Pro Chefs Blind Taste Test Every Ranch Dressing
Pro Chefs Blind Taste Test Every Ranch Dressing is a easy American recipe that serves 8. 80 calories per serving. Recipe by Epicurious on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 15 min
Cost: $3.75 total, $0.47 per serving
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Buttermilk (full-fat, chilled)
- 1/2 cup Sour Cream (full-fat, chilled)
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Chives (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Dill (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1 tablespoon White Vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 Egg Yolk (pasteurized, optional for extra thickness)
Instructions
Gather Ingredients
Measure out all dairy, herbs, and seasonings and have them ready at room temperature.
Time: PT2M
Combine Base Dairy
In the mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth.
Time: PT2M
Add Acidic Elements
Stir in the white vinegar and fresh lemon juice, whisking briefly to incorporate.
Time: PT1M
Season
Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until evenly distributed.
Time: PT1M
Incorporate Fresh Herbs
Fold in the chopped chives, dill, and parsley with a spatula until just combined.
Time: PT2M
Optional Thickener
If you prefer a richer, thicker dressing, whisk in the pasteurized egg yolk until fully incorporated.
Time: PT1M
Taste and Adjust
Sample the dressing and add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
Time: PT1M
Chill
Transfer the dressing to an airtight jar, seal, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
Time: PT30M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 80
- Protein
- 1g
- Carbohydrates
- 2g
- Fat
- 8g
- Fiber
- 0g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains Dairy, Contains Egg
Allergens: Dairy, Egg
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Buttermilk: Milk plus 1 tsp lemon juice
- Instead of Sour Cream: Greek yogurt
- Instead of Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt, silken tofu
- Instead of Fresh Chives: dried chives (1 tsp)
- Instead of Fresh Dill: dried dill (1 tsp)
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: dried parsley (1 tsp)
- Instead of Garlic Powder: fresh minced garlic (1/2 tsp)
- Instead of Onion Powder: finely minced onion (1 tsp)
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
- Instead of Salt: sea salt
- Instead of White Vinegar: apple cider vinegar (1 tbsp)
- Instead of Lemon Juice: white vinegar (1 tsp)
- Instead of Egg Yolk: extra mayonnaise (1 tbsp)
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Airtight Jar
- Spatula or Spoon
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Whisk the dairy base until completely smooth to avoid lumps.
- Allow the dressing to chill for at least 30 minutes for flavor development.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use room‑temperature dairy to prevent a grainy texture.
- For extra tang, replace half of the white vinegar with apple cider vinegar.
- If you prefer a low‑fat version, substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
Troubleshooting
Dressing is too thin.
Add an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise or a second egg yolk; whisk until thickened.
Dressing is too thick.
Stir in a little extra buttermilk or milk, one teaspoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Herb flavor is muted.
Use fresh herbs and add them at the end; consider increasing the herb amounts by 25%.
Storage
Refrigerator: Up to 2 weeks in a sealed container.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture may separate.
Room temperature: Do not leave out longer than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Make the dressing up to 1 week ahead; store in the refrigerator and shake before each use.
- For a smoother texture after chilling, give the jar a quick stir or shake.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of ranch dressing in American cuisine?
Ranch dressing was created in the 1950s by Steve Henson, a plumber‑turned‑chef, who served it to guests at his Hidden Valley Ranch in California. It quickly became a staple across the United States, evolving into the most popular salad dressing and dip in American households.
What are the traditional regional variations of ranch dressing in the United States?
While the classic version uses buttermilk, sour cream, and a blend of chives, dill, and parsley, some regions add extra garlic, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, or incorporate spicy elements like jalapeño for a Southwest twist. Light‑fat versions are common in the Midwest, and dairy‑free avocado‑oil versions have emerged on the West Coast.
How is ranch dressing traditionally served in American households?
Ranch is most often served as a dip for raw vegetables, chicken wings, and pizza, as well as a creamy dressing for salads and a topping for baked potatoes or sandwiches. It’s also a common accompaniment at casual gatherings and barbecues.
What occasions or celebrations is ranch dressing traditionally associated with in American culture?
Ranch appears at family picnics, Super Bowl parties, backyard barbecues, and holiday buffets. Its versatility makes it a go‑to condiment for casual get‑togethers and snack tables.
How does ranch dressing fit into the broader American cuisine tradition?
Ranch embodies the American love for creamy, tangy, and herb‑forward flavors. It bridges the gap between salad dressings and dips, reflecting the country’s penchant for convenience foods that are both flavorful and adaptable.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for classic ranch dressing versus acceptable substitutes?
The authentic base includes buttermilk, sour cream, mayonnaise, fresh chives, dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, white vinegar, and black pepper. Acceptable substitutes are milk plus lemon juice for buttermilk, Greek yogurt for sour cream, and pasteurized egg yolk for extra thickness.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making classic ranch dressing at home?
Common errors include using cold dairy which creates lumps, over‑mixing which can break the emulsion, adding too much vinegar which makes it overly sharp, and neglecting to chill the dressing, which prevents the flavors from marrying.
Why does this ranch dressing recipe use both buttermilk and sour cream instead of just one dairy component?
Buttermilk provides tangy acidity while sour cream adds richness and body. Together they create the classic silky mouthfeel and balanced flavor that a single dairy ingredient cannot achieve.
Can I make classic ranch dressing ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the dressing improves after resting. Store it in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Shake gently before each use to recombine any settled ingredients.
What does the YouTube channel Epicurious specialize in?
The YouTube channel Epicurious specializes in clear, test‑kitchen style cooking videos that cover a wide range of cuisines, techniques, and food science, often focusing on approachable home‑cook recipes and ingredient deep‑dives.
How does the YouTube channel Epicurious's approach to American condiment recipes differ from other cooking channels?
Epicurious emphasizes scientific explanations, precise measurements, and step‑by‑step visual guides, whereas many other channels rely on intuition or fewer details. This makes Epicurious especially reliable for replicating classic American condiments like ranch with consistency.
Last updated: August 24, 2026
