Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
Quick creamy ranch with buttermilk, mayo, and dressing mix. Easy to customize with avocado or chipotle for extra flavor.
This is a simple and satisfying ranch dressing recipe. It's great for a cobb salad, veggie dip, or cooling sauce for spicy chicken wings. Try experimenting with extra additions like pureed avocado or chipotle chiles.
Yield: 2 cups
- Whisk 1 cup buttermilk, 1 cup mayonnaise, and 2 tablespoons Buttermilk Dressing Mix. Taste and adjust.
- Thin with more buttermilk or milk; thicken with Greek yogurt, sour cream, or less buttermilk.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 7 days; add-ins like avocado shorten shelf life.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make this buttermilk ranch dressing?
Combine 1 cup buttermilk, 1 cup mayonnaise, and 2 tablespoons Buttermilk Dressing Mix in a bowl. Whisk until smooth, taste, and adjust seasoning. For variations, stir in pureed avocado or a tablespoon of pureed chipotle in adobo.
How can I thin or thicken the dressing?
To thin, add a little more buttermilk or milk, one tablespoon at a time. To thicken, use less buttermilk or fold in Greek yogurt, sour cream, or mashed avocado. Chill the dressing for 30 minutes to let it firm up slightly.
How long will the dressing keep in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, plain dressing typically keeps 5 to 7 days refrigerated. If you add fresh avocado or other fresh purees, use it within 2 to 3 days and watch for changes in smell or color.
Can I substitute Greek yogurt or sour cream for mayonnaise?
Yes. Greek yogurt or sour cream makes the dressing tangier and lower in fat. Start by replacing half the mayo with yogurt, then adjust to taste. Full swaps work but may change texture and richness.
How can I make a buttermilk substitute?
Stir 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice into 1 cup of milk. Let it sit 5 to 10 minutes until it thickens slightly. Use this in place of buttermilk at a 1:1 ratio.
Can I make this dressing dairy-free or vegan?
Yes. Use vegan mayonnaise and plant milk mixed with vinegar for a dairy-free buttermilk substitute. Check the dressing mix for dairy ingredients or replace it with a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs, salt, and pepper.
Can I use this ranch as a marinade?
You can marinate chicken or vegetables briefly, but ranch works best as a finishing sauce. If you marinate, limit time to about 2 to 4 hours in the fridge to avoid texture changes from the acid and dairy.
What are good flavor variations or add-ins?
Try pureed avocado for creaminess, chipotle in adobo for smoky heat, or fresh herbs like dill, chives, and parsley. Add garlic, lemon juice, or hot sauce to taste. For a southwest twist, top salads with black beans and grilled corn.
How do I make this buttermilk ranch dressing?
Combine 1 cup buttermilk, 1 cup mayonnaise, and 2 tablespoons Buttermilk Dressing Mix in a bowl. Whisk until smooth, taste, and adjust seasoning. For variations, stir in pureed avocado or a tablespoon of pureed chipotle in adobo.
How can I thin or thicken the dressing?
To thin, add a little more buttermilk or milk, one tablespoon at a time. To thicken, use less buttermilk or fold in Greek yogurt, sour cream, or mashed avocado. Chill the dressing for 30 minutes to let it firm up slightly.
How long will the dressing keep in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, plain dressing typically keeps 5 to 7 days refrigerated. If you add fresh avocado or other fresh purees, use it within 2 to 3 days and watch for changes in smell or color.
Can I substitute Greek yogurt or sour cream for mayonnaise?
Yes. Greek yogurt or sour cream makes the dressing tangier and lower in fat. Start by replacing half the mayo with yogurt, then adjust to taste. Full swaps work but may change texture and richness.
How can I make a buttermilk substitute?
Stir 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice into 1 cup of milk. Let it sit 5 to 10 minutes until it thickens slightly. Use this in place of buttermilk at a 1:1 ratio.
Can I make this dressing dairy-free or vegan?
Yes. Use vegan mayonnaise and plant milk mixed with vinegar for a dairy-free buttermilk substitute. Check the dressing mix for dairy ingredients or replace it with a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs, salt, and pepper.
Can I use this ranch as a marinade?
You can marinate chicken or vegetables briefly, but ranch works best as a finishing sauce. If you marinate, limit time to about 2 to 4 hours in the fridge to avoid texture changes from the acid and dairy.
What are good flavor variations or add-ins?
Try pureed avocado for creaminess, chipotle in adobo for smoky heat, or fresh herbs like dill, chives, and parsley. Add garlic, lemon juice, or hot sauce to taste. For a southwest twist, top salads with black beans and grilled corn.
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