The original dressing served in the 1950s at Hidden Valley Ranch, a guest ranch near Santa Barbara, Calif., was made mostly from dry herbs and aromatics. To recreate that taste, this recipe is made with garlic powder instead of garlic, dried parsley instead of fresh, and so on. It makes enough seasoning mix for about 4 cups dressing; you can mix it, store it, then add dairy as needed. If you don't like the zip of mustard, try hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce instead - or simply omit for a milder taste. To make a thick dip instead of a pourable dressing, reduce the amount of buttermilk to 1/4 cup.
Provided by Julia Moskin
Categories dips and spreads, salads and dressings
Time 15m
Yield 4 to 5 cups dressing
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- For the seasoning mix: In a bowl, whisk all the ingredients together. Taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator until ready to use; it will keep indefinitely.
- To make 1 cup dressing: In a medium bowl, place 1 tablespoon seasoning mix. Add sour cream and buttermilk and whisk together until smooth. Taste and add salt if needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate, covered, up to 2 days (or up to 2 weeks if made with mayonnaise).
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 34, UnsaturatedFat 1 gram, Carbohydrate 2 grams, Fat 3 grams, Fiber 0 grams, Protein 1 gram, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 65 milligrams, Sugar 1 gram
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories condiment
Time 15m
Yield 1 cup
Number Of Ingredients 0
Steps:
- Whisk 2/3 cup buttermilk, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon each onion powder and onion flakes and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder. Add 1 tablespoon each chopped chives, dill and parsley; season with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
Provided by Food Network
Time 5m
Yield About 1 3/4 cups
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, mayonnaise, sour cream and vinegar. Add the chives, parsley, salt, garlic powder, onion powder and black pepper and whisk well to combine.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Whisking together your own buttermilk dressing is easy and makes every salad (or any other dippable dish) just that much more delicious and special. You can use homemade mayonnaise or a high-quality prepared variety.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories condiment
Time 10m
Yield about 1 1/3 cups
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Mash the garlic and salt to a paste with the side of a chef's knife. In a medium bowl, whisk together the garlic, mayonnaise, 1/4 cup buttermilk, parsley, chives, scallion, vinegar and pepper to taste. If the sauce is very thick, thin the dressing with a couple tablespoons more of the buttermilk. Use immediately or store covered, in the refrigerator, for up to 3 days.
AMERICAN KITCHEN CLASSIC RANCH DRESSING
Yes, America....there really is a Hidden Valley Ranch! In 1954, Steve and Gayle Henson opened a dude ranch near Santa Barbara, California called Hidden Valley Ranch. To their guests, they served a dressing that Steve had developed. The dressing was popular, and they began selling bottles that guests could take home. This expanded into mass production which continues today but no longer with the Hensons. The secret formula is now owned by the people at Clorox Corp.
Provided by Member 610488
Categories Salad Dressings
Time 5m
Yield 1 1/4 cups
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Whisk together the garlic cloves, worcestershire sauce and vinegar in a bowl. Add in the mayonnaise, sour cream and milk. Combine well. Add in the fresh herbs and stir. Chill.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 425.8, Fat 35.5, SaturatedFat 11.6, Cholesterol 57.2, Sodium 664.2, Carbohydrate 24.6, Fiber 0.4, Sugar 7.7, Protein 4.6
Steps:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, chives, parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 152.7 calories, Carbohydrate 1.1 g, Cholesterol 11.2 mg, Fat 16.6 g, Protein 0.5 g, SaturatedFat 3.4 g, Sodium 133.7 mg, Sugar 0.2 g
Taken from relish magazine. This Ranch is made a little bit lighter with the help of reduced fat ingredients.
Provided by tinebean21
Categories Salad Dressings
Time 10m
Yield 1 1/2 cups
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk well.
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When it comes to classic American kitchen recipes, ranch dressing is undoubtedly one of them. Known for its creamy texture and savory taste, ranch dressing is a popular condiment used for dipping, salad dressing, sandwich spread or even incorporated into other recipes.
Although it is uncertain who exactly invented ranch dressing, it is believed to have originated in the United States during the 1940s. Today, there are countless variations of ranch dressing, but the classic American kitchen recipe remains popular for its timeless taste.
What is Ranch Dressing?
Ranch dressing is a creamy, savory dressing commonly used in salads, sandwiches, and other dishes. It is made from a base of mayonnaise and sour cream, flavored with seasonings such as garlic, onion, and parsley, and often mixed with buttermilk or other liquids to adjust the consistency.
The dressing is characterized by its distinct buttermilk tang and versatility. It is commonly used as a dip, a salad dressing, or a topping for baked potatoes, pizza, and other dishes.
Classic Ranch Dressing Ingredients
The key ingredients in classic ranch dressing include:
Mayonnaise:
It is an emulsion of oil, egg yolk, and vinegar or lemon juice that forms the base of the dressing.
Sour cream:
It is a tangy and creamy addition to the dressing.
Buttermilk:
Provides a distinctive tangy taste that is a hallmark of classic ranch dressing.
Garlic:
Adds depth of flavor and a spicy kick to the dressing.
Onion:
Contributes a sharp, sweet flavor to the dressing.
Parsley:
Crushed and chopped to impart a fresh, herbaceous taste.
Additional seasonings to the classic recipe that can be included are salt, black pepper, lemon juice, or vinegar.
Classic Ranch Dressing Variations
There are several variations of the classic American kitchen ranch dressing recipe, each with its distinctive taste and flavor. Some of the typical variations include:
Spicy Ranch Dressing:
Add hot sauce or diced fresh jalapenos to the basic recipe.
Avocado Ranch Dressing:
Mash fresh avocado into the dressing for a creamier texture and enhanced flavor.
Lighter Ranch Dressing:
Replace some of the mayonnaise and sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier version of ranch dressing.
Buttermilk Ranch Dressing:
Use more buttermilk instead of mayonnaise and sour cream for a thinner consistency and tangier flavor.
Uses of Classic Ranch Dressing
Ranch dressing is one of the most versatile condiments in the American kitchen pantry. It is commonly used in the following ways:
Salad Dressing:
As a standalone salad dressing or mixed with other salad dressings for additional flavor.
Veggie Dip:
A tasty dip for raw carrots, celery, cucumber or broccoli and other vegetables.
Sandwich Spread:
Use it in sandwiches or wraps for a little bit of creaminess and additional flavor.
Buffalo Wing Dip:
Blend in buffalo hot sauce for a tangy dip for chicken wings.
Pizza Topping:
Drizzle on pizza or use as a dipping sauce for pizza crust.
Conclusion
Classic American kitchen ranch dressing is a truly versatile and flavorful condiment that can elevate the taste of any dish. It remains popular as a go-to comfort food and is a staple in every American kitchen pantry. With its timeless taste and versatility, it is no surprise that it has maintained its popularity for decades.
American kitchen classic ranch dressing is one of the most versatile dressings that you can make simply at home. It is used in salads, as dipping sauces, or as a spread for burgers and sandwiches. It is creamy, tangy, and flavorful. However, making perfect ranch dressing requires a little bit of practice and a few tips that you need to keep in mind. In this article, we will guide you through some valuable tips for making the perfect classic ranch dressing.
Tip #1: Use fresh and quality ingredients.
The first and foremost crucial step to making the perfect ranch dressing is the quality of ingredients you use. To make the classic ranch dressing, you need sour cream, mayonnaise, buttermilk, herbs, and spices. We cannot emphasize enough that the quality of each ingredient directly affects the final result, so always use fresh and quality ingredients. Avoid using canned or bottled ingredients and make sure that you buy fresh and organic ingredients.
Tip #2: Get the right balance of sour cream, mayonnaise, and buttermilk.
The perfect proportion of the ingredients is the key to get the best consistency and flavor of the ranch dressing. In general, the ratio of sour cream, mayonnaise, and buttermilk should be equal. The amount of buttermilk you use can affect the thickness and creaminess of the dressing. If you like your dressing thicker, add less buttermilk, and if you like it thinner, add a little more buttermilk to give it some tanginess.
Tip #3: Use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs.
Herbs are an essential component of the ranch dressing. Most classic ranch dressing recipes call for dried herbs; however, to make the perfect sauce, we recommend using fresh herbs instead of dried herbs. Fresh herbs provide a more intense and flavorful taste to the sauce. You can use herbs such as dill, chives, parsley, and tarragon. If you cannot find fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs, but make sure to use them in small amounts as they are more potent in flavor than fresh herbs.
Tip #4: Let the flavors blend.
The flavor of the ranch dressing develops over time, so we recommend refrigerating your dressing for at least an hour before serving. This will allow the flavors to blend and develop the desired taste. If you have more time, even better! You can refrigerate the dressing overnight to get the most flavors out of the dressing.
Tip #5: Adjust the seasoning.
The seasoning is vital to the taste of the dressing. The most common seasoning used in the classic ranch dressing is garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. However, you can also experiment with other seasonings such as cayenne pepper or paprika to get a spicier version of the dressing. Remember to taste your sauce as you adjust the seasoning. You can always add more seasonings if needed.
Tip #6: Add a touch of acid.
The key to getting the right tanginess in the classic ranch dressing is to add a touch of acid. Lemon juice or vinegar can do this job perfectly. The acid helps to balance the creaminess of the dressing and gives it an extra tang. However, be careful not to add too much acidity as it can overpower the flavors of the dressing.
Tip #7: Use a blender or food processor.
If you want to get a super creamy texture, we recommend using a blender or food processor. The blender breaks down the ingredients and emulsifies them, resulting in a smooth and creamy sauce without any clumps. It is also easier and faster to make than mixing by hand.
Tip #8: Customize your dressing.
One of the best things about the classic ranch dressing is that it is versatile, and you can customize it to suit your taste. For instance, if you want a healthier version of the sauce, you can substitute the sour cream and mayonnaise with plain greek yogurt. You can also adjust the acidity, saltiness, and spice levels as per your liking. Add some chipotle powder if you like smoky flavors or add some honey for some sweetness.
Conclusion:
The classic ranch dressing is a staple in American cuisine, and with a few tweaks, you can make it even better. By keeping in mind the tips mentioned above and experimenting with different flavors, you can make a ranch dressing that is perfect for your taste buds. Remember, ranch dressing is a simple recipe, but it requires attention to detail and fresh ingredients to get the perfect taste. So, next time you make a salad, burger, or dip, try making your own classic ranch dressing, and we assure you it will be the best decision you ever make.
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