the only ranch i'll eat

If you know me, then you already know that I am not a fan of ranch dressing. I absolutely despise the stuff that comes in the bottle from Hidden Valley. Blech. But I do like alot of the ingredients found in ranch, so I decided I would give homemade ranch a try, and it was awesome. It's a super easy recipe that you could turn into a dip or salad dressing (depending on how much buttermilk and vinegar you add). Great for dinner parties or just everyday lunch/dinner. Beware: it is on the garlicky side, so maybe not the best for date night!

Homemade Ranch

1 clove garlic, minced
kosher salt, to taste
3/4 c sour cream
3/4 c mayonnaise
3-4 tbsp minced parsley
2 tbsp minced chives
white wine vinegar or just plain white vinegar, to taste
buttermilk, to desired taste and consistency

Mash and mince garlic clove. Sprinkle with kosher salt and with side of knife or back of a fork smash and crush garlic with salt until it looks like a paste. My picture is blurry, but you get the idea.

I use about equal parts mayonnaise and sour cream (maybe a little heavier on the mayo). Mix all of the herbs, garlic, mayo, and sour cream together.

Taste what you have so far. Start with a teaspoon or 2 of vinegar for sharpness and to waken up the richness of the mayonnaise. Start with about a quarter cup of buttermilk to thin out the mixture to make it more of a dressing consistency. Keep adding buttermilk until you reach the right consistency. Taste again. See if you need more salt or vinegar.

What you have in the end is a creamy, buttermilk herb dressing without the bottled ranch aftertaste.

One of my favorite salads to order at a restaurant is a wedge. To make at home just quarter and core a head of iceberg, and top with whatever you wish. I like ranch dressing, blue cheese crumbles, bacon and tomatoes.