Ranch Salad Dressing Mix

Ranch Salad Dressing Mix Recipe - American Classic

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Servings: 12 batches

Introduction

Ranch Salad Dressing Mix is a versatile and flavorful seasoning blend that can be used to make delicious ranch dressing at home. This mix is easy to prepare and can be stored for future use, making it a convenient option for busy cooks.

History

Ranch dressing was created in the 1950s by Steve Henson, a plumber from Alaska, who later opened a dude ranch in California. The dressing became popular among guests at the ranch and eventually gained widespread popularity across the United States. Ranch Salad Dressing Mix is a convenient way to enjoy the flavors of ranch dressing at home.

Ingredients

0.67 cup of dried parsley flakes
0.25 cup of finely crushed saltine crackers
0.33 cup of dried minced onion
3 tbsp of garlic salt
2 tbsp of onion salt
1 tbsp of garlic powder
1 tbsp of onion powder
1 tbsp of dried dill weed
0.25 tsp of pepper

How to prepare

In a medium mixing bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well using a wire whisk.
Store the mixture in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
This recipe yields enough mixture to make 12 batches of ranch salad dressing.
To make Ranch Dressing, combine 1 tbsp of Ranch Salad Dressing Mix with 1 cup of mayonnaise and 1 cup of buttermilk.

Variations

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Mix in some grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy twist.
Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter dressing option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to store the Ranch Salad Dressing Mix in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to maintain its freshness.

- Adjust the amount of mix used in the dressing to suit your taste preferences.

- Experiment with adding additional herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the dressing.

Serving Suggestions

Ranch Salad Dressing Mix can be used to make ranch dressing for salads, as a dip for vegetables, or as a seasoning for meats and potatoes.

Cooking Techniques

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl using a wire whisk until well combined.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have dried parsley flakes, you can use fresh parsley instead. You can also substitute the crushed crackers with breadcrumbs or panko.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare a large batch of Ranch Salad Dressing Mix and store it in an airtight container for future use. This mix will stay fresh for several months when stored properly.

Presentation Ideas

Serve ranch dressing made with Ranch Salad Dressing Mix in a small bowl alongside a platter of fresh vegetables for a colorful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Ranch dressing pairs well with a variety of dishes, including salads, chicken wings, and potato wedges. It also makes a tasty dip for breadsticks and pizza crust.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Ranch Salad Dressing Mix in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. To reheat the mix, simply mix it with mayonnaise and buttermilk as directed in the recipe.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Ranch Salad Dressing Mix contains approximately 10 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Ranch Salad Dressing Mix contains approximately 2 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Ranch Salad Dressing Mix contains approximately 1 gram of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Ranch Salad Dressing Mix contains approximately 0 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Ranch Salad Dressing Mix contains vitamins and minerals from the herbs and spices used in the mix, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium.

Alergens

Ranch Salad Dressing Mix may contain allergens such as wheat from the crushed crackers. Be sure to check the ingredients for any allergens before consuming.

Summary

Ranch Salad Dressing Mix is a low-calorie seasoning blend that adds flavor to dishes without adding excess calories, fats, or carbohydrates.

Summary

Ranch Salad Dressing Mix is a convenient and flavorful seasoning blend that can be used to make delicious ranch dressing at home. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of preparation, you can enjoy the classic flavors of ranch dressing anytime.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Ranch Salad Dressing Mix. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in the countryside. My mother had invited some friends over for a summer picnic, and one of them brought along a homemade salad dressing that caught my eye.

I watched intently as she mixed together a blend of herbs and spices, along with buttermilk and mayonnaise, to create a creamy and flavorful dressing that transformed a simple salad into something truly special. I was fascinated by the way she effortlessly combined ingredients to create something so delicious, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself.

After the picnic, I approached the woman and asked if she would be willing to share her recipe with me. She smiled warmly and agreed, explaining that the recipe had been passed down through generations in her family. She handed me a handwritten card with the ingredients and instructions, and I eagerly tucked it away in my recipe box.

Over the years, I perfected the recipe, making small adjustments here and there to suit my own tastes. I experimented with different herbs and spices, varying the ratios until I found the perfect balance of flavors. I shared the dressing with friends and family, who all raved about its delicious taste. It became a staple at our family gatherings and holiday meals, always earning compliments and requests for the recipe.

As I continued to make the Ranch Salad Dressing Mix, I began to think about the origins of the recipe. I wondered where the woman had learned to make it, and if she had added her own twist to the traditional ingredients. I imagined her in a cozy kitchen, surrounded by loved ones, passing down the recipe from one generation to the next.

One day, I had the opportunity to ask her about the history of the recipe. We sat down together over a cup of tea, and she shared with me the story behind the dressing. She explained that her grandmother had learned to make it from a neighbor who had grown up on a ranch in the Midwest. The neighbor had passed down the recipe to her, and she had in turn passed it on to her children and grandchildren.

I was fascinated by the connection to the ranch and the Midwest, as I had always been drawn to the simple and wholesome flavors of that region. I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the woman who had shared the recipe with me, and for the generations of women who had kept it alive.

As I continued to make the Ranch Salad Dressing Mix, I thought about the importance of preserving family recipes and passing them down to future generations. I knew that I had a responsibility to teach my own children and grandchildren how to make the dressing, so that they could carry on the tradition.

I began to make the dressing with my grandchildren, teaching them the same techniques that had been passed down to me. We laughed and talked as we mixed together the herbs and spices, creating memories that would last a lifetime. I watched with pride as they carefully measured out the ingredients, eager to learn the secrets of the recipe.

As we sat down to enjoy a salad dressed with the Ranch Salad Dressing Mix, I felt a sense of satisfaction and contentment. The recipe had brought us together, connecting us to our past and to each other. I knew that it would continue to be a part of our family gatherings for years to come, creating new memories and traditions along the way.

And so, as I look back on the journey that led me to discover the recipe for Ranch Salad Dressing Mix, I am grateful for the woman who shared it with me and for the generations of women who kept it alive. I take pride in passing on this beloved recipe to my own family, knowing that it will continue to bring us together and nourish us in more ways than one.