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Restaurant Style Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

This restaurant style buttermilk ranch dressing is so fresh and delicious 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.

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Restaurant Style Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
Restaurant Style Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

Ranch Dressing = Family Favorite

Ranch dressing is one of those staples that seems to be in the refrigerator of everyone I know. At our house, we use it as a salad dressing for all types of lettuce and salad fixings. Use this as a dip for pizza or chicken wings like my sister’s family does. We have used this on our burgers for a creamy bright taste. My son-in-law loves this with this chicken nuggets.

Once you have homemade ranch dressing in your refrigerator, the uses seem to be endless.

Homemade Ranch Dip with Fresh Vegetables
Homemade Ranch Dip with Fresh Vegetables

Buttermilk Ranch Dressing with Fresh Herbs

Once you have had this ranch dressing recipe made with fresh herbs, it will be tough to go back to the bottle ranch dressing. It is easy to make. The hardest part for me is making sure that I have the fresh herbs in the house.

Homemade Fresh Herb Ranch Salad Dressing
Homemade Fresh Herb Ranch Salad Dressing

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.

Make Your Own Buttermilk

Buttermilk is the liquid that is left behind after churning cream and making butter. I like the thickness of the buttermilk in the store. However, if you have whole milk at home, you can make your own in a pinch.

There are actually three different ways to get the job done.

First Method

Add 1 Tablespoon of white vinegar to 1 Cup of whole milk.  

Second Method

Add 1 Tablespoon of lemon juice to 1 Cup of whole milk.

Third Method

Add 1 ½ Teaspoons of cream of tartar to 1 Cup of whole milk.

No matter what method you use to make your own buttermilk:

Mix the ingredients and let sit 5 minutes. The milk will start to curdle and thicken. The result is homemade buttermilk.

Restaurant Style Buttermilk Ranch Dressing in a Glass Jar
Restaurant Style Buttermilk Ranch Dressing in a Glass Jar

Homemade Restaurant Style Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Recipe Notes

Substitutions for buttermilk. Some folks prefer not to use the buttermilk; here are two great options. Add sour cream or Greek yogurt that is thinned with a few tablespoons of milk.

This ranch dressing will last up to 7-10 days in the refrigerator.

Once this recipe is mixed, let it sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour. The flavors intensify and the dressing thickens slightly

If you are not a fan of garlic, cut back on how much is used or omit completely.

Fresh Herbs Versus Dried Herbs. In this recipe, I prefer the fresh herbs. It just takes this recipe over the top and in my opinion, this is what make it taste like it was made in a fancy restaurant.

However, 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 helps this last a bit longer in the refrigerator too.

Turn this into Ranch Dip

Swap the buttermilk out for full-fat sour cream or Greek Yogurt. Just delicious as a dip too.

Try adding half a cup of grated cheddar cheese

We love our crumbled bacon pieces at our house, and it is a delicious addition to this dip. Just 3-4 pieces cooked and crumbled.

Fresh Herbs for Salad Dressing
Fresh Herbs for Salad Dressing

Spice Things Up a Bit

While this recipe already has a bit of cayenne pepper, some folks like ever more spice. Here are a few ideas:

Add 1-2 teaspoons of taco seasoning for a Mexican Style Flavor.

Try 1-2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning for a Southern flair.

Enjoy this fresh tasting Restaurant Style Buttermilk Ranch Dressing at home. So delicious. Just the right amount of creamy flavor. Perfect combination!

Bowl of Homemade Ranch Salad Dressing
Bowl of Homemade Ranch Salad Dressing
Restaurant Style Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
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Restaurant Style Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

This restaurant style buttermilk ranch dressing is so fresh and delicious with just the right amount of creamy, tangy, and fresh herb taste. You will think you are eating at a fine dining restaurant.
Prep Time10 minutes
Chilling1 hour
Total Time1 hour 10 minutes
Course: Salad, Salad Dressing
Cuisine: American
Keyword: dip, fresh herbs, ranch, salad, Salad Dressing
Servings: 32 Servings
Calories: 27kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 Cup Mayonnaise
  • 1/2 Cup Sour Cream
  • 1/2 Cup Buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon Minced Garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper Freshly ground
  • 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 minced)

Instructions

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

Your Own Private Notes

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Notes

Restaurant Style Salad Dressing on Baby Greens with Grape Tomatoes

Restaurant Style Salad Dressing on Baby Greens with Grape Tomatoes

Nutrition

Calories: 27kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 132mg | Potassium: 14mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 70IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 1mg
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I hope that you liked this recipe. If you are looking for more ideas on what to make, here are a few other recipes that you may enjoy.

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