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May 31, 2011

Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe

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Making your own homemade ranch dressing is an easy way to cut costs when on a budget. It’s also a healthier alternative to store-bought!

 Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe

This spring, I received numerous emails asking, “How do you make organic food affordable?”. Many readers want to make changes, but need some help obtaining organic, real food, without breaking the bank.

I’ve spent the last several years finding ways to cut costs and make organic food more affordable for my family and I want to share my ideas with you. All my posts this summer will be devoted to “Organic, Real Food – On a Budget”. I’ll share recipes, tips, tricks, and everything I know to reduce costs without compromising.

Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe

My first tip is to stop buying so many packaged foods and start buying whole foods instead. Packaging costs money. Why pay for cardboard and plastic when you could use that money to buy food? Most American pantries and refrigerators overflow with pre-made packaged foods. Even if the packaged food is organic, you’re still paying more than if you made it yourself. Take salad dressing for an example. Honestly, we don’t need to buy bottles and bottles of salad dressing. Most bottled dressing at the store contains preservatives, stabilizers, emulsifiers, and oils that don’t nourish. Homemade salad dressing takes minutes to prepare and will keep in the fridge for a week or two. It costs less, and you get the added bonus of knowing all the ingredients.

My everyday dressing consists of lemon juice, a little olive oil, salt and pepper. I actually squeeze the juice, drizzle the oil, and season directly over the lettuce. No need for another bowl. I toss the greens at least 15-20 times, taste, and adjust according to my whim.

We also enjoy making Ranch dressing, especially since you can use it for salad, or as a dip for chicken nuggets and vegetables (I even like it on my mashed potatoes occasionally). My version takes a few minutes to prepare, uses dried herbs to keep the cost down, and keeps in the fridge for about a week. Make it and you’re well on your way to making Organic, Real Food – On a Budget!

Here are some other great homemade salad dressing recipes:

Apricot Salad Dressing from Elena’s Pantry
Tamari Tahini Sauce from Letty’s Kitchen
Kombucha Vinaigrette from Mother Earth Living

Serves: Makes 1 1/4 cups

Homemade Ranch Dressing

If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can combine 3 1/2 tablespoons of milk and 1 1/2 teaspoons of lemon juice in a small bowl. Let it stand for 5 minutes until it curdles. That's it!

10 minPrep Time

10 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

    For Dressing:
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried chives
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

  1. Whisk all ingredients in a small bowl. Adjust seasonings to taste.
7.8.1.2
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https://deliciouslyorganic.net/organic-real-food-on-a-budget-homemade-ranch-dressing-recipe/
Copyright 2016 Deliciously Organic

 

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Filed Under: Egg-Free, Gluten Free Recipes, Grain Free Recipes, Kids and School Lunches, Nut-free, Sides and Salads, Thyroid Support and Health Recipes (Days 1-30), Thyroid Support and Health Recipes (Days 31+), Uncategorized | 46 Comments

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46 Comments

  1. Michelle

    May 31, 2011 at 12:14 pm

    I'm looking forward to this series! We've recently made the switch to organic and whole foods and, while I'm starting to get a handle on it, the grocery budget has undergone many renovations. (I also wanted to add that I just got your cookbook on Thursday and we've already made the coconut strawberry smoothies 4 times! The only change I made was to add a banana; that added enough volume to stretch the recipe to two servings. Delicious!)
    to Michelle" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Michelle'>Reply to this comment
    • Sukanya

      May 3, 2021 at 6:22 pm

      Do you have a dairy free version?
      to Sukanya" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Sukanya'>Reply to this comment
      • W

        August 22, 2022 at 2:50 pm

        I'd love to know how to do substitutes also.
        to W" aria-label='Reply to this comment to W'>Reply to this comment
  2. Caryn/TheMIdLIfeGuru

    May 31, 2011 at 12:21 pm

    I just attended a cooking class on raw food cooking and am trying to make these changes in to our weekly menu. I am looking forward to getting more ideas from your posts this summer.
    to Caryn/TheMIdLIfeGuru" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Caryn/TheMIdLIfeGuru'>Reply to this comment
  3. Dawn (KitchenTravels)

    May 31, 2011 at 12:26 pm

    Thanks for this Carrie. My twins love ranch, but the list of ingredients on a typical bottle is downright scary. We tried Annie's organic brand, but frankly, it tasted terrible. Looking forward to giving this recipe a try. :)
    to Dawn (KitchenTravels)" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Dawn (KitchenTravels)'>Reply to this comment
  4. Kellyj

    May 31, 2011 at 1:40 pm

    Can you suggest a heathy brand of mayonnaise?
    to Kellyj" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Kellyj'>Reply to this comment
    • Deliciously Organic

      May 31, 2011 at 4:44 pm

      My favorite brand is Wilderness Family Naturals (you can order it from their site). I make my own mayonnaise and it only takes about 5-10 minutes to prepare. Here is one of my favorite recipes: http://www.organicspark.com/portfolio/simply-mayonnaise/
      to Deliciously Organic" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic'>Reply to this comment
  5. Nisrine M.

    May 31, 2011 at 2:05 pm

    This dressing sounds delicious. I like your food philosophyand I'm trying to incorporate more organic options in my diet.
    to Nisrine M." aria-label='Reply to this comment to Nisrine M.'>Reply to this comment
  6. marla

    May 31, 2011 at 2:23 pm

    This is great Carrie, I am looking forward to the new series :)
    to marla" aria-label='Reply to this comment to marla'>Reply to this comment
  7. Sara

    May 31, 2011 at 3:27 pm

    This is great Carrie. My husband and I love ranch but don't like buying the bottle ranch dressing from the store. I'm going to try this recipe tonight- we're making a grilled quinoa salad and this would be great on top. Looking forward to your new series!
    to Sara" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Sara'>Reply to this comment
  8. Marcy

    May 31, 2011 at 5:47 pm

    I've been wanting to try making mayonnaise just to use for some ranch dressing; I don't care for it on sandwiches or anything like that. I get fresh free range eggs from the farmers market, but I still worry a little about the safety of using raw yolks; have you tried any recipes that heat the yolks enough to kill anything nasty? Or does the lacto-fermenting do the trick?
    to Marcy" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Marcy'>Reply to this comment
    • Ronda Lynn

      November 12, 2012 at 5:19 pm

      Hi Marcy, wash the free range egg shells with soap and water prior to cracking see www.mercola.com (world known MD on the web-organic all the way)
      to Ronda Lynn" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Ronda Lynn'>Reply to this comment
  9. Allison [Haute Box]

    May 31, 2011 at 6:23 pm

    I am so glad you'll be focusing more on affordable organic food! I look forward to your posts, Carrie.
    to Allison [Haute Box]" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Allison [Haute Box]'>Reply to this comment
  10. Katrina

    May 31, 2011 at 8:39 pm

    I love ranch! This sounds awesome.
    to Katrina" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Katrina'>Reply to this comment
  11. Amanda@Easy Peasy Organic

    June 1, 2011 at 2:21 am

    Awesome, Carrie! You know I'm all about organic on a budget, and I think it's what holds a lot of people back. So I'm looking forward to your tips and recipes!
    to Amanda@Easy Peasy Organic" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Amanda@Easy Peasy Organic'>Reply to this comment
  12. Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen

    June 1, 2011 at 4:56 am

    I'm looking forward to your series on organic eating on a budget. I try to buy organic whenever possible and would love to hear some tips on how to keep costs down.
    to Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen'>Reply to this comment
  13. Alison @ Ingredients, Inc.

    June 1, 2011 at 5:18 am

    I am so excited about trying this recipe. Hope you had a great Memorial day!
    to Alison @ Ingredients, Inc." aria-label='Reply to this comment to Alison @ Ingredients, Inc.'>Reply to this comment
    • Aron

      July 21, 2022 at 12:25 am

      Thanks for this!!!! My kids live ranch and I deeply miss it. I have an egg intolerance. Do you have a substitute suggestion for the Mayo?
      to Aron" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Aron'>Reply to this comment
      • Deliciously Organic

        July 25, 2022 at 9:44 am

        I haven't checked, but I bet there are some good options at the store, or a homemade recipe online.
        to Deliciously Organic" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic'>Reply to this comment
  14. Caroline

    June 1, 2011 at 6:15 am

    Do you have a suggestion for using fresh herbs? We happen to be growing all of these herbs in our garden and I'd love to use them freshly picked. Can you tell me how much should these ingredients be changed, if any? Thank you.
    to Caroline" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Caroline'>Reply to this comment
    • Deliciously Organic

      June 1, 2011 at 7:47 am

      If using fresh herbs then I would double the amount of each herb.
      to Deliciously Organic" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic'>Reply to this comment
  15. Elizabeth (Foodie, Formerly Fat)

    June 1, 2011 at 10:32 am

    If I ever buy a bottled salad dressing it has to be really special. My standard dressing is so simple, it too, like yours, gets made right in the bowl with the salad. I bought a small glass jar with a shaker top on it years ago and keep it filled with a mixture of kosher salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, dried sage, dried oregano, and dried thyme. After putting the veggies in the bowl I give this bottle a shake over the bowl and then drizzle in extra virgin olive oil and some balsamic vinegar and toss. Sometimes I go even more simple and just toss on some dried oregano and then evoo and red wine vinegar. It goes so well with olives, tomato, and feta in a salad! Also, I agree that the best way to make significant changes in your diet is to cut out processed foods. It can be a bigger hurdle than buying organic because then you have to be able to prepare the whole foods. But it makes such a difference.
    to Elizabeth (Foodie, Formerly Fat)" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Elizabeth (Foodie, Formerly Fat)'>Reply to this comment
  16. Marie Kenyon

    June 3, 2011 at 1:00 am

    I came to one of your cooking classes a few years ago with my daughter-in-love, Michelle Fuller. I just discovered your website through Michelle's FB profile. I just wanted you to know that attending that one class set me on a journey of changing how I eat. The first thing I did was buy the book, Nourishing Traditions. It has been a very interesting and informative journey. I now grow an heirloom, organic garden which my grandchildren love to help me with. So the change in healthy eating continues down through the generations. Thank you.
    to Marie Kenyon" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Marie Kenyon'>Reply to this comment
    • Deliciously Organic

      June 3, 2011 at 7:38 am

      Hi Marie - Thank you for getting in contact and letting me know about the healthy changes you've made. What a blessing!
      to Deliciously Organic" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic'>Reply to this comment
  17. Karen

    June 3, 2011 at 7:07 am

    YUM!!! I made the chicken tenders and ranch dressing last night. When your husband says, "I don't know whether to eat the chicken or the artichoke" with every bite, you know you've got a hit. My son, he's eagerly awaiting lunch time so he can have the chicken tenders again :) Thank you Carrie! Everything I've made from your cookbook has been a HOMERUN in our home. Blessings!
    to Karen" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Karen'>Reply to this comment
    • Deliciously Organic

      June 3, 2011 at 7:29 am

      Ahh...thank you for letting me know! I'm so glad you enjoy the recipes!
      to Deliciously Organic" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic'>Reply to this comment
  18. Natasha @ Saved by the Egg Timer

    June 3, 2011 at 8:42 am

    I make mine very similar and it is soooo good!
    to Natasha @ Saved by the Egg Timer" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Natasha @ Saved by the Egg Timer'>Reply to this comment
  19. Ashley

    June 6, 2011 at 10:38 am

    I just made this and substituted plain greek yogurt for the sour cream and it is delicious! I also didn't have dill and added some onion powder. Yum! I have been buying organic ranch dressing a lot lately because I love having baby spinach and feta salad with ranch! I am so glad you posted this recipe, I don't think I will buy ranch dressing again!
    to Ashley" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Ashley'>Reply to this comment
  20. Bryden

    May 6, 2012 at 9:01 pm

    I substituted the mayo with more sour cream (my mother has a very narrow range of foods she can eat,) and added the cayenne pepper, paprika, oregano, dill, and vinegar. This dressing starts off creamy, supported by a little kick from the pepper, and finishes with a beautiful aftertaste, reminiscent of a dill pickle. It's a nice zesty ranch that will go great with the buffalo chicken dip I want to make with it.
    to Bryden" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Bryden'>Reply to this comment
    • Deliciously Organic

      May 7, 2012 at 6:45 am

      I love your variation! I'll have to give it a try!
      to Deliciously Organic" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic'>Reply to this comment
  21. Fawn

    May 21, 2012 at 7:02 am

    How long does this keep in the fridge?
    to Fawn" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Fawn'>Reply to this comment
    • Deliciously Organic

      May 21, 2012 at 10:06 am

      It will keep for about 1 week.
      to Deliciously Organic" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic'>Reply to this comment
  22. Cherish

    December 8, 2012 at 11:36 am

    Do you know a mayonaise recipe that does not call for egg yolks? Are egg yolks ok for kids and pregnant ladies?
    to Cherish" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Cherish'>Reply to this comment
    • Deliciously Organic

      December 10, 2012 at 8:35 am

      I don't know of a mayo recipe that doesn't call for eggs that I can recommend. My personal opinion is that raw egg yolks - as long as they are coming from healthy, organic, pastured chickens - are fine to eat, but I know not everyone agrees with my opinion. If you aren't comfortable with raw yolks, you can buy pasteurized eggs in the grocery store, but keep in mind some of the nutrients might have died because of the pasteurization process. Here's a great article for more information: http://www.westonaprice.org/childrens-health/eat-eggs-and-have-chicken-too
      to Deliciously Organic" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic'>Reply to this comment
  23. brandy

    April 7, 2014 at 9:26 am

    This dressing is awesome!
    to brandy" aria-label='Reply to this comment to brandy'>Reply to this comment
  24. Camille

    April 8, 2019 at 2:32 pm

    Is there anyway to replace mayo? Cashew cream? Or? Thanks
    to Camille" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Camille'>Reply to this comment
    • Deliciously Organic

      April 9, 2019 at 12:13 pm

      I haven't tested this recipe with substitutes so I can't say what would work best.
      to Deliciously Organic" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic'>Reply to this comment

Trackbacks

  1. Carrie Vitt says:
    May 31, 2011 at 7:00 pm
    [New Post] Organic, Real Food on a Budget - Homemade Ranch Dressing: http://su.pr/25NTni #organic #realfood #glutenfree #blogforchange
    to Carrie Vitt" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Carrie Vitt'>Reply to this comment
  2. Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies Recipe says:
    August 21, 2011 at 4:18 pm
    [...] nitrates) A variety of cheese: raw cheddar, Monterrey Jack, and mozzarella Cucumbers Carrots Homemade Ranch, for dipping Fruits, of all kinds Homemade hummus Yogurt Granola Nuts – pecans, almonds, [...]
    to Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies Recipe" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies Recipe'>Reply to this comment
  3. Anita Hellman says:
    March 5, 2012 at 5:21 pm
    #MeatlessMonday lunch today is salad with hardboiled eggs and #homemade ranch dressing. http://t.co/3KGSiV6E
    to Anita Hellman" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Anita Hellman'>Reply to this comment
  4. Amy McCready says:
    April 18, 2012 at 2:57 pm
    just found this delicious recipe for homemade ranch dressing from @delorganic ! http://t.co/KXCeYllQ
    to Amy McCready" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Amy McCready'>Reply to this comment
  5. 15 Tips for Buying Organic on a Budget says:
    July 9, 2012 at 8:02 am
    [...] Buy whole foods instead of packaged foods. Why pay for cardboard and plastic when you could use that money to buy food? [...]
    to 15 Tips for Buying Organic on a Budget" aria-label='Reply to this comment to 15 Tips for Buying Organic on a Budget'>Reply to this comment
  6. Green Goddess Dressing says:
    August 6, 2013 at 10:35 am
    [...] Simple Homemade Salad Dressing Spinach Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash Chopped Waldorf Salad Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Raisins Homemade Ranch Dressing [...]
    to Green Goddess Dressing" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Green Goddess Dressing'>Reply to this comment
  7. Southwestern Salad with Pulled BBQ Chicken & Homemade Ranch Dressing says:
    July 13, 2014 at 10:00 pm
    […] on top of a salad but they agreed that it’s pretty darn tasty.  AND I finally found a homemade ranch recipe that is perfect.  We even used it as a dipping sauce for the bacon tomato jalapeno bread I showed […]
    to Southwestern Salad with Pulled BBQ Chicken & Homemade Ranch Dressing" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Southwestern Salad with Pulled BBQ Chicken & Homemade Ranch Dressing'>Reply to this comment
  8. 5 Ways to Enable Your Kids to Make Their Own School Lunch says:
    August 7, 2014 at 7:44 pm
    […] glass lock lunch cubes): Assorted Cheeses Organic Lunch Meat Apples, oranges, dried fruit, grapes Homemade Ranch or Green Goddess Dressing and vegetables (the stainless steel condiment containers are perfect […]
    to 5 Ways to Enable Your Kids to Make Their Own School Lunch" aria-label='Reply to this comment to 5 Ways to Enable Your Kids to Make Their Own School Lunch'>Reply to this comment
  9. A Successful Junk Free Class Party…YES, it is possible! | A WHaT Mom says:
    October 31, 2014 at 8:05 pm
    […] are lots and LOTS of ranch dressing recipes, all with slight variations.  I chose this one from Deliciously Organic for the dairy version.  Since I don’t buy mayo for the same reason […]
    to A Successful Junk Free Class Party…YES, it is possible! | A WHaT Mom" aria-label='Reply to this comment to A Successful Junk Free Class Party…YES, it is possible! | A WHaT Mom'>Reply to this comment

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Hi, I’m Carrie Vitt, FNTP
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Through unprocessed, organic food and detox I’ve reversed Hashimoto’s disease, chronic migraines, IBS and eczema.

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