Are you tired of bland, store-bought ranch dressing that just doesn’t hit the mark? The lack of fresh, vibrant flavors can leave your salads and dips feeling uninspired. But don’t worry—Ina Garten’s ranch dressing recipe is here to solve the problem. Packed with creamy, herby goodness and easy to prepare, this homemade dressing is the perfect way to elevate your meals effortlessly.

Why Choose Homemade Ranch Dressing?

While store-bought ranch dressing is convenient, making it from scratch offers superior taste and the opportunity to use fresh ingredients. Ina Garten’s recipe, featured in her cookbook “Barefoot Contessa: How Easy Is That?”, elevates ranch dressing with Greek yogurt, fresh basil, and buttermilk. This dressing is perfect not only for salads but also as a versatile dip or coleslaw dressing.

Ranch Dressing Recipe

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Ingredients

For the dressing:

3 scallions white and green parts, chopped
½ cup fresh basil leaves lightly packed and chopped
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1½ tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon good olive oil
2 garlic cloves chopped
2½ teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup mayonnaise use a high-quality brand like Duke’s
½ cup Greek-style yogurt
½ cup buttermilk shaken

Optional salad ingredients:

3 small Bibb lettuces halved through the core
2 large ripe tomatoes thickly sliced
1 red onion thinly sliced

Instructions

Blend the Base: In a food processor, combine scallions, basil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth (about 15-20 seconds).
Mix the Creamy Ingredients: Add the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and buttermilk to the food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Chill: Transfer the dressing to a container, cover it, and refrigerate for at least one hour. This allows the flavors to meld together for the best taste.
Serve: Drizzle over Bibb lettuce, tomatoes, and onion slices for a refreshing salad. Alternatively, use it as a dip for fresh vegetables or a dressing for coleslaw.

Tips for Success

Choose Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil and scallions are key to achieving the bright, herby flavor that sets this dressing apart.
Use a Mini Food Processor: If you’re making a smaller batch or want to simplify cleanup, a mini food processor works perfectly for this recipe.
Storage: This dressing makes approximately 3 cups and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. If needed, halve the recipe to avoid waste.

A Perfect Addition to Any Meal

Ina Garten’s ranch dressing isn’t just a condiment—it’s a culinary experience. Pair it with grilled steak, fresh summer greens, or even buffalo chicken for a versatile accompaniment that’s sure to impress.

This July 4th or any special occasion, bring a touch of gourmet flair to your table with this homemade ranch dressing. It’s simple, flavorful, and, as Ina would say, “How easy is that?”