This homemade Hidden Valley Ranch recipes replicates the famous seasoning mix, providing the same taste as the store-bought version at a lower cost. The dressing combines creamy elements like sour cream, milk, and mayo with a homemade ranch seasoning mix made from a blend of herbs for a delicious and natural flavor.
Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Ingredients
Homemade Dry Ranch Seasoning Ingredients:
- Buttermilk powder – usually found in the baking aisle with dried and evaporated milk.
- Herbs: Dried parsley flakes, dried dill, dried chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper – all adding flavor for that classic ranch taste.
Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Ingredients:
- Milk – whole or 2% is suitable.
- Sour cream – any brand will do.
- Mayonnaise – regular mayo is used.
- A squeeze of lemon juice – enhances flavors and acts as a natural preservative.
Optional Garnish: You can use this ranch dressing in various ways: on salads, as a dipping sauce for chicken and pizza, or simply use the seasoning mix to add flavor to various dishes.
Variations and Substitutions:
- Homemade ranch dip: Combine the seasoning ingredients and mix them into a tub of sour cream for a great veggie dip.
- Greek yogurt: Opt for Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier dressing option, though it will have a slightly different taste than Hidden Valley.
- Vegan: Use plant-based milk, yogurt, and mayo, along with a bit of white vinegar for tanginess, to make a vegan version.
- Fresh herbs: While fresh herbs can replace dried ones, you’ll need more of them, as dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor.
- Buttermilk: Instead of regular milk, try buttermilk for added creaminess, richness, and improved consistency in your dressing.
How to Make Hidden Valley Ranch Recipes
Step 1: Begin by combining all of the dry ranch mix ingredients in a medium bowl.
Step 2: After mixing the dry ingredients, whisk in the sour cream and mayonnaise until well combined.
Step 3: Gradually incorporate milk or buttermilk into the dressing until it achieves your desired consistency.
Step 4: Add a squeeze of lemon juice, adjusting to taste preferences.
Hidden Valley Ranch Recipes at Home
Ingredients
SEASONING INGREDIENTS:
- 1/8 cup buttermilk powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh chives
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dry dill
- 1/4 teaspoon dried chives
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
DRESSING INGREDIENTS:
- 1/2 cup Sour cream
- 2% or whole milk whisk a little at a time until desired consistency is reached
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
- lemon juice to taste a squeeze of ½ a lemon
Instructions
- Mix all the seasoning ingredients together in a medium-sized bowl and stir until they are thoroughly combined.
- If the buttermilk powder in the seasoning mix has clumped, you can use a fine mesh sieve to sift it and eliminate any clumps.
- Whisk in the sour cream and mayonnaise, then add the milk gradually until you achieve your preferred consistency.
- Squeeze in some lemon juice, adjusting the amount to your taste preferences.
Notes
- This recipe yields 1 oz. of ranch seasoning mix, equivalent to a store-bought packet. You can scale it up to make larger batches.
- Buttermilk powder is usually located in the baking aisle of the grocery store, near dried milk products.
- The addition of lemon juice and buttermilk provides a pleasant tangy flavor to the ranch dressing.
- If you don't have buttermilk powder, you can use actual buttermilk when preparing the seasoning into dip or dressing. If buttermilk is unavailable, simply use regular milk with a little extra lemon juice. You can even make your own buttermilk by mixing 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar with 1 cup of whole milk.
- Incorporating a couple of tablespoons of buttermilk (in addition to sour cream and mayonnaise) will yield a thicker ranch dip consistency.
Learn More ranchology recipes : Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Recipe at Home
Cooking Tips and FAQs
The measurements for the homemade ranch dressing mix are equivalent to one packet of Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning (1 oz). Feel free to double or triple the recipe to make it in bulk and store it in an airtight container for freshness.
If buttermilk powder is unavailable for the dry seasoning, you can use real buttermilk when preparing the dip or dressing. To make your own buttermilk, combine a cup of milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for a couple of minutes before using.
Adjustments for sauce thickness
If you want to use this as a thick spread or dip, use less water. Start by using half of the recommended amount and gradually add more until you reach your desired texture.If you prefer a thinner dressing, simply add more water along with any necessary seasonings.
Customizing the seasonings
Everyone’s taste preferences vary, so feel free to modify the measurements as needed. Follow the basic recipe and adjust to your taste. For example, if it’s too acidic, add more water or avocado. If it’s bland, increase the salt, spices, or nutritional yeast as desired.
How long does homemade ranch last? Or How long is homemade ranch good for
Two Weeks. To keep your homemade ranch dressing fresh, store it in an airtight container like a mason jar in the refrigerator. When stored properly, your homemade ranch will stay good in the fridge for about two weeks. If you notice any discoloration or strange smells, it’s time to discard it and make a new batch!
Can you prepare ranch dressing in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, it’s a good idea because the flavors need time to blend together, so making it a day or two ahead is even better.
How to Store Ranch Dressing?
As for storing ranch dressing, simply use an airtight container like a mason jar, and it will stay fresh for up to two weeks.
