Ranch dressing has always been one of my favorite condiments (after ketchup, of course). When I saw what was actually in store-bought salad dressings, I knew it was time to stop. Luckily, I came up with an even healthier version of ranch salad dressing and now this ranch dressing mix.
The kids and I love it in salads, but it also makes a great dry ranch seasoning for meats and veggies. And it’s naturally gluten free.
Why a Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix?
I probably don’t have to tell you that Hidden Valley Ranch is hiding a lot of unhealthy ingredients under that delicious ranch flavor. MSG, artificial flavors, and soy to name a few.
It seemed counterintuitive to make a healthy salad and then put junk on it. I found a great alternative to regular ranch dressing (here’s the recipe). But I also wanted an alternative to the ranch dressing mix I use on chicken, roasted veggies, and other dishes.
I thought I could make a better option for real food. This is what happened and it is delicious. We keep a jar in the cupboard to use for veggies, eggs, chicken or to make ranch dip.
I order all of the ingredients in bulk so I can make it when we need it. This way I can also make all of the other spices we need when we need them. You can find my other homemade spice mix recipes here.
Some things do not change
This ranch mix and ranch dressing are part of our regular meal rotation. I have the powder ready to use and always add the other ingredients to my Real Plans Shopping List so I can quickly make a batch when needed.
So much has changed in the world since I was a kid, but my love of ranch dressing seems to be a constant part of most childhoods. I love that I can now feed my kids a healthier (and tastier) version!
Ranch dressing recipe
Most of the ingredients for this you probably already have in your pantry. The main ingredient is dry buttermilk powder, which gives it that creamy flavor. Unlike the pre-made packets, however, it is not cut with maltodextrin. And if you want an even tangier ranch dressing, you can add a little fresh lemon juice to the Greek yogurt.
My favorite way to make the dip is with Greek yogurt. This makes it tangy and creamy with a boost of protein. For a more traditional ranch dressing, you can use 1/2 cup sour cream and 1/2 cup mayonnaise instead.
Finish off your dip by sprinkling some fresh, chopped dill or chives on top!
What to Use Ranch Dressing Dip For
Your family probably already has a list of dishes they love with ranch dressing. It’s a great dip for everything from chips to pizza. Serve it as an appetizer with veggies, or drizzle it over a salad. Since this is a dry ranch dressing mix, it’s even more versatile. Here are some more delicious ways to use it!
Ranch spice mix recipe
Instead of buying ready-made ranch seasoning from a box, you can make your own using simple ingredients found in your pantry.
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Mix all ingredients in a small bowl.
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Store the dry mixture in an airtight container at room temperature until ready to use.
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Use 2 tablespoons of the mix for each bag of ranch mix called for in a recipe.
Nutritional Facts
Ranch spice mix recipe
Amount per serving (1 serving)
Calories 50
Calories from fat 9
% Daily Value*
Fat 1 gram2%
Saturated fat 0.4 g3%
Polyunsaturated fat 0.05 g
Monounsaturated fat 0.2 g
Cholesterol 7mg2%
Sodium 832mg36%
Potassium 216 mg6%
Carbohydrates 7g2%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 5g6%
Egg white 4g8%
Vitamin A 51 IE1%
Vitamin C 2 mg2%
Calcium 139mg14%
Iron 0.5 mg3%
*Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
- To make ranch dip, add 2 tablespoons of ranch mix to 1 cup of Greek yogurt.
- Dilute the ranch dip with water or milk to make a buttermilk ranch dressing.
I never thought I could give up ranch dressing (or that I would want to). Now I like the real thing even more. What I thought would be one of the hardest parts of making the switch to healthy, real food actually turned out to be one of the best.
What are your favorite ways to use ranch dressing mix? Leave a comment and share below!
