This homemade ranch dip is so much better than store bought, and so simple to make! This easy ranch dip is made with pantry ingredients, WITHOUT using a packet! Sour cream, mayonnaise, and a few choice seasonings make for the perfect homemade dipping sauce for your favorite vegetables, chicken tenders, and more! Why buy from the store when you can make an even better version at home?
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Did you know that Ranch Dressing is the most popular salad dressing in America? And is it any wonder? Creamy, mild, perfectly seasoned with parsley, garlic, and onion. The faithful best friend to cheese, bacon, and vegetables of every size and shape.
This homemade ranch dip is a thick, luscious version of the popular salad dressing. A combination of mayonnaise and sour cream makes for a sturdy, dip-able texture that is perfect for serving with your favorite chicken strips, nuggets, vegetables, and more!
Best of all, it's super simple to make using standard pantry ingredients. You're never going to want to buy store bought again!
Ingredients
- Mayonnaise: This gives your homemade ranch dip a creamy, authentic flavor.
- Sour cream: I recommend using the thickest sour cream you can find. Daisy brand is my favorite, but you can use any thick style sour cream that you prefer.
- Dried minced onion: This gives your dip a nice texture, without needing the addition of raw onion. Dried minced onion is also known as onion flakes and can be found in the spices and seasonings section of any major grocery chain.
- Basic seasonings: dried parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Instructions
Add the mayonnaise and sour cream to a small to medium sized bowl.
Use a silicone or rubber spatula to fold the sour cream and mayonnaise together until smooth and uniform.
Add in the dried minced onion, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pinch of black pepper.
Fold the seasonings in until completely smooth.
Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving, if possible, to allow the flavors to develop.
Taste and adjust any seasonings as desired.
Substitutions
Sour cream: If you don't like sour cream, you can easily substitute it for the same amount of plain greek yogurt. If you are looking for a salad dressing consistency, you can substitute it for cultured buttermilk.
Mayonnaise: I wouldn't substitute the mayonnaise in this recipe, since it contributes much of the flavor, texture, and consistency. You can substitute part of it for greek yogurt if you're looking for a lighter dip.
Egg Free: Substitute the mayonnaise with the same quantity of eggless mayonnaise. If you can't find it locally, here is a recipe for making your own eggless mayo.
Dairy Free: Substitute the ½ cup of sour cream for ½ cup of dairy free sour cream.
Variations
Buttermilk Ranch Dressing: Substitute the sour cream in this recipe for cultured buttermilk. This will give it a thin, pourable consistency, which is perfect to use as a salad dressing.
Buffalo Ranch Dip: Add 2 tbsp. of cayenne pepper sauce (like Frank's) for every ½ cup of prepared ranch dip. Stir well and serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
While the two can be generally used interchangeably, there are some significant differences. Ranch dressing is thin and pourable, often containing a buttermilk component. Ranch dip is thick, making it perfect for dipping with vegetables and chicken tenders. Rather than buttermilk, sour cream is often used.
Ranch dip can be thinned to use on salad by adding small amounts of milk or buttermilk, and stirring to combine. Once the dip is thin and pourable, you can use it to top your favorite salad.
Yes, you can! Although I strongly recommend you still include a portion of mayonnaise to give that classic mouthfeel. Substitute no more than ½ of the mayonnaise or sour cream for greek yogurt for the best results.
What to Serve with Ranch Dip
Ranch dressing is the most popular condiment in America, second only to ketchup. North American's enjoy almost everything slathered in ranch dip! Here are a few suggestions:
- Chicken nuggets
- Chicken tenders
- Waffle fries
- Buffalo wings
- Jalapeno poppers
- Popcorn chicken
- Tater Tots
- Baby carrots
- Cherry tomatoes
- Sliced mushrooms
- Broccoli
- Potato chips
- French fries
- Sweet potato fries
Homemade Ranch Dip
Ingredients
- ½ cup real mayonnaise
- ½ cup thick sour cream
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried minced onion
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Pinch of ground black pepper
Instructions
- Add the mayonnaise and sour cream to a small to medium sized bowl.
- Use a silicone or rubber spatula to fold the sour cream and mayonnaise together until smooth and uniform.
- Add in the dried minced onion, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pinch of black pepper.
- Fold the seasonings in until completely smooth.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving, if possible, to allow the flavors to develop.
- Taste and adjust any seasonings as desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Resources
- Ranch Nation - New York Times
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