Healthy Ranch Dressing Recipe

The great taste of ranch dressing without the guilt! You’ll love this healthy ranch dressing recipe.

Ranch dressing is such a classic. Everyone’s favorite, right? On tables at weddings — ranch, Italian. Served on the side of chicken tenders, ranch. Ever dip your French fries in ranch? How ’bout your breadsticks and pizza crust? Ever poured it on top of a baked potato? Oh yeah…and it’s pretty good on salad too.

The only thing better than ranch dressing is buttermilk ranch.

The only thing better than buttermilk ranch is homemade buttermilk ranch.

The only thing better than homemade buttermilk ranch is reduced fat homemade buttermilk ranch dressing.

The only thing better than reduced fat homemade buttermilk ranch dressing is a reduced fat homemade buttermilk ranch dressing recipe that still tastes amazing.

(PS: Can we talk about how many disgusting reduced-fat ranch dressings are out there? Eww.)

I teamed up with United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM) to bring you this delicious ranch dressing recipe. I use plain Greek yogurt in addition to the buttermilk that really makes this recipe what it is. I also add just a bit of mayonnaise (I use the kind made with olive oil) to give the dressing a really smooth, rich taste without tons of added calories.

Add to that plenty of herbs (both fresh and dried) and a good dose of garlic, salt, and pepper for the ranch dressing you know and love!

If you haven’t tried my popular homemade dill vegetable dip, I’d encourage you to give that a try, too. It’s a healthier version like the ranch dressing, made with Greek yogurt and mayo. The vegetable dip is a staple at my house. 

I’ve given you all some salad tips in the past, and while ranch is a versatile dressing, I feel it is best suited to a “traditional” greens and vegetables salad. Homemade croutons highly recommended.

Keep on reading for my recommendations for a perfect salad dressed with ranch. Of course this isn’t an exhaustive list, but it should get the wheels turning a bit. You’ll notice fruit isn’t on the list because I don’t think it goes well with the garlicky, herby flavor of the ranch.

Base (choose one or a mixture)

mixed greens
baby kale
baby spinach
iceberg lettuce (not my fave but for some people it’s the only way to go)
romaine
leaf lettuce (red or green)
cabbage

Vegetables (the more the better)

tomatoes
cucumbers
celery
broccoli
cauliflower
jicama
roasted beets
corn
radishes
bell peppers
peas

Proteins (if you desire to have it as a main course)

grilled chicken breast, sliced
grilled steak slices
canned beans (drained and rinsed)
hard boiled egg

Extras (choose just 1-2 or you’re not eating something healthy anymore)

grated sharp cheddar cheese
bacon pieces
croutons (bonus points for homemade croutons)
sunflower seeds
avocado slices

Pictured above is my super simple salad, using ingredients I had in the house: Spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers and croutons, topped with a drizzle of ranch dressing. Doesn’t it look delicious? I also might have dipped some cheesy breadsticks in this dressing too.

Craving more? Here are some great salad ideas! 

More salad dressing recipes

Need more salad inspiration? Try:

• Fresh Raspberry Vinaigrette Dressing
• Homemade Thousand Island Dressing
• Creamy Italian Dressing or Italian Dressing (vinaigrette)
• Catalina Dressing (similar to French dressing, perfect for taco salads)
• Lemon Basil Vinaigrette
• Tangy Honey Mustard Vinaigrette
• Cilantro Lime Dressing
• Clementine Dressing

Disclosure: I am thrilled to be in an ongoing partnership with United Dairy Industry of Michigan.  I have been compensated by UDIM for my time to develop this recipe. All opinions are as always, my own. Find out more about why Milk Means More on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Pinterest