Ranch Dressing with Fresh Herbs

This dressing packs a punch of flavor without the use of dried herbs or spices. I wanted a recipe that explodes with freshness, a bit of tang, and traditional ranch flavor. It can be made on the lighter side if you wish. Use it to dip veggies or decadent foods such as fried onion rings or chicken strips. Stores well in the refrigerator. To lighten the calorie count, use light mayonnaise and light sour cream. You can even substitute plain yogurt for the sour cream if you like, but it will alter the taste somewhat.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 20 mins
• Calories: 85 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup buttermilk
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 green onions, minced
• fresh ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons minced red bell pepper
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley leaves
• 2 small shallots, minced
• 2 teaspoons minced fresh dill
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh cilantro leaves

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Sprinkle the salt over the minced garlic in the bottom of a mixing bowl; make a paste, rubbing the salt into the garlic thoroughly with the back of a spoon. Add the red bell pepper, green onion, shallot, parsley, dill, cilantro, and lemon juice; mix lightly until well combined. Season with black pepper. Add the buttermilk, mayonnaise, and sour cream to the mixture; beat with a wire whisk until evenly combined. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 2 hours. Dressing keeps refrigerated up to 1 week.