In fact, I’ve heard from him several times, “Why can’t you make ranch like this?” as he munched on his favorite condiment. I do have an old recipe on the blog I developed years back, but that was before I knew about my little ranch savant’s affinity for the stuff. So, the last time we were at his favorite ranch place, I asked for a few extra cups of their ranch to go and took them back to the test kitchen to get to work.
This recipe is the result and it was proclaimed “The BEST RANCH EVER!” by both the aficionado and his mom. And I have to agree. This is seriously the best ranch I’ve had. So I named it such. But that “best” moniker needs a little clarification…
I don’t just title things “best” or “ultimate” to make them seem special. For me to put that descriptor on there, it seriously is the BEST I’ve had. And that’s the case here. The best.
It’s perfect for dunking your favorite veggies, chips, chicken fingers, etc. into and adds tons of amazing flavor to your salads.
This ranch has a super savory blend of garlic, herbs, the right mayo, buttermilk, and a little MSG (monosodium glutamate). Yep, I said it. Y’all call the food police!
No, seriously… MSG made a huge difference in the flavor of this dressing. And while the stuff gets a bad rap, it occurs naturally in a tons of foods like tomatoes, cheese, and beets. In fact, the Mayo Clinic reports that while every small percentage of folks might have a short term reaction to the stuff, scientists have not been able to link MSG to the symptoms some folks said they experienced.
And no one I know personally has a sensitivity to it, so I included it.
I even did a little taste test with a few folks. I had them taste a version with the MSG and without the MSG and they all favored the MSG version. If it didn’t made a huge difference, I wouldn’t have included it. But it does make a huge difference. It adds that serious umami flavor that “the best” ranch always has.
I use the Ac’cent brand of MSG. It’s made from corn using a fermentation process much like yogurt. You can find it in the spice at your local grocer.
All that said, can you leave it out? Sure you can. But it just won’t taste the same. But just as always, I am all about you making the choices that you feel are appropriate for you and your family.
Y’all enjoy!
The Best Ranch Dressing
Ingredients
- 1 cup Duke's mayo
- 1/2 cup lowfat buttermilk
- 1/2 teaspoon dried chives
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon MSG (Ac'cent seasoning) *Please read the post about this ingredient.
Instructions
- Add the ingredients to a medium bowl and whisk together. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for at least an hour to allow the flavors to develop. Will keep for about 2 weeks.
Mama Jane says
i will try this out for my grandson. Store bought ranch dressing breaks his little face out, and he loves the stuff.
thanks for posting this!
Stacey says
My son was like that when he was little, but he thankfully grew out of it. Hope he loves this version!
Jane M. says
I have a question about Duke’s Mayo, Stacey. I have seen it at our local Walmart but never purchased it. I’m in the Midwest and used Hellman’s for many decades. I am under the impression that Duke’s is the preferred brand in the South. How does it stack up against Hellman’s? Are they somewhat similar? BTW, I love Ranch dressing.
Rachel D says
Duke’s is more tangy. I have tried Duke’s & Blue Plate mayo both (southern brands) but I am still a Hellmann’s girl! Over the two southern brands I do prefer Duke’s.
Darlene says
I’m also from the Midwest and I’m a Hellman’s girl! For well over 20/30 years I’ve heard the South rave about Duke’s mayo – but it wasn’t available in my neck of the woods – until recently – he hit my local Walmart so I couldn’t wait to try it – so my daughter and I did a taste test – and Dukes won! That being said – I have to say the Dukes has a bit of a punch to it and for savory dishes like ranch dressing, macaroni salad, BLTs, etc Dukes is my choice — but for sweet dishes like mayonnaise cake or topping for jello salad or apple salad, etc – I will stick to my old favorite Hellman’s! Hope that helps!
Jane M. says
Thank you, Rachel and Darlene, appreciate your input. Will have to give Duke’s a try. I use mayo for savory dishes. Once I finish my current jar (will take a while, small household here), will try Duke’s (believe it’s the same size jar as Hellman’s.
Stacey says
Dukes is a bit tangier than Hellmans, in my opinion. Hellmans will work in this recipe, the flavor will just be a bit different.
Gina says
Oh, I laughed when I read your post! I have a “Ranch Obsessed” son, too! He even rates restaurants on their Ranch dressing, just like your son. I will definitely be trying this. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Stacey says
Hope it turns out great for you!
Jane M. says
P.S. I am Japanese on my mother’s side and was raised on food seasoned with Accent… never had any issues.
Stacey says
Glad to hear that, Jane! My mom has used it forever, too.
Jane M. says
Stacey, it was invented by a Japanese professor in Japan in the early 1900’s and it was called
“AJI-NO-MOTO”. In essence, ACCENT has been around for over a century. I would swear I saw that name on my my mother’s little container since I still know the Japanese name for it and I’m in my late 60’s.
Jane M. says
Apologies for the bad spacing and repeating “my” Duhhh.
Sipsy says
I’m 75, grew up in Hawaii (before statehood, even). Almost every savory recipe I have from my youth, especially protein dishes, call for “A-Jin”. They really don’t taste the same without it!
Stacey says
Thanks for the background, Jane!
Aileen says
My husband and stepkids are obsessed with Ranch. I do have a homemade version but something tells me I need to make yours, Stacey, and stat! I’m with you, I haven’t seen much in my research of msg to justify avoiding it so I’m going to purchase it.
Stacey says
I sure hope they love this version!!
Regina says
Bama mayo is the best!! When my son went to college in Nebraska there was no Bama Mayo to be found. Every visit home he would take back some in suitcase to do till next visit. That was before 9/11 of course, couldn’t do that now. If you ever get a chance to try, please do!
Stacey says
Thanks for the tip! Being from Bama, I have tried it. It’s delicious, but I’m partial to Duke’s. I also like Sauer.
Baltisrsul says
I believe Saurs bought out Dukes sometime this year
Nancee says
Stacey, Being in Kansas City, I have not seen Duke’s mayo; I know it is popular in the South, but here in the “upper South” I haven’t been able to find it. Do you have any suggestions on what to use instead of Duke’s?
Thanks so much,
Nancee
Stacey says
Sure thing! I’d recommend Hellman’s or Sauer. Do you have either of those that way?
Kathi says
Great dressing but I used Best Foods Mayonnaise cause that is what we have here in California (Hellman’s other side of the Rockies). However, I left out the MSG. Lots of people have no problem with it – but it you are sensitive to it stay away from it. And no – it’s not in my head – it’s in my stomach and can send me to the bathroom within 15 minutes if I ingest it. Otherwise it’s a great recipe and thank you for it.
Stacey says
So glad it turned out great for you!
Janice Gowens says
Stacy, are you kidding me? Jack is 11 years old? I remember when he was born!
Although I live in NC, I have always used Hellman’s. This recipe sounds so good, think I will have to purchase a pint jar of Dukes.
Stacey says
I can’t believe it either! Thanks for hanging out with me for that long!!
Susan the Farm Quilter says
Out west, Duke’s isn’t available…any suggestions for an alternative? My ex works for Hidden Valley Ranch, so my girls will only eat HVR Ranch dressing. I really want to give this a try since I don’t get the HVR dressings for free any more!!!
Baltisraul says
I would really suggest going with Best Foods mayo. It’s called that since Hellmann’s is not sold West of the Mississippi.
Baltisraul says
My bad, I meant to say West of the Rockies.
Stacey says
I’ve heard great things about Best Foods mayo!
Stacey says
Another reader recommended Best Foods mayo. Is that available out your way?
Donna Ray says
I’m going to try this as Ranch is the only dressing my husband will eat. But, I love Blue Plate mayo over any other. Can it possibly work with it? I have to try it that way!
Stacey says
Yeah, I think it will work just fine. Enjoy!
rex butler says
that looks delicious. when we had our restaurant we would make ranch dressing and throw in a packet of dry Italian dressing. we called it our house dressing. it went over very well.
Jenna says
Thanks Stacey, I can’t wait to try this, and I’m not afraid of MSG!
Sharon Sinor says
I can’t wait to try this dressing. I love ranch dressing . I like to dip baby carrots in it and eat them as a snack. I have all the ingredients except the Duke’s Mayo. I will pick some up today. I have used it in potato salad before and it just tastes better than a name brand I won’t mention. Thanks so much for this recipe. I also definitely am making the slow cooker Beef Tips !
Stacey says
I hope it turns out great for you, Sharon!
Sherry A Fortner says
Hi Stacey,
I just ran across your site looking for a hamburger steak recipe that wasn’t dry. I love your work! That being said if like the houses within walking distance of your home ever come up for sale, please let me know. I even know where Prattville, Alabama is (That probably makes about six of us), and I would still move there to be your neighbor and maybe try out some recipes for you. I live in Ooltewah, Tennessee. JK about the move, but I have favorited your page and saved everything. Keep up the good work!
Stacey says
Thanks so much, Sherry! Your kindness means more than you could imagine!
auntlaw says
I do not eat mayo at all, could I substitute sour cream &/or greek yogurt to make your homemade Ranch? I know it won’t taste like yours, but I just know that if I put mayo in/on anything and can taste it, I start gagging when I swallow it…. I know, weird, but true, but I also know the crazy stuff that goes in prepared dressings includes a form of sawdust….which is pretty strange too!
Stacey says
I’m not sure there’s a good substitute for may in this one.
Vicki Moore says
First, you should know that I am very picky about my ranch dressing. I used this recipe for our salad at Thanksgiving and my granddaughters loved it. This is by far the best homemade ranch dressing recipe that I have ever eaten. Thanks for sharing your recipe, Stacey.
Stacey says
Thanks so much, Vicki! We’re ranch snobs too, but sure love this one! Glad you did too!
Wm Roberts says
I never use MSG, ever. Too many side effects for most people including headaches, migraine headaches, bloating, skin rash, etc. I even request no MSG at any Asian restaurant, especially Chinese cuisine. Just say, “no.”
Penny says
I spent the early years of my life in NY state and we always used Hellmans. Then I moved to VA and then WV and still used Hellmans for years because that is what I was used to. Until I actually tried Dukes about 20+ years ago. I haven’t bought Hellmans since.
Stacey says
Ha! Right!?!?! It’s so good!!