Lighter Creamy Ranch Dressing
Elevate your salads with this Lighter Creamy Ranch Dressing that's both health-conscious and delicious. This homemade dressing combines the tangy flavor of low-fat sour cream with zesty white balsamic vinegar and roasted red pepper mustard to create a delightful dip or dressing that's perfect for any green salad or veggie platter. Rich in flavor and made with wholesome ingredients, this dressing serves as a guilt-free indulgence, allowing you to enjoy your meals without compromising on taste. It's simple to prepare, making it a convenient option for busy weeks. Try this recipe and share it with friends and family for a refreshing take on a classic ranch dressing.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
low-fat sour cream
1/2 cup (none)
white balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon (none)
garlic cloves
2 (crushed)
dijon roasted red pepper mustard
1 teaspoon (none)
honey
1 teaspoon (none)
grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon (none)
olive oil
1 teaspoon (none)
fresh ground black pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the low-fat sour cream, white balsamic vinegar, crushed garlic cloves, dijon roasted red pepper mustard, honey, grated parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
2
Whisk the mixture until all ingredients are well combined and smooth. Adjust seasoning with fresh ground black pepper to taste.
3
For optimal flavor, refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4
Serve over your favorite salad or as a dip for fresh vegetables. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lighter Creamy Ranch Dressing?
Lighter Creamy Ranch Dressing is a health-conscious, homemade alternative to traditional ranch, featuring low-fat sour cream, white balsamic vinegar, and roasted red pepper mustard.
Is this ranch dressing healthy?
Yes, it is designed to be a lighter version of the classic dressing by using low-fat sour cream and wholesome ingredients for a guilt-free indulgence.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
What is the base ingredient for this dressing?
The base of the dressing is 1/2 cup of low-fat sour cream.
Can I use regular sour cream instead of low-fat?
Yes, you can substitute regular sour cream, though it will increase the overall fat and calorie content of the dressing.
What type of vinegar is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of white balsamic vinegar to provide a zesty and tangy flavor.
Can I substitute the white balsamic vinegar?
If you do not have white balsamic vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar as a substitute.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe requires 2 cloves of garlic, which should be crushed before mixing.
What gives this dressing its unique zesty flavor?
The zesty flavor comes from the combination of dijon roasted red pepper mustard and white balsamic vinegar.
Is there any sweetener in the recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of honey is included to balance the tangy and savory flavors.
Can I make this ranch dressing vegan?
To make it vegan, replace the sour cream with a plant-based alternative, use agave instead of honey, and substitute the parmesan with nutritional yeast.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but you should always check the labels on your mustard and vinegar to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The 2 garlic cloves should be crushed before being added to the mixture to ensure the flavor is evenly distributed.
Does this dressing contain cheese?
Yes, it includes 1 teaspoon of grated parmesan cheese for added depth and flavor.
What kind of oil is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of olive oil.
How long should the dressing be refrigerated?
For the best results, refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Why is refrigeration recommended?
Chilling the dressing allows the various flavors, especially the garlic and mustard, to meld together properly.
What are the best ways to serve this dressing?
It is perfect for drizzling over green salads or serving as a dip for a fresh vegetable platter.
Can I use this recipe as a dip?
Absolutely! Its creamy texture makes it an excellent dip for carrots, celery, bell peppers, and other fresh veggies.
How should I store leftover dressing?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container or a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator.
How long will the dressing stay fresh?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, the dressing should remain fresh for about 3 to 5 days.
Can I freeze this ranch dressing?
Freezing is not recommended because the sour cream base may separate and the texture will become grainy upon thawing.
Is this dressing spicy?
No, it is not spicy, though the dijon mustard and garlic provide a pleasant zesty kick.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients: sour cream, vinegar, garlic, mustard, honey, parmesan, olive oil, and black pepper.
Can I add fresh herbs to the recipe?
Yes, adding fresh herbs like dill, chives, or parsley can further enhance the classic ranch flavor profile.
What if I don't have roasted red pepper mustard?
You can use regular Dijon mustard and add a small pinch of smoked paprika or finely minced roasted red peppers as a substitute.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, children usually enjoy the creamy texture and familiar ranch-style flavor.
Can the recipe be doubled?
Yes, you can easily double or triple the ingredients if you are preparing for a larger group or party.
Does the recipe contain added salt?
No additional salt is listed; the parmesan cheese and mustard provide sufficient savory flavor, but you can add a pinch if desired.
How can I adjust the consistency of the dressing?
If the dressing is too thick, whisk in a teaspoon of water or milk. If it is too thin, add a bit more sour cream.