August 25, 2021
I have been seeing Brits on TikTok enthusiastically discovering Ranch dressing for the first time…and it makes my heart so happy that one of the greatest American “delicacies” has made it across the pond!
In my early days abroad, Ranch used to be one of the things that I missed from home, even amongst the most incredible European dishes. It’s that good, or at least it has the power of nostalgia.
In fact, dipping pizza crust in Ranch brings me straight back to my youth. I thought that it was a widespread American thing because many local American-style pizzerias (in Northern Nevada) give you ranch with your pizza…and I’ve also had Ranch served with pizza in California…
However, I think many of you on Instagram were as shocked as I was about this practice as I was that many of you do not dip!
There doesn’t seem to be any regional correlation between dippers vs. non-dippers. For example, plenty of people in California have experienced “the dip,” whereas others from California have not. This Reddit poll proves that pizza crust + Ranch is widespread throughout the US (even Canada!).
Some were utterly disgusted by the thought of pizza crust dipped in Ranch.
For the record, let me just state that it has to be a * certain * kind of crust: a nice thick, fluffy, American one.
And for all of you pizza crust + Ranch haters, Mashed even gives a logical reason for this pairing: it’s a cleanser for your taste buds.
There is NO WAY in Italy that I’d be tempted to dip pizza crust in Ranch though. This is for American-style pizza. It’s a super casual thing – think chilling at your laid-back college pizza joint.
So I’m not sure where this dipping pizza crust in ranch originated, but according to this article from Taste of Home, it started in the Midwest. It’s been mostly rejected on the East coast, which is understandable since pizza has a much more Italian influence there.
Anyhow, after this “great American Ranch debate,” I decided that I should make my very own Ranch recipe to share with my European friends who have never tried it or don’t have access to it. Then you can decide for yourself how you feel about Ranch.
The original Ranch is made by Hidden Valley, and although the taste is the one I remember from childhood, the ingredients are absolutely abysmal.
So without further ado, here is my healthier version of Ranch! Many Ranch recipes use sour cream or mayo as a base, but I prefer Greek Yogurt. Buttermilk usually gives Ranch its tang, but since it’s not always available in Italy (as far as I know), this recipe uses a combination of heavy cream + lemon juice as a substitute.
Enjoy it as a salad dressing, a veggie dip, dip your pizza crust, or not!
Healthy Homemade Ranch Dressing (or Dip) with Greek Yogurt (US & Metric Measurements)
Equipment
- blender
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Greek Yogurt
- 1/2 cup Heavy cream (UK = Double cream)
- 1 1/2 TBSP Lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 1 or 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce optional
- 1 1/2 TBSP Sunflower seed oil
- 1 TBSP Dill or 1 tsp dried dill
- 1 TBSP Parsley or 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 TBSP Chives or 1tsp dried chives
Instructions
- Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice to the heavy cream. Set aside for 10-15 min. Viola! You've just made homemade buttermilk, which gives Ranch it's irresistible tang.
- Blend the Greek yogurt, heavy cream and lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
- While the blender is running on low, add the sunflower seed oil to emulsify.
- Stir in the fresh or dried herbs and pour into a serving pitcher or glass jar with lid.
- *Customize this recipe to your taste by adjusting the amount of herbs, lemon juice, salt or Worcestershire sauce, etc. Add more Greek yogurt to thicken, or more cream to thin out.
- Enjoy on salads, veggies or whatver your heart desires!
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