Joanna Gaines Ranch Dressing Recipe

This homemade Ranch Dressing is a kitchen essential as well as being incredibly fresh! Mashing the garlic into a paste with salt creates a mellow, savory base, which along with the fresh herbs and buttermilk adds a zesty, creamy tang to this dressing that is so much better than the bottled stuff.

Joanna Gaines Ranch Dressing Recipe Ingredients

• The Base:
  • 1 to 2 cloves garlic
  • Salt (start with 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon for the paste)
  • 1 cup real mayonnaise (high quality)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • Buttermilk or milk (to thin to desired consistency)
• The Herbs:
  • 1/4 cup Italian flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 Tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
  • Optional: Fresh dill, fresh oregano
• The Seasonings (All Optional but Recommended):
  • White vinegar
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Paprika
  • Tabasco sauce

How To Make Joanna Gaines Ranch Dressing Recipe

1. Paste the garlic: Peel the garlic clove(s) and mince them roughly with a knife. Sprinkle the salt directly onto the garlic pile on your cutting board. Using the flat side of your knife (or a fork), smash and drag the garlic against the board repeatedly until it turns into a smooth paste. This releases the oils and prevents raw garlic chunks in your dressing.
2. Chop the herbs: Finely chop the parsley, chives, and any other herbs you are using (dill is highly recommended for that classic ranch taste!). Add the herbs to the garlic paste on the board just to mix them up a bit.
3. Combine the creamy base: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and sour cream until smooth.
4. Fold and flavor: Scrape the garlic-herb mixture into the bowl. Add any optional seasonings you like—a dash of Worcestershire for depth, a pinch of cayenne for heat, or a splash of white vinegar for tang.
5. Thin it out: Pour in the buttermilk (or milk) a tablespoon at a time, whisking constantly, until the dressing reaches your desired consistency. Use less for a thick dip, more for a pourable salad dressing.
6. Taste and chill: Taste the dressing! Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours before serving. This chilling time is essential for the flavors to meld.

Recipe Tips!

• The Garlic Warning: As Joanna says, “Don’t overdo the garlic or you’ll be up all night!” Raw garlic intensifies as it sits in the dressing. One clove is usually enough; two is for garlic lovers only.
• Salt Paste Technique: Mashing the garlic with salt is a chef’s trick. The coarse salt acts as an abrasive, breaking down the cell walls of the garlic to create a puree that blends seamlessly into the mayo.
• Fresh vs. Dried: This recipe relies on fresh herbs for that bright, grassy flavor. If you must use dried, use 1/3 of the amount (e.g., 1 teaspoon dried parsley instead of 1 tablespoon fresh), but fresh is vastly superior here.
• Buttermilk Tang: Real buttermilk provides the signature tang of ranch. If you use regular milk, adding a teaspoon of white vinegar or lemon juice helps mimic that acidity.

What To Serve With Joanna Gaines Ranch Dressing Recipe?

This Joanna Gaines Ranch Dressing Recipe is the ultimate condiment! It is the perfect dip for a platter of Buffalo Wings or crispy Chicken Tenders (recipe above!). For a healthier option, serve it with a crudité platter of carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers. It also makes a fantastic spread for a Turkey Club Sandwich or a drizzle over a Cobb Salad.

How To Store Joanna Gaines Ranch Dressing Recipe

• Refrigerate: Store the dressing in a mason jar or airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for up to 1 week.
• Shake it up: The buttermilk may separate slightly from the mayonnaise after sitting. Just give the jar a good shake before pouring.
• Freeze: Do not freeze! Dairy-based dressings with mayonnaise will separate and curdle when frozen.

Joanna Gaines Ranch Dressing Recipe Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 90 kcal
• Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Protein: 0g

Nutrition information is estimated per tablespoon.

FAQs

Try More Recipes:

• Joanna Gaines Greek Pasta Salad Recipe
• Joanna Gaines Brussel Sprout Salad Recipe
• Joanna Gaines Pasta Salad Recipe