Ingredients:
- 1 cup mayonnaise (Use your favorite brand, this forms the creamy base of the dressing)
- 1 cup sour cream (Adds tanginess and richness)
- ¼ cup heavy cream (Gives a smooth, velvety texture)
- ¼ cup white vinegar (Adds acidity and tang)
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (Fresh is best, but if using dried, reduce to 1 tablespoon)
- 2 tablespoons chopped dill (Use fresh if possible; if dried, reduce to 1 tablespoon)
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives (Fresh chives add a mild onion-like flavor; if dried, reduce to ½ tablespoon)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (Provides a subtle onion flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (For that distinctive ranch dressing taste)
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder (Adds a bit of tang and depth to the flavor)
- 1 teaspoon salt (Season to your preference)
- Pepper to taste (Freshly ground black pepper is recommended)
Instructions:
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
- Lay out all your ingredients so you can measure and add them easily.
- If using fresh herbs, finely chop the parsley, dill, and chives. If using dried herbs, you’ll need to reduce the amount used since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing Base
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add 1 cup mayonnaise and 1 cup sour cream.
- Whisk together until smooth and creamy. This will form the base of your ranch dressing.
Step 3: Add Liquid Ingredients
- Pour in the ¼ cup heavy cream and ¼ cup white vinegar.
- The heavy cream adds richness and the vinegar gives it the tanginess that balances out the creaminess.
- Stir well to fully incorporate the liquids into the base.
Step 4: Add Herbs and Seasonings
- Add the fresh herbs: Stir in 2 tablespoons parsley, 2 tablespoons dill, and 1 tablespoon chives. If you are using dried herbs, remember to use only 1 tablespoon dried dill and ½ tablespoon dried chives.
- Then, add the 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon mustard powder, and 1 teaspoon salt.
- Season with pepper to your liking—start with a pinch, then adjust as needed after tasting.
Step 5: Mix the Dressing
- Whisk everything together until well combined. The consistency will be quite thick at this stage.
Step 6: Adjust Thickness
- Add water a tablespoon at a time, stirring after each addition, until the dressing reaches your preferred thickness. This usually takes around 2-4 tablespoons of water.
- If you want a dip consistency, add less water; if you want a thinner dressing for salads, add more.
Step 7: Taste and Adjust
- Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or garlic powder depending on your preferences.
Step 8: Chill the Dressing
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the dressing into an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. For the best flavor, let it sit for an hour or more.
Step 9: Serve and Store
- Serve the ranch dressing with fresh vegetables, salads, chicken wings, or as a dip for chips. You can also use it as a sauce for sandwiches or burgers.
- Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to a week in an airtight container.
Tips:
- Fresh vs. Dried Herbs: If you’re using dried herbs, keep in mind they are stronger in flavor than fresh herbs. Always use half the amount of dried herbs as you would fresh.
- Make it your own: Feel free to add other seasonings such as cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, or lemon juice for extra tanginess.
- For a healthier version: You can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or low-fat mayo, and use light sour cream.
With these extra details, you’re ready to make the perfect homemade ranch dressing that beats any store-bought version!