, buttermilk, and sour cream. Whisk until smooth and well blended. Ensure there are no lumps from the sour cream.

Adding the Dry Ingredients

Add the dried dill, dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Stir until all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the wet ingredients.

Adjusting Consistency and Flavor

Taste the ranch dressing and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or garlic powder to achieve your desired flavor. If the dressing is too thick, add a little more buttermilk to thin it out. If it's too thin, add a bit more mayonnaise.

Chilling and Serving

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the ranch dressing for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the dressing to thicken slightly. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and quantities used.

Calories: Approximately 350 kcal
Fat: 35g
Sodium: 300mg
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 1g

Other Considerations for Nutrition

This ranch dressing is high in fat due to the mayonnaise and sour cream. Using light mayonnaise and low-fat sour cream will significantly reduce the fat content. Buttermilk adds a tangy flavor, but it can be substituted with a mixture of milk and lemon juice or vinegar for a lower-fat alternative.

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FAQ

  • Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

    Yes, you can substitute fresh herbs for dried. Use about 1 tablespoon of each fresh herb (dill and parsley) for this recipe. Finely chop the herbs before adding them to the dressing.
  • Can I make this dressing vegan?

    Yes, you can make a vegan version by using vegan mayonnaise and vegan sour cream alternatives. Substitute the buttermilk with a plant-based milk, such as almond or soy milk, mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.
  • How can I make a spicy ranch dressing?

    Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of your favorite hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick. Start with a small amount and adjust to your desired level of spiciness.