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Copycat Hidden Valley Ranch Salad Dressing

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  • #23127

Hidden Valley sets the standard when it comes to ranch dressing. Now you can be the king (or queen) of salad dressings with this homemade copycat version. Let it sit overnight for the best flavor.


serves/makes:
  
ready in:
  over 5 hrs
Rating: 5/5

7 reviews
2 comments

ingredients

4 tablespoons dried parsley flakes
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons onion salt
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons MSG or Accent brand seasoning, optional
1 quart mayonnaise
1 pint sour cream
1 pint buttermilk

directions

Combine the parsley flakes, pepper, onion salt, garlic salt, salt, MSG, mayonnaise, and sour cream in a large bowl and mix until well combined.

Slowly stir in the buttermilk until incorporated. Transfer to a covered container and chill in the refrigerator for 6-12 hours before using.

Store the salad dressing in the refrigerator in a covered container for up to 2 weeks.

recipe tips


For a lighter version, use low-fat mayonnaise and sour cream.

Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a zesty twist.

Try adding fresh herbs like dill or chives for extra flavor.

Try adding blue cheese crumbles for a unique twist to both the flavor and texture.

If you prefer a chunkier dressing, finely chop fresh parsley and onion and add it to the mix.

To make a spicy ranch dressing, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeno.

To make a creamy ranch dip, simply reduce the amount of buttermilk in the recipe until it is dipping consistency.

common recipe questions


What is MSG or Accent brand seasoning and why is it optional?

MSG is a flavor enhancer that some people may be sensitive to. It is optional in this recipe and can be omitted if desired.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried parsley flakes?

Yes, you can substitute fresh parsley for dried parsley flakes. Use three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried herbs in a recipe.

How long does this dressing last in the refrigerator?

This homemade ranch dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks in a covered container. Shake or stir the dressing before using each time as the contents may separate a bit.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier alternative to sour cream in this recipe, though it may alter the taste slightly.

What can I use this dressing for?

This homemade ranch dressing can be used as a salad dressing, dip for vegetables or wings, or even as a marinade for meats.

Can I adjust the seasonings?

Yes, adjust the amounts of seasonings to taste (literally, taste as you go and adjust as needed).

How do I make the ranch dressing thicker or thinner?

To make the dressing thicker, increase the amount of mayonnaise. To make it thinner, add more buttermilk.

Do I have to let the dressing sit overnight?

Letting the dressing sit overnight allows the flavors to meld together better, but it can be used immediately if needed.


nutrition data

59 calories, 7 grams fat, 0 grams carbohydrates, 0 grams protein per tablespoon. This recipe is low in carbs.
Show full nutritional data (including Weight Watcher's Points ®, cholesterol, sodium, vitamins, and diabetic exchanges)


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reviews & comments

  1. RobLewis REVIEW:

    Tried marvingray's smaller version. Too bland for my taste: I double the spices. I have fresh parsley in my garden, so of course I use that. It comes out rather thick so I thin a bit with buttermilk. Careful with the salt—it's easy to add too much.

  2. marvingray REVIEW:

    This recipe is easy, tastes great, and is much better for you than that bottled stuff. But try this cut down version, the original makes way too much: 1 cup mayonnaise 1/2 cup sour cream 1/2 cup buttermilk 1 tablespoon dry parsley flakes 1/4 teaspoon white pepper 1/2 tablespoon onion powder 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder Salt to taste

  3. JJaeger REVIEW:

    This dressing is so good, it's the only one my husband wants. We had to make a special trip to the store to get everything needed. We love it! We did not add the MSG.

  4. Mickeyzee

    Tastes great, BUT THERE IS WAY TOO MUCH SALT! I was making this for a party and had to make another batch without salt to cover up the flavor. I suggest leaving the recipe the same, EXCEPT omit the table salt and MSG (bad for you) and change the onion salt to 2 tsp. (not Tbsp.) for the 2 quart recipe. (Buttermilk and sometimes mayo already have salt in them). After doing this you will have a great tasting dressing/dip that will last for weeks.

  5. needs salad

    Hidden Valley seems to have changed something in the powder mix as the dressing turns very thin after a day or two. I will be very happy if this one works.

  6. calla68 REVIEW:

    This dressing rocks! I used fat free mayo and fat free buttermilk and made it in the food processor. It tastes just like Hidden Valley ranch!

  7. curtchew REVIEW:

    i substituted w/ fat free sour cream. i made 50/50 mixture w/ reg. and red. fat mayo. wow!

  8. Sundance REVIEW:

    Love This!! It is better than the original. I did not add MSG either, it doens't need it. I also cut the recipe in half. My kids love it with carrots.

  9. robertandlaurel REVIEW:

    Made this recipe using Miracle Whip. The tast is great possibly even superior to the product it is imitating.

Please note:
This is a copy cat recipe submitted to CDKitchen by a third-party. This recipe is not an original recipe unless specifically stated and is considered only to be an acceptable "clone" to the original for the home cook to attempt to duplicate. Please also note that many nationwide restaurant chains vary their menus and ingredients by region so the version provided may not be similar to what you may have tried before. All trademarks referenced are property of their respective owners.

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