Best 8 Lighter Classic Ranch Dressing Recipes
Transform your classic ranch dressing into a lighter, yet equally delicious version without compromising on flavor. This article offers you a guide to creating a lighter ranch dressing that retains the creamy texture and tangy taste you love, while reducing the fat and calories. With simple swaps and a few clever tips, you can enjoy this versatile dressing without the guilt. Whether you're looking for a healthier dip for your favorite snacks, a dressing for salads, or a marinade for grilled meats, this article has got you covered.
Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!
CLASSIC RANCH DRESSING
The original dressing served in the 1950s at Hidden Valley Ranch, a guest ranch near Santa Barbara, Calif., was made mostly from dry herbs and aromatics. To recreate that taste, this recipe is made with garlic powder instead of garlic, dried parsley instead of fresh, and so on. It makes enough seasoning mix for about 4 cups dressing; you can mix it, store it, then add dairy as needed. If you don't like the zip of mustard, try hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce instead - or simply omit for a milder taste. To make a thick dip instead of a pourable dressing, reduce the amount of buttermilk to 1/4 cup.
Provided by Julia Moskin
Categories dips and spreads, salads and dressings
Time 15m
Yield 4 to 5 cups dressing
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- For the seasoning mix: In a bowl, whisk all the ingredients together. Taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator until ready to use; it will keep indefinitely.
- To make 1 cup dressing: In a medium bowl, place 1 tablespoon seasoning mix. Add sour cream and buttermilk and whisk together until smooth. Taste and add salt if needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate, covered, up to 2 days (or up to 2 weeks if made with mayonnaise).
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 34, UnsaturatedFat 1 gram, Carbohydrate 2 grams, Fat 3 grams, Fiber 0 grams, Protein 1 gram, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 65 milligrams, Sugar 1 gram
HOMEMADE RANCH DRESSING
Ree Drummond's Homemade Ranch Dressing recipe, from The Pioneer Woman on Food Network, features buttermilk, fresh herbs and cayenne pepper.
Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network
Categories condiment
Time 2h15m
Yield 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Mince the garlic with a knife and then sprinkle on the salt and mash it into a paste with a fork.
- In a bowl, combine the garlic paste, mayonnaise, sour cream, parsley, dill, chives, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, vinegar, paprika, cayenne and hot sauce. Add the buttermilk to desired consistency and mix to combine, tasting frequently and adjusting seasonings as needed. Chill for a couple of hours before serving, thinning with more buttermilk if needed.
LIGHT RANCH DRESSING
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Time 10m
Yield 1 cup
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Whisk the buttermilk, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, onion flakes, garlic powder, chives, dill and parsley in a bowl; add 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
RANCH DRESSING II
This ranch dressing is great because it doesn't have all the chemicals and preservatives that many do. You can also use buttermilk in place of the sour cream, if you like.
Provided by DAWNIA
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Salad Dressing Recipes Sour Cream Dressing Recipes
Time 35m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, chives, parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 152.7 calories, Carbohydrate 1.1 g, Cholesterol 11.2 mg, Fat 16.6 g, Protein 0.5 g, SaturatedFat 3.4 g, Sodium 133.7 mg, Sugar 0.2 g
LIGHTER CLASSIC RANCH DRESSING
Just like the classic version, this ranch dressing can be used as a dip for vegetables, such as radishes or steamed broccoli.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Lunch Recipes
Yield Makes about 1 cup
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Whisk all the ingredients together in a medium bowl until combined. Use immediately, or refrigerate, covered, for up to 2 days.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 57 g, Cholesterol 11 g, Protein 2 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 128 g
LIGHTER RANCH DRESSING
Lighter versions of ingredients such as sour cream and mayonnaise still provide lively flavor.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Healthy Recipes Gluten-Free Recipes
Time 5m
Yield Makes 2 cups
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, scallions, and dill; season with salt and pepper. To store, refrigerate, covered, up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 87 g, Fat 7 g, Protein 2 g, SaturatedFat 2 g
LIGHT RANCH DRESSING
I like lighter dressings that stay as close as possible to the whole food, not using fat free versions of everything. They end up tasting artificial to me. You can easily replace the fresh herbs with a half quantity of dried.
Provided by Margie99
Categories Salad Dressings
Time 5m
Yield 1 cup, 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Whisk together all ingredients in a small bowl. Refrigerate until ready to use. If you can make it a couple hours before you need it the flavors will be blended better.
AMERICAN KITCHEN CLASSIC RANCH DRESSING
Yes, America....there really is a Hidden Valley Ranch! In 1954, Steve and Gayle Henson opened a dude ranch near Santa Barbara, California called Hidden Valley Ranch. To their guests, they served a dressing that Steve had developed. The dressing was popular, and they began selling bottles that guests could take home. This expanded into mass production which continues today but no longer with the Hensons. The secret formula is now owned by the people at Clorox Corp.
Provided by Member 610488
Categories Salad Dressings
Time 5m
Yield 1 1/4 cups
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Whisk together the garlic cloves, worcestershire sauce and vinegar in a bowl. Add in the mayonnaise, sour cream and milk. Combine well. Add in the fresh herbs and stir. Chill.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 425.8, Fat 35.5, SaturatedFat 11.6, Cholesterol 57.2, Sodium 664.2, Carbohydrate 24.6, Fiber 0.4, Sugar 7.7, Protein 4.6
Tips:
- To make a lighter version of classic ranch dressing, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or mayonnaise.
- Use fresh herbs, such as dill, parsley, and chives, to add flavor to the dressing.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of vinegar to brighten up the dressing.
- If you like a thicker dressing, add more Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- If you like a thinner dressing, add more milk or water.
- Season the dressing to taste with salt and pepper.
- Serve the dressing with your favorite vegetables, salad, or chicken wings.
Conclusion:
Making a lighter version of classic ranch dressing is easy and delicious. By using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or mayonnaise, you can cut down on calories and fat without sacrificing flavor. Adding fresh herbs, lemon juice, and vinegar will brighten up the dressing and make it even more flavorful. So next time you're looking for a healthy and tasty dressing, give this lighter classic ranch dressing a try.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love