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You are here: Home / salad / The Quest for “Real” Ranch Dressing… I need your help!

The Quest for “Real” Ranch Dressing… I need your help!

July 27, 2010 by Suzie the Foodie 3 Comments

Quest for "real" ranch dressing

According to Wikipedia, ranch dressing is the most popular salad dressing in the U.S. and has been since 1992. Not only that, it is the most popular dressing in my house. My husband loves it! The issue? Nothing compares to the bottled dressing. So far! I have tried several recipes, all of which he has said, it is OK, but it does not taste like ranch.

Quest for "real" ranch dressing

It seems that only there are many different interpretations as to what ranch dressing is. It is pretty clear most people agree that it contains buttermilk and mayonnaise, with lots of “flavourings” added but what exactly those flavourings are, is still up for debate.

Also, the first time I tried making a ranch dressing I used Miracle Whip and the flavour was so strong, I could not taste anything else, so this time I picked up some light Hellman’s. That helped significantly when I made this recipe with fresh herbs, dried herbs and spices…

Quest for "real" ranch dressing

That looks like flavour to me! Buttermilk, mayonnaise, mustard powder, chives, paprika, parsley, lemon juice…

Quest for "real" ranch dressing

We both ate the salad and it was nice and refreshing but something is still missing!!!

Quest for "real" ranch dressing

It does not have to be 100% perfect but it does have to taste like ranch. What do you think gives ranch dressing that distinctive flavour?

A dear foodie friend emailed me another recipe for me to try so the quest is far from over. Do you have a tried and true recipe that has that authentic ranch flavour? If so, please send it my way! I would much prefer to make my own dressings from scratch than spend $5 on a bottle of Hidden Valley.

PSSTTT!!! I don’t normally do this but I know some of you enjoy my gardening updates so click here to check out the latest pics of my tomatoes and pumpkin patch on my personal blog!

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Comments

  1. foodies at home says

    July 27, 2010 at 3:19 pm

    Your garden looks beautiful! I’m a wee bit jealous since we are re-doing our backyard and I had to forgo having a garden this year!

    But back to the buttermilk! I have tried and tried ranch myself…I think the fresh chives and a bit of lemon juice are a must…I haven’t tried mustard powder but I will throw a bit in next time!

    Reply
  2. AvaDJ says

    July 28, 2010 at 4:01 am

    Your salad still looks super delicious even if it was missing something. I think I might have a recipe for you, haven’t tried it yet myself but it sure looks good. I think this is going to be one of those quests right up there with the perfect Pad Thai Sauce lol.

    Reply
  3. Untamed Spirit says

    December 6, 2011 at 10:35 pm

    Any type of bottled dressing may contain flavor enhancers which while missing from your recipe are also highly addictive and unhealthy. Try adding dehydrated onion and garlic, dried thyme, oregano. Try adding also dried mint. Roasted garlic and onion may also help. Instead of mayo use grated boiled eggs and sour cream.

    Reply

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