Ranch is a creamy buttermilk-based dressing with garlic and other spices and herbs. Ranch dressing did in fact originate on a ranch – Hidden Valley Guest Ranch, just outside of Santa Barbara, California. A Nebraska man by the name of Steve Henson decided to move his family to California in 1954 to open up a dude ranch. The Hensons served up a homemade buttermilk salad dressing that the guests couldn’t get enough of. Those staying at the ranch began taking jars home to share with their families and friends. By 1992, Ranch officially replaced Italian as the favorite salad dressing of Americans, which it remains today 20+ years later.

American Homemade Ranch Dressing

Ranch is an extremely popular dressing in the US. Ranch’s flavorings are mild enough to satisfy most anyone. It's cool, creamy, and versatile. Outside the United States, it's sometimes referred to as "American Sauce". It's iconic, and it's delicious. Homemade is always better with this dressing.

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Course: Dip, Salad

Cuisine: American, American West Coast, North American

Prep Time: 5

Total Time: 5

Servings:

Author: My Hungry Traveler

Equipment

2 cup jar with lid

Ingredients

½ cup Mayonnaise
½ cup Buttermilk
¼ cup Sour cream
½ tsp Each: dried parsley, dill weed, onion powder, garlic powder, chives, Worcestershire sauce
¼ tsp Each: salt and pepper

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

In a pint jar, add all the ingredients and mix to thoroughly combine. Screw on lid and rest for a few hours in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to blend. Thin with a little but of milk or buttermilk if it seems too thick. Store in refrigerator.

Notes

Larger quantities of the dried spices can be stored in a jar to add to the mayonnaise/buttermilk/sour cream right before using. This recipe calls for about 4 teaspoons of the mixed dried spices.