Creamy Valley Herb Ranch Dressing
This Creamy Valley Herb Ranch Dressing brings a delightful twist to your salads, making greens irresistible even for the pickiest eaters! Inspired by our family's love for fresh flavors, this versatile dressing combines zesty lime and aromatic herbs with a rich, creamy base. Perfect for drizzling over salads, it's also an ideal dip for chicken nuggets and crispy pita pieces, winning hearts at the dinner table. Whether you're enjoying a bright salad or simply looking to elevate your snacking game, this dressing is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Get ready to dive into a delicious world of flavor that everyone can agree upon!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
garlic
1 clove (peeled and roughly chopped)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (none)
mayonnaise
1/4 cup (none)
sour cream
1/3 cup (none)
fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon (juiced from a fresh lime)
buttermilk
3/4 cup (none)
fresh parsley
1 tablespoon (chopped)
fresh chives
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling the garlic clove and chopping it roughly.
2
In a food processor, combine the chopped garlic, salt, black pepper, mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh lime juice, buttermilk, and chopped parsley.
3
Blend the mixture for approximately 1 minute or until it achieves a silky, smooth consistency.
4
Transfer the blended dressing into a mixing bowl and gently fold in the chopped chives until evenly distributed.
5
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or lime juice if desired.
6
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Valley Herb Ranch Dressing?
It is a rich and versatile homemade dressing that combines fresh herbs, zesty lime, and a creamy base of mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
This recipe requires 9 ingredients, including garlic, salt, pepper, mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, buttermilk, parsley, and chives.
What equipment do I need to make the dressing?
A food processor is recommended to blend the ingredients into a silky, smooth consistency.
How long should I blend the ingredients?
You should blend the mixture for approximately 1 minute or until it is completely smooth.
Can I use this dressing as a dip?
Yes, it is an ideal dip for chicken nuggets, crispy pita pieces, or fresh vegetables.
Why do I need to refrigerate the dressing before serving?
Refrigerating for at least 30 minutes allows the fresh herb and garlic flavors to properly meld together.
What makes this ranch dressing different from others?
This version uses fresh lime juice instead of vinegar for a unique, zesty twist.
When should I add the chives?
Chives should be gently folded into the dressing by hand after the other ingredients have been blended in the food processor.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, it is designed to be a crowd-pleaser that can even encourage picky eaters to enjoy their salads.
What kind of herbs are used?
The recipe calls for fresh parsley and fresh chives for an aromatic herb profile.
How much garlic is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses 1 clove of garlic that should be peeled and roughly chopped before blending.
What is the base of the dressing?
The creamy base is made from a combination of 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/3 cup sour cream, and 3/4 cup buttermilk.
Can I adjust the seasoning of the dressing?
Yes, after blending, you can taste the dressing and add more salt or lime juice if desired.
What is the suggested serving for this dressing?
It is perfect for drizzling over green salads or as a dipping sauce for snacks.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
Fresh lime juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can be used as a substitute if fresh is unavailable.
How much salt is included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Does this recipe use black pepper?
Yes, it includes 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper for a bit of spice.
How much buttermilk is required?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of buttermilk to give the dressing its signature tang and pourable consistency.
Can I use a blender if I don't have a food processor?
Yes, a high-speed blender can also be used to achieve the desired smooth texture.
Is the recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is an easy recipe that primarily involves basic chopping and blending.
How much fresh parsley should I use?
You will need 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley.
How much fresh chives should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh chives.
What color is the final dressing?
It is a creamy white dressing speckled with green herbs.
Is this a gluten-free recipe?
The ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, but always check your specific brand of mayonnaise and sour cream.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, store leftovers in an airtight container or covered bowl in the refrigerator.
Is the dressing thick or thin?
With 3/4 cup of buttermilk, it is a pourable dressing, but the mayonnaise and sour cream keep it rich and creamy.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double all the ingredients to make a larger batch for parties.
Is this dressing vegetarian?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly recipe.
How do I prepare the garlic for this recipe?
The garlic should be peeled and roughly chopped before it goes into the food processor.
What if the dressing is too thick?
You can add a small splash more of buttermilk or lime juice to reach your preferred consistency.