How often do we think about the history behind our favorite foods? Where did they come from? Who created the first recipe for it? Something I love, but never knew originated in my neck of the woods, is Ranch Dressing. It’s true!
Ranch Dressing was first sold here in California, just outside Santa Barbara! In 1954, Kenneth (who later changed his name to Steve) and Gayle Henson bought a 120-acre Dude Ranch with sprawling, picturesque views. They named their property “Hidden Valley Ranch.” Hmmm… wonder what they named their dressing?
At their dude ranch, guests enjoyed an abundance of outdoor activities and plenty of home-cooked meals. But it was the delicious, homemade buttermilk dressing that brought people back for more! Guests loved it! They would often ask for jars of the “Ranch Dressing” to take home. Soon there was such a demand for the dressing Gayle and Kenneth created a dry packaged mix for guests. They sold their mix to stores and to their dude ranch customers.
Kelley’s Korner in Santa Barbara was the first store to sell the packaged mix. The packages sold out so fast that Lloyd Kelley, the store owner, thought his staff was stealing it! Ha!
I am a huge fan of homemade salad dressings, so I can totally see how guests would love something homemade and delicious on their salads! Thick and creamy with a blend of garlic, herbs and seasonings, this dressing is perfect for dipping and to toss with any of your favorite summer salads. A word of warning, start a little lighter on the garlic. Raw garlic tends to get hotter as it sits, so beware! Not that I think this dressing will last that long in your refrigerator anyway! It’s just too good!
Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Sour Cream
- 1/2 cup Buttermilk
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 or 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh dill finely chopped
- 2 Tablespoons fresh chives finely chopped
- 1 Tablespoon flat-leaf parsley finely chopped
- Lemon Juice optional, just a splash
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Additional add-ins completely optional: Worcestershire Sauce, Cayenne Pepper, Tabasco sauce, Dijon mustard, Paprika, Cumin, Oregano, Basil.
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together all ingredients, adjusting seasonings as necessary. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and chill for a few hours to let the flavors blend.
- NOTES: Chop all herbs and garlic very finely. No one wants big chunks of raw garlic in their salad dressing. Keep in mind, raw garlic does get hotter the longer it sits, so start with just one clove and increase (or decrease) to your personal taste. If dressing is too thick, thin it with a bit more buttermilk before serving.
- ENJOY!
What is your favorite thing to dip in Ranch Dressing? I’m a fan of Onion Rings with Ranch Dressing! Share yours with me!
Looking for more regional specialties? The #SundaySupper Tastemakers have put together a huge list of dishes from their own backyards to share with you! This event was put together by Sue from A Palatable Pastime! Thank you Sue! Check out all the delicious recipes below!
Appetizers:
- Crispy Salmon Bites with Homemade Tartar Sauce by Pine Needles In My Salad
- Loaded Tex-Mex Chile con Queso by The Weekend Gourmet
- New England Style Stuffed Clams by Caroline’s Cooking
Beverages:
- Brandy Old Fashioned by Curious Cuisiniere
- Wine Pairing Recommendations For #SundaySupper Regional Specialties by ENOFYLZ Wine Blog
Breakfast:
- Breakfast Empanada Casserole by Simply Healthy Family
Salads:
- Pittsburgh Steak Salad by Seduction in the Kitchen
- Homemade Ranch Dressing by My Imperfect Kitchen
- Tupelo Honey Key Lime Vinaigrette by Family Around the Table
Sauces:
- Alabama White Barbecue Sauce by Cookin’ Mimi
Side Dishes:
- Delaware Crabs by Delaware Girl Eats
- JoJo Potatoes by A Mind Full Mom
- Long Beans with Coconut by Food Lust People Love
- Old Bay Cauli-Tots by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
- Southern Collard Greens by Magnolia Days
Soups:
- Mohawk Corn Soup by kimchi MOM
- Steve’s Famous Maryland Crab Soup by Monica’s Table
Main Dish:
- Amish Chicken and Noodles by Palatable Pastime
- Boiled Lobster with Drawn Butter by Taste And See
- Bison Steaks with Cranberry Chimichurri by Tramplingrose
- California Beer Steamed Shrimp by Nosh My Way
- Avocado BLT Sandwich by Brunch-n-Bites
- Cali Inspired Fish Tacos by Sew You Think You Can Cook
- Cheesy Tex Mex Enchiladas by The TipToe Fairy
- Cola Marinated Steak Tips by Hardly a Goddess
- Corn and Bacon Chowder by Moore or Less Cooking
- Crab-Stuffed Artichokes with Spicy Aioli by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
- Deep Fried Pizza Roll by Grumpy’s Honeybunch
- Halal Cart-Style Chicken and Rice with White Sauce by The Texan New Yorker
- Copycat Hattie B’s Hot Chicken by Fantastical Sharing of Recipes
- Homemade Quebec Maple Baked Beans by She Loves Biscotti
- How to Make Vegetable Lumpia by Asian In America
- Italian Hot Dog by Simple and Savory
- Mom’s City Chicken by My Life Cookbook
- North Carolina BBQ with Cole Slaw and Hush Puppies by The Freshman Cook
- Philly Cheesesteak Calzones by Baking Sense
- Polish Boy Sandwich by Renee’s Kitchen Adventures
- Spicy Salmon for Tacos by Hey What’s for Dinner Mom?
- Tex-Mex Slowcooker Chicken and Beef Fajitas by Meal Planning Magic
- West Michigan Wet Burritos by Wholistic Woman
Desserts:
- Upside Down Angel Food Cupcakes by Cooking With Carlee
- Austrian Mohnnudeln (Poppy Seed Noodles) by The Bread She Bakes
- Butter Tarts – A Canadian Tradition by Red Cottage Chronicles
- Carob Cherry Crumb Bars by Pies and Plots
- Florida Key Lime Cream Pie by The Crumby Cupcake
- Fried Biscuits by Angels Home Sweet Homestead
- Gooey Butter Cake from Saint Louie! by Our Good Life
- Homemade Butterscotch Krimpets by The Redhead Baker
- San Jose Burnt Almond Cake by Eat, Drink and be Tracy
- Shoofly Pie by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Spanish Bar Cake by Get the Good Stuff!
- Hoosier Sugar Cream Pie by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
Plus Rhubarb Steamed Pudding and Favorite Regional Recipes from Sunday Supper Movement
Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. To get more great Sunday Supper Recipes, visit our website or check out our Pinterest board.
Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement
How fun! I loved learning the history behind Ranch Dressing!
Thanks Sarah!
Sara, I had no idea about the story behind Hidden Valley Ranch. Thanks for sharing! I love using buttermilk in recipes especially dressings…and yours looks absolutely delicious!
Thank you Holly!! I appreciate that! :-)
Ranch is so versatile, it’s one of my favorites. Thanks for the history lesson!
Thanks Cindy!
Homemade is always better and this looks delicious!
There is nothing better that fresh, homemade dressing. Love this recipe and the story that goes along with it!
Thank you so much Teri! I appreciate that!
Yummy! I love homemade dressing anyway, but I haven’t mastered creamy dressings- this is definitely one that I am going to save for later to try- it looks delicious and easy!
I’ve never made my own ranch dressing. Thanks for the recipe. It looks great.
I had no idea Hidden Valley Ranch was a real place! I just love learning the history behind foods and where they come from.
Love ranch dressing!!! It my go to on salads all the time!!
Homemade is always best!!