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Homemade Ranch Dressing

This recipe guides you through crafting a homemade ranch dressing featuring fresh herbs, a pungent garlic paste, and a creamy base of mayonnaise and sour cream. All ingredients are combined and then chilled to allow flavors to meld and develop a rich, authentic taste. It's perfect for salads, dips, or as a versatile condiment.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 8 people
Calories 904.8 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Chef's knife For mincing garlic and fresh herbs.
  • 1 Cutting Board A stable surface for prep.
  • 1 Mixing Bowl Medium-sized for combining ingredients.
  • 1 Whisk or Spoon For thorough mixing.
  • 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons For accurate ingredient portions.

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup real mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup Italian flat-leaf parsley leaves minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill minced
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh chives
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Dash hot sauce
  • 1/4 to 1/2 cup buttermilk as needed for desired consistency

Instructions
 

  • Mince the garlic with a knife and then sprinkle on the salt and mash it into a paste with a fork.
  • In a bowl, combine the garlic paste, mayonnaise, sour cream, parsley, dill, chives, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, vinegar, paprika, cayenne and hot sauce. Add the buttermilk to desired consistency and mix to combine, tasting frequently and adjusting seasonings as needed. Chill for a couple of hours before serving, thinning with more buttermilk if needed.

Notes

Creating a true garlic paste is crucial for this dressing; it ensures the garlic flavor is well-distributed without harsh raw bits. Use the side of your knife or a fork to mash the minced garlic with salt until it forms a smooth slurry. The quality of your mayonnaise and sour cream will significantly impact the final taste and texture – opt for full-fat, good-quality brands. Fresh herbs are non-negotiable for authentic ranch flavor; dried alternatives simply won't yield the same vibrant result. Add the buttermilk gradually, aiming for a consistency that coats the back of a spoon. Chilling for at least two hours allows the flavors to meld and the dressing to thicken, enhancing its complexity.