Blackened Ranch Dressing is made with simple ingredients like Greek yogurt, buttermilk, dried herbs, and blackened seasoning. This light and creamy ranch is full of flavor and is the perfect accompaniment to your favorite salads, wraps, and snacks.
35 calories 3 grams of carbohydrates 1g fat 4 grams protein 1
Blackened Ranch Dressing Recipe
If you’re a fan of ranch dressing, get ready to swoon over these incredible variations of this iconic condiment. I’ve had many types of ranches, but this one Blackened Ranch Dressing Gotta take the cake. Seriously, this is crazy.
This year, one of our New Year’s resolutions includes trying not to order too much takeout. While we did follow it the first month, we ended up ordering some fried chicken from Popeyes. But can you really blame us? They have the most amazing black ranch and we are all obsessed with the great ranch in this house.
Since fast food ranch (any store-bought ranch, really) isn’t the healthiest option, I decided to create my own healthier version of the black ranch we’ve all fallen in love with. This copycat version is just as delicious as the original, but with added probiotics, protein, and nutrients so you can enjoy it to your heart’s content.
Ranch lovers, rejoice! This mouthwatering black ranch dressing is the ultimate dip for raw vegetables, sandwiches, and salad dressings. Please note that once you try this, you will not get adequate results.
It’s also delicious if you want to double the black seasoning and serve it with some black shrimp, mahi mahi, or black fish tacos.
Main ingredients
To make this super simple ranch dressing, you only need these key ingredients:
- Greek yogurt: Nonfat Greek yogurt is high in protein and low in sugar, making it a great healthy alternative to mayonnaise. For a richer flavor, replace half the yogurt with mayonnaise or sour cream.
- Buttermilk: To get the perfect ranch-like consistency, buttermilk is a must. It also imparts a rich, tangy flavor that makes this condiment extra delicious.
- Blackening seasoning: There are many spice blends you can choose from, but my personal favorite is this homemade blackened seasoning. Maybe I’m biased, but it really is the best!
- Dried herbs: Ranch dressing recipes typically include a combination of dried dill, chives, and parsley. While fresh herbs are nice, they really aren’t necessary for this recipe.
- lemon juice: This helps cut through some of the richness of the dish and brightens up those delicious flavors, creating the best black ranch ever.
How to Make the Best Homemade Ranch
I’ve been making homemade ranch for a few years now, and I’ve picked up a few tips and tricks along the way that you might find useful. So here are some of my best tips to help you get the best ranch flavor ever:
- Adjust your seasonings. The beauty of making your own blackened seasoning at home is that you can adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences. More spicy, less spicy, less salty, more salty, etc., it’s up to you!
- Play with Ratios. If you’re looking for ways to make it richer or keto-friendly, swap out nonfat Greek yogurt for 2% fat or full-fat Greek yogurt. I even had some friends prepare it with regular yogurt and it worked just as well. If you want a thinner consistency, just add more buttermilk or dilute with a little water as needed.
- cool down. While you can serve it right away, chilling the ranch in the refrigerator for an hour or overnight allows the flavors to meld together for a more flavorful dressing. Definitely worth it if you have the time!
- Add some heat. I love ranch dressing with a little heat every now and then. You can add a little spice to this recipe by mixing in some cayenne pepper or Hungarian (hot) paprika.
What to Serve with Blackened Ranch Dressing
When it comes to ranch services, the options are nearly endless. You can serve this blackened ranch with anything paired with traditional ranch dressing. From raw veggies and crackers to pasta salad and chicken nuggets, this black ranch is sure to become your new best friend in the kitchen.
If you’re looking for some ideas, here are some foods that pair well with black ranch dressing:
How to Store Ranch Dressing
I like to store my ranch in airtight containers like glass jars. If stored properly, homemade ranch dressing will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 7-10 days. Because it is made with dairy ingredients, I do not recommend storing ranch dressing in the refrigerator.
Dairy products tend to separate when frozen, which means you may end up with clumpy dressing after thawing. Luckily, this ranch dressing recipe is super easy to make again whenever you’re in the mood!
Is this the same as Popeye’s black ranch dressing?
This recipe is inspired by the delicious Popeye’s Black Ranch Sauce they serve with fried chicken. Traditionally, black ranch dressing is made by combining ranch dressing (made from mayonnaise and sour cream) with onions, garlic, black pepper, white pepper, and blackening seasoning. This lighter version uses Greek yogurt instead of most of the mayonnaise.
FAQ
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about this black ranch dressing recipe:
What can be used instead of blackening seasoning?
If you want a more traditional ranch dressing, feel free to omit the blackening seasoning. You can also substitute it with any other spice blend you like. Cajun seasoning, for example, works really well.
How to tell if ranch dressing is bad?
One of the easiest ways to check if your pasture is going bad is to smell it. If it smells bad, or looks and tastes strange, it needs to be discarded immediately. Another strong indicator is if there is mold growth on it, so be sure to inspect your pasture carefully before diving in.
Can I use homemade buttermilk for this recipe?
Absolutely! While you certainly don’t have to do this, you can use homemade buttermilk in ranch dressing if you wish. To prepare homemade buttermilk, simply add one tablespoon of lemon juice per cup of milk. Mix well, let it sit for a few minutes, and then it’s ready to use.
