Summer Favorite: Ranch Dressing

I am not a huge fan of commercial Ranch Dressing (except on pasta salad, for some reason). However, homemade Ranch Dressing is a different story entirely, and my kids agree. They never eat the bottled stuff, but the homemade version is a favorite, especially as a dipping sauce.

I only find myself making this recipe in the summer, probably for a number of reasons. I love using fresh dill, but the dressing doesn't call for enough of it to warrant a purchase, so I just pinch some off from my garden. It also has a very light, summer-y flavor. In the winter time, my salads are heavier. I might try making this year-round, though.

The recipe is not an original to me. I use this one with some modifications. Instead of onion powder, I substitute garlic powder, and instead of dried dill, I use fresh. I used the celery leaves only once, and didn't notice any difference in flavor. Feel free to substitute a sprinkle of celery seed or omit altogether. You can also substitute fresh parsley, which is my preference. The most important ingredient on the list is the powdered buttermilk. This stuff kicks butt. You can find it in the baking aisle of your supermarket, or you can order it online (in bulk).

Comments

[Stefania/CityMama]

I love you for writing about this. I can't stand the stuff in the bottle but I'm all about the packets [made with buttermilk and mayo] or ho'made. :-)

[Haley]

We'd like to invite you to participate in our July berry recipe contest. All competitors will be placed on our blogroll, and the winner will receive a fun prize! Please email me, haleyglasco@gmail.com, if you're interested. Feel free to check out our blog for more details: http://blog.keyingredient.com/2008/06/06/key-ingredient-cooks-kitchen-recipe-contest/

[Lisa V]

Cooking Light had a really good, easy buttermilk ranch dressing in their June issue. I can't find the online link, but it had stacked heirloom tomatoes, avacodo, and red onions, topped with this great dressing.

[Randi]

I was just telling someone how much I hate the bottled ranch( Robin eats it all the time). I've made the ranch dressing from Penzey's, but I'm going to try this one.

Btw, are you still attending the heartland gathering?

[Maria]

I have never even thought about this, until reading about it here. I've always been a happy go lucky, hidden valley ranch type of girl.

But I went out on a limb and I made some with the recipe, and with your substitutes. Friggin DELICIOUS. There's no turning back now! :)