Homemade Ranch with Iceberg Lettuce Wedges

Homemade Ranch with Iceberg Lettuce Wedges Recipe from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Homemade Ranch with Iceberg Lettuce Wedges is a classic and refreshing salad that is perfect for a light and flavorful meal. The creamy ranch dressing pairs perfectly with the crisp iceberg lettuce, creating a delicious combination of flavors and textures.

History

Ranch dressing was first created in the 1950s by Steve Henson, a plumber from Alaska. He and his wife Gayle opened a dude ranch in California and served the dressing to their guests. The dressing became so popular that they eventually started selling it commercially. Today, ranch dressing is one of the most popular salad dressings in the United States.

Ingredients

Dressing

0.25 tsp kosher salt
1 garlic clove
1 cup real mayonnaise
0.5 cup sour cream
0.5 cup buttermilk
0.25 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
0.5 tsp distilled white vinegar
0.5 tsp worcestershire sauce
0.13 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
0.25 tsp paprika
0.5 tsp black pepper
a dash of tabasco sauce (optional!)

Salad

2 heads of iceberg lettuce

How to prepare

Sprinkle the garlic clove with the salt and mash it finely with a fork, as the garlic contributes a strong flavor to the dressing.
In a bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients and stir gently. Taste and adjust the seasonings according to your preference. Refrigerate for 2 hours. If needed, thin the dressing with milk.
Wash and dry the iceberg lettuce, then cut each head into four wedges. Place one wedge on each of the eight separate plates and generously pour the dressing over each wedge.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes, bacon bits, or shredded cheese to the salad for extra flavor.
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier dressing option.
Substitute the iceberg lettuce with romaine or mixed greens for a different twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to mash the garlic clove with salt to release its flavors.

- Adjust the seasonings of the dressing to suit your taste preferences.

- Refrigerate the dressing for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Thin the dressing with milk if it is too thick.

- Serve the dressing generously over the iceberg lettuce wedges for maximum flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Homemade Ranch with Iceberg Lettuce Wedges as a side dish or light meal. Pair it with grilled chicken or steak for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Mash the garlic clove with salt to release its flavors.

- Stir the dressing gently to combine the ingredients without overmixing.

- Cut the iceberg lettuce into wedges for a classic presentation.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs if fresh herbs are not available.

- Substitute regular mayonnaise for the real mayonnaise if needed.

- Use lemon juice instead of vinegar for a tangy twist.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the dressing in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days.

- Cut the iceberg lettuce into wedges and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the iceberg lettuce wedges on a platter and drizzle the dressing over the top. - Garnish the salad with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Homemade Ranch with Iceberg Lettuce Wedges with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread.

- Pair the salad with a glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Homemade Ranch with Iceberg Lettuce Wedges contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Homemade Ranch with Iceberg Lettuce Wedges contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Homemade Ranch with Iceberg Lettuce Wedges contains approximately 25 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Homemade Ranch with Iceberg Lettuce Wedges contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Homemade Ranch with Iceberg Lettuce Wedges is a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin K.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (sour cream, buttermilk) and eggs (mayonnaise), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Homemade Ranch with Iceberg Lettuce Wedges is a creamy and flavorful salad that is rich in fats and calories. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, but may not be suitable for individuals with dairy or egg allergies.

Summary

Homemade Ranch with Iceberg Lettuce Wedges is a classic and delicious salad that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. The creamy ranch dressing pairs perfectly with the crisp iceberg lettuce, creating a flavorful and satisfying dish. Enjoy this salad as a side dish or light meal for a tasty and nutritious option.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret. Margaret was known in our small town for her incredible cooking skills, and I always looked forward to our time together in her kitchen.

On this particular day, Margaret had whipped up a delicious salad with homemade ranch dressing. The flavors were so fresh and vibrant, I couldn't help but ask her for the recipe. With a twinkle in her eye, Margaret agreed to share her secret with me.

She took me over to her cookbook collection and pulled out a weathered, stained notebook. Inside were handwritten recipes that she had collected over the years from friends, family, and even strangers. As she flipped through the pages, she stopped at a recipe titled "Homemade Ranch with Iceberg Lettuce Wedges."

Margaret explained that this recipe was a family favorite, passed down from her grandmother to her mother, and now to her. She walked me through the ingredients and the steps, giving me tips and tricks along the way.

I watched intently as she mixed together mayo, sour cream, buttermilk, and a blend of herbs and spices. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

Once the dressing was ready, Margaret showed me how to prepare the iceberg lettuce wedges. She carefully cut the lettuce into quarters, drizzled the homemade ranch dressing over the top, and garnished with crispy bacon bits, chopped tomatoes, and fresh chives.

As we sat down to enjoy our salad, I couldn't believe how delicious it was. The creamy dressing paired perfectly with the crisp lettuce and savory toppings. I knew right then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I have made this Homemade Ranch with Iceberg Lettuce Wedges countless times. I have shared it with friends and family, who all rave about its deliciousness. It has become a signature dish of mine, and I always think back to that day in Margaret's kitchen whenever I make it.

The key to this recipe is using fresh, high-quality ingredients. I have found that using farm-fresh buttermilk and organic herbs really elevates the flavors of the dressing. And of course, nothing beats the taste of a crisp, cold iceberg lettuce wedge straight from the garden.

I have also experimented with different variations of the recipe, adding in ingredients like blue cheese crumbles, avocado slices, or grilled chicken for a heartier meal. Each time I make it, I find new ways to customize and perfect the dish.

One of my favorite memories involving this recipe was when my grandchildren came to visit. They were hesitant to try the salad at first, but once they took their first bite, they were hooked. It was so heartwarming to see them enjoying a dish that had been passed down through generations.

As I sit here writing this, I can't help but smile at the thought of all the joy and memories that this recipe has brought into my life. It's not just a salad to me – it's a connection to my past, a way to honor the traditions of my family, and a delicious reminder of the power of good food shared with loved ones.

So if you ever find yourself in need of a simple, yet impressive dish to serve at a gathering or family dinner, I highly recommend giving my Homemade Ranch with Iceberg Lettuce Wedges a try. It may just become a favorite in your own recipe collection, just like it has in mine.