Healthy Ranch Dressing Recipe
Posted: 05/23/2014
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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
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @rachelcooksblog on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
servings
This recipe for healthy ranch dressing has the classic taste of everyone's favorite dressing without the guilt (with two great variations).
Ingredients
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh chives
- ¼ teaspoon dried dill
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper, more to taste
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a jar and shake until well combined. May also use a whisk to combine. Refrigerate in covered container for up to a week.
Notes
With Dried Herbs Instead of Fresh
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise made with olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried chives
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- ¼ teaspoon dried dill
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Garlic Ranch Dressing
Use fresh garlic (1 clove garlic, minced) instead of garlic powder.Nutrition Information
Serving: 2tablespoons, Calories: 43kcal, Carbohydrates: 2g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 3g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 4mg, Sodium: 194mg, Potassium: 47mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 89IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 35mg, Iron: 1mg
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
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
Jane E Cary says
This dressing is so delicious and so easy to make. I bought an 3 oz of plain Greek yogurt instead of a large container which I wouldn’t use
use up and I use garlic paste in a tube which I found in the produce department of the grocery store instead of cutting up garlic which is messy and smelly. I used fresh dill which made it more flavorful.
Hubby liked it and enjoyed it even more knowing it was low cal.
Rachel Gurk says
Smart grocery store moves! I’m so glad you liked the dressing! Thank you for taking the time to come back and leave a comment!
sasha says
Any suggestions for a person that is on a low carb diet and also a diabetic. Im looking for recipes for both
Rachel Gurk says
This seems like it would be a great recipe for you to try!
Betsy says
I love Ranch dressing, it’s like one of my biggest weaknesses, so when I found this recipe I saved it, and just forgot about it, but finally I found it again. And I just made and ate some of this dressing. It is amazing. I just need to find a better way to cut my garlic up smaller, even smallish large chucks is a bit too much to handle. Still amazing!!! Thank you so much.
Rachel Gurk says
So glad you like it! You could try grinding it into a paste with the salt –use the side of the knife and rub the salt into the garlic until it forms a paste.
Maggie says
This looks amazing! I can’t wait to try it. Bring on the big, crispy salad!
Carol at Wild Goose Tea says
I eat a lot of salad. I like salad. So this works out, doesn’t it. Lol.
I would love to have a tasty, skinny buttermilk ranch dressing!!!!!
Hip Hip Hooray!!!!
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says
I love homemade dressings! Ranch is my favorite and this lighter version looks fabulous! Love the new look, Rachel!
Liz @ The Lemon Bowl says
Ok I want this right now!! And obviously Rich wouldn’t eat it either. ;-) LOL PS: I love our selfie!
denise says
wow, this sounds really good
Erin | The Law Student's Wife says
Some of my favorite peeps all in one place! Love this idea Rachel. Now I can have one of my fave dressings without feeling like I’m negating the entire point of having a salad!
Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness says
Confession: I am TOTALLY guilty of buying reduced fat Ranch because I LOVE it. But, I know I really should be making my own! SO you just saved my life.
Pinned! Happy weekend lady! :)