Ranch dressing has always been one of my first spice loves (after the ketchup, of course). However, after seeing what was really in store-bought salad dressings from the grocery store, I knew it was time to part ways. Fortunately, I have come up with an even healthier version of it ranch salad dressing and now this mix of ranch dressing.
The kids and I love it in salads, but it also makes a great dry ranch seasoning for meats and vegetables. Plus it's naturally gluten free.
Why a Home Farm Spice Blend?
I probably don't have to tell you that Hidden Valley Ranch is hiding a lot of unhealthy ingredients under that delicious ranch flavor. MSG, artificial flavors and soy to name a few.
It seemed pretty counterintuitive to make a healthy salad and then fill it with junk. I have found a great alternative to regular farm wear (here is the recipe). But I also wanted an alternative to the ranch dressing mix I use on chicken, roasted vegetables, and other dishes.
I realized I could make a better real food option. This was the result and it is beautiful. We keep a jar in the cabinet to use on vegetables, eggs, chicken, or to make farm dip.
I order all the ingredients in bulk so we can whip them up whenever we need to. That way, I can also make any other seasonings we need whenever we need them. You can find other homemade ones Recipe for mixing spices here.
Some Things Don't Change
This ranch mix and ranch dressing are part of our regular meal rotation. I keep the powder pre-made and always add the other ingredients Real plan shopping list so I can make a quick batch whenever needed.
So much in the world has changed since my childhood, but my love of farmhouse wear seems to be a consistent part of most childhoods. I just love that I can give my kids a healthier (and tastier) version these days!
Farmhouse Dressing Recipe
You probably already have most of the ingredients for this in your pantry. The main ingredient is sour buttermilk powder, which gives it its creamy color. However, unlike store-bought packets, it is not cut with maltodextrin. And if you want an even sweeter dressing, you can add just a little fresh lemon juice to the Greek yogurt.
My favorite way to make dip is with Greek yogurt. This makes it luscious and creamy with a boost of protein. For a more traditional ranch dressing, you can use 1/2 cup sour cream and 1/2 cup mayonnaise instead.
Try topping your dip with some fresh chopped dill or chives for the finishing touch!
What to use Ranch Dressing Dip On
Your family likely already has a list of foods they like with ranch dressing. Makes a great deal on everything from chips to pizza. Serve as an appetizer with vegetables, or toss in a salad. Since this is a dry ranch dressing blend, it's even more versatile. Here are some more delicious ways to use it!
Farmhouse Seasoning Mix Recipe
Instead of using store-bought spice packets, make your own using simple ingredients found in your pantry.
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Mix all the ingredients together in a small bowl.
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Keep the dry mixture in an airtight container at room temperature until ready to use.
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Use 2 tablespoons of blend for each packet of ranch blend seasoning called for in a recipe.
Nutrition facts
Farmhouse Seasoning Mix Recipe
Amount per serving (1 serving)
Calories 50
Calories from fat 9
% Daily Value*
Fat 1 g2%
Saturated fat 0.4 g3%
Unsaturated fat 0.05 g
Monounsaturated fat 0.2 g
cholesterol 7 mg2%
Sodium 832 mg36%
potassium 216 mg6%
Carbohydrates 7 g2%
Fiber 1 g4%
Sugar 5 g6%
Protein 4 g8%
Vitamin A 51 IU1%
Vitamin C 2 mg2%
Calcium 139 mg14%
Iron 0.5 mg3%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
- To make ranch dip, add 2 tablespoons ranch mix to 1 cup Greek yogurt.
- Thin ranch dip with water or milk to make buttermilk ranch dressing.
I never thought I could give up ranch dressing (or thought I would). Now I like the real food version even better. What I thought would be one of the hardest parts of transitioning to healthy, real food actually turned out to be one of the best.
What are your favorite ways to use ranch dressing mix? Leave a comment and share below!