Quick Tip Tuesday - Easy Ranch Dressing

Ranch dressing tends to be very popular, especially with kids.  It is really easy to make your own, and it tastes even better than when made with the packet from the store, not to mention much less expensive.  I make four times the seasoning recipe and keep it in a small jar with the instructions written on the top.  To make the dressing, add the mix to buttermilk, mayo and sour cream.  If you use light mayo and light sour cream, 2 tablespoons is only 1 Weight Watcher point.  Using it as a dip is a great way to get your family (and you) to eat more raw veggies.

Ranch Dressing

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup buttermilk*
• 1/4 cup mayo
•  1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/8 tsp dried parsley
• 1/8 tsp black pepper
• 1 pinch dried dill weed
• 1 pinch dried thyme

Instructions

1. Place all ingredients into a small bowl and whisk together until well blended.
2. Refrigerate for several hours (or even better, overnight) to allow flavors to meld together.
3. Keep refrigerated; use within seven days.

 To make 4 times the amount of the seasoning mix, use:

·         1 teaspoon salt

·         1 teaspoon garlic powder

·         1 teaspoon onion powder

·         1/2 teaspoon dried parsley

·         1/2 teaspoon black pepper

·         1/8 teaspoon dried dill

·         1/8 teaspoon dried thyme

 

Mix together in a small jar.  To make the dressing, use 1 teaspoon of the mix to 1/2 cup buttermilk, 1/4 cup of mayo and 1/4 cup sour cream.  Whisk together, and let set for at least 30 minutes before using.

*Buttermilk freezes great.  I always end up with a lot more buttermilk than I can use before it goes bad, so I freeze small portions in freezer-safe mason jars.  Do not try to freeze sour cream.