Homemade Ranch Dressing for Grilled Vegetables

Introduction

This creamy Homemade Ranch Dressing is packed with fresh herbs and a tangy, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables, meats, or as a dip. Made from scratch, it’s far better than anything store-bought and is super easy to whip up.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup buttermilk (adjust for desired consistency)
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix the Base

In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk until smooth. Adjust the buttermilk based on how thick or thin you like your ranch dressing.

2. Add the Seasonings

Stir in the fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, parsley, dill, chives, onion powder, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Chill the Dressing

Let the ranch dressing chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This will also help the consistency thicken slightly.

4. Serve

Serve cold with grilled veggies, grilled chicken, or as a dipping sauce for chips. It’s also fantastic drizzled over salads or as a topping for burgers or grilled meats.

Tips:

• If you prefer a thicker dressing, use less buttermilk or add more mayonnaise.
• You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to make the dressing lighter.
• The dressing can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Recipe Variations:

1. Spicy Ranch Dressing

• Add 1-2 tsp of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

2. Avocado Ranch

• Blend 1 ripe avocado into the ranch dressing for a creamy, rich twist.

3. Smoky Ranch

• Add 1/2 tsp smoked paprika to the dressing for a deep, smoky flavor.

4. Chipotle Ranch

• Stir in 1 tbsp of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a spicy, smoky variation.

5. Greek Yogurt Ranch

• Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version.

Best Pairings:

• Grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots.
• Grilled chicken skewers or wings.
• Grilled potato wedges.
• Crisp salads with grilled meats.

Conclusion

This Homemade Ranch Dressing brings a fresh, herbaceous flavor to your grilled foods and is a perfect complement to the crisp texture and smoky char of grilled vegetables or meats. Simple, creamy, and full of flavor, it’s a must-have for any cookout!