Homemade Basic Ranch Dressing (with variations)

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup (75 g) buttermilk
• 1/4 cup (60 g) sour cream
• 1 Tbsp lemon juice
• ½ clove garlic, pressed
• 10 g shallot, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 1/3 cup (300 g) neutral oil

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients except oil to high sided container. Blend with immersion blender. When combined, slowly drizzle in oil until emulsified. If you don't have an immersion blender you can use a hand mixer or whisk by hand.

To make a smaller batch of Ranch dressing using mayonnaise instead of oil and egg yolk, here’s how you can modify the recipe:

Ingredients for Smaller Batch

• Buttermilk: 50g (about 3 tablespoons or 1/4 cup)
• Sour Cream: 40g (about 2 1/2 tablespoons)
• Lemon Juice: 10g (about 2 teaspoons)
• Garlic: 1/4 clove, finely minced
• Shallot: 5g (about 1 tablespoon, finely minced)
• Salt: 2g (about 1/2 teaspoon)
• Mayonnaise: 80g (about 1/3 cup)

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, shallot, and salt.
2. Mix: Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and well combined. The mayonnaise will give the dressing its creamy texture, replacing the need for oil and egg yolk.
3. Taste and Adjust: Adjust seasoning to taste. If you prefer a thinner dressing, add a bit more buttermilk.
4. Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Variations and Serving Suggestions:

1. Herb-Enhanced Ranch Dressing:

• Additions: Fresh or dried herbs like dill, parsley, chives, or tarragon.
• Serve with: Fresh vegetable crudités, green salads, or as a dip for chips.

2. Spicy Ranch Dressing:

• Additions: Add a teaspoon of hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or minced jalapeños.
• Serve with: Chicken wings, grilled vegetables, or drizzled over tacos.

3. Blue Cheese Ranch Dressing:

• Additions: Crumble in blue cheese and mix well.
• Serve with: Buffalo wings, steak salads, or as a dipping sauce for fries.

4. Avocado Ranch Dressing:

• Additions: Blend in 1/2 of a ripe avocado for a creamy, rich flavor.
• Serve with: Mexican-inspired dishes, salads with grilled chicken, or as a spread for sandwiches.

5. Smoky Ranch Dressing:

• Additions: Add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika and a splash of liquid smoke (optional).
• Serve with: Grilled meats, BBQ dishes, or as a topping for baked potatoes.

Serving Suggestions for Different Variations:

• Herb-Enhanced Ranch is perfect for a light and fresh salad dressing or a dip for fresh vegetables.
• Spicy Ranch adds a kick to grilled or fried foods and works well as a taco sauce.
• Blue Cheese Ranch is great with hearty dishes like buffalo wings or steak, adding a tangy, robust flavor.
• Avocado Ranch is a smooth, creamy option that pairs well with Mexican dishes or as a healthy sandwich spread.
• Smoky Ranch complements BBQ and grilled foods, providing a rich and slightly smoky flavor profile.

These variations allow you to customize the dressing based on your preference and the dish you're serving, making Ranch dressing a versatile addition to any meal.

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