Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman, is beloved for her approachable and delicious recipes. Among her many culinary gems, the Pioneer Woman Ranch Salad Dressing stands out as a homemade version that’s far superior to store-bought alternatives. This creamy, flavorful dressing is incredibly easy to make and will transform your salads, veggie platters, and more. If you’re a fan of classic ranch flavor but crave something fresher and more vibrant, this recipe is a must-try.
Pioneer Woman’s Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
This recipe, adapted from The Pioneer Woman’s cookbook, is incredibly simple and relies on pantry staples, with the option to use fresh herbs for an even brighter taste. Whether you have fresh ingredients on hand or need to use dried herbs, this ranch dressing will deliver fantastic flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1 clove garlic, chopped
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk (adjust for desired thickness)
- 1/4 cup Italian flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tbsp dried parsley)
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried chives)
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped (or 2 tsp dried dill)
- 1/2 tsp distilled white vinegar
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Dash of hot sauce (optional)
For serving suggestions:
- 2 heads iceberg lettuce
- Fresh bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Fresh chives, chopped
- Grated cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your favorite)
Pioneer Woman Ranch Dressing Drizzled on a Classic Iceberg Wedge Salad
Instructions:
- Prepare the Garlic Paste: Mince the garlic clove and sprinkle with kosher salt. Using the side of your knife or a fork, mash the garlic and salt together to create a paste. This step helps to mellow the garlic flavor and distribute it evenly throughout the dressing.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the garlic paste, mayonnaise, sour cream, milk or buttermilk, parsley, chives, dill, white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, paprika, black pepper, and hot sauce (if using).
- Mix and Season: Stir all ingredients together until well combined. Taste the dressing and adjust seasonings as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or herbs to your preference.
- Chill: For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the ranch dressing for at least 2 hours before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. If the dressing becomes too thick after chilling, thin it out with a bit more milk or buttermilk until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Prepare the Iceberg Wedge Salad (Optional): Wash and dry the iceberg lettuce heads. Cut each head into wedges. Arrange the wedges on plates and top with cooked and crumbled bacon, chopped fresh chives, and grated cheese, if desired.
- Dress and Serve: Generously drizzle the homemade Pioneer Woman ranch dressing over the iceberg wedge salads and serve immediately.
Close-up of Pioneer Woman's Homemade Ranch Dressing Ingredients
Tips for the Best Homemade Ranch Dressing
- Fresh vs. Dried Herbs: While fresh herbs are recommended for the most vibrant flavor, dried herbs work wonderfully in a pinch. If using dried herbs, be sure to adjust the quantities as noted in the ingredient list, as dried herbs are more concentrated.
- Adjusting Thickness: The amount of milk or buttermilk you use will determine the thickness of your ranch dressing. Start with 1/4 cup and add more gradually until you reach your preferred consistency. For a thicker dressing, use less liquid; for a thinner dressing, use more.
- Make Ahead: This ranch dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. In fact, the flavor often improves after a day or two as the ingredients meld together.
- Serving Suggestions: Beyond iceberg wedge salads, this Pioneer Woman ranch dressing is incredibly versatile. Use it as a dip for vegetables, chicken wings, or pizza crusts. It’s also fantastic as a topping for burgers, tacos, or baked potatoes.
Why This Pioneer Woman Ranch Dressing Recipe is a Must-Try
This Pioneer Woman ranch dressing recipe is more than just a salad dressing; it’s a flavor enhancer that will elevate countless dishes. Its creamy texture, balanced herb profile, and slight tang from the vinegar and sour cream create a truly irresistible taste. Once you try homemade ranch, especially this Pioneer Woman version, you’ll understand why it’s a step above the rest. Skip the bottled dressing and whip up a batch of this easy and delicious ranch – your taste buds will thank you!
