Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Ranch Salad Dressing is a creamy and easy recipe, which is made with mayonnaise and fresh parsley. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 10 minutes plus chilling time.
Pioneer Woman Ranch Salad Dressing Ingredients
- 1 to 2 cloves garlic
- Salt, to taste
- 1/4 cup Italian flat-leaf parsley
- 2 Tbsp. fresh chives
- 1 cup (real) mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Buttermilk or milk, as needed for desired consistency
- Optional Add-ins:
- White vinegar, to taste
- Worcestershire sauce, to taste
- Fresh dill, to taste
- Cayenne pepper, to taste
- Paprika, to taste
How To Make Pioneer Woman Ranch Salad Dressing
- Prepare the herb paste: Finely mince the garlic. Sprinkle about ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon of salt over the garlic and use the side of a fork or knife to mash it into a smooth paste. Finely chop the parsley and chives (and any other fresh herbs you’re using) and add them to the garlic paste.
- Combine the dressing: In a medium bowl, combine the garlic-herb paste, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Stir until everything is well mixed.
- Customize and chill: Add any of the optional ingredients you’d like, such as a splash of vinegar or a dash of cayenne, tasting as you go. Whisk in a little buttermilk or milk until the dressing reaches your desired consistency. For the best flavor, chill the dressing for at least a couple of hours before serving.
Recipe Tips
- How to get the best flavor? Using fresh herbs like parsley, chives, and dill will give your dressing the freshest, most vibrant flavor. The chilling time is also crucial for allowing all the flavors to meld together.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, and you absolutely should! This dressing is much better after it has had at least 2 hours to chill in the refrigerator. It can be made up to 3 days in advance.
- How do I adjust the consistency? The recipe is very flexible. You can make it as thick or as thin as you like by whisking in buttermilk or regular milk, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s perfect.
- Can I use dried herbs? You can, but the flavor will be less fresh. If using dried herbs, use about one-third of the amount called for fresh herbs (e.g., about 1 ½ to 2 teaspoons of dried parsley).
What To Serve With Ranch Salad Dressing
This classic dressing is incredibly versatile and is perfect for more than just salads.
- As a dressing for a classic iceberg wedge salad or a chopped green salad
- As a dip for fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers
- Alongside chicken wings, pizza, or french fries
- As a spread for sandwiches and wraps
How To Store Ranch Salad Dressing
- Refrigerate: Store the dressing in an airtight container or a jar with a tight-fitting lid in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to one week.
Ranch Salad Dressing Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 1g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Why mash the garlic with salt?
This is a great chef’s trick. The coarse salt acts as an abrasive, helping to break down the garlic into a fine paste. This ensures you don’t get any harsh, raw chunks of garlic in your finished dressing and distributes the flavor more evenly.
Can I make this lighter?
Yes. For a lighter version with more protein, you can substitute the sour cream with an equal amount of plain Greek yogurt.
Is this recipe very garlicky?
The recipe calls for 1 to 2 cloves. If you are sensitive to raw garlic, start with just one small clove. Mashing it into a paste also helps to mellow its flavor.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Broccoli Salad Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe
Pioneer Woman Ranch Salad Dressing Recipe
Description
A classic, creamy, and endlessly customizable homemade ranch dressing with fresh herbs and garlic.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mince the garlic, sprinkle with salt, and mash into a paste with a fork.
- Mix the garlic paste with the chopped parsley and chives.
- In a bowl, combine the herb mixture with the mayonnaise and sour cream.
- Stir in any optional ingredients to your taste.
- Whisk in buttermilk or milk until you reach your desired consistency.
- Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- u003cliu003eChilling the dressing for at least 2 hours is the most important step for the best flavor.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eFor the creamiest result, use full-fat mayonnaise and sour cream.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThis is a fantastic base recipe; feel free to customize it with your favorite fresh herbs.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThe dressing will thicken as it chills.u003c/liu003e
