Here’s a versatile seasoning mix that’s sure to please the ranch lovers out there. This base seasoning mix can make Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Dip or Buttermilk Ranch Salad Dressing. It can also be used as a seasoning for other things as well like pasta salad or potatoes; anywhere you might use store bought ranch seasoning packets or a recipe that calls for ranch seasoning. Try these Ranch Chicken Tacos for a change.
Homemade Ranch Seasoning vs Seasoning Packet
The biggest difference between store bought ranch packets and homemade ranch seasoning is the extra ingredients like MSG and preservatives. The top ingredients in these packets are usually Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) and Salt. Here’s an example of ingredients listed on a very popular “Buttermilk Recipe, Salad Dressing and Seasoning Mix”: Salt, Monosodiumglutamate, Dried Garlic, Modified Food Starch, Dried Onion, Maltodextrin, Spices, Guar Gum, Buttermilk, Calcium Stearate, Natural Flavor (Soy).” I would rather put in my body ingredients I can comprehend.
Make Your Own Seasoning
I know there are arguments for and against ingredients like the ones listed above, but it’s also just so easy to make your own. Why would you want to add those chemicals and unnatural ingredients into your diet if there’s an easy alternative. Plus, the flavor is so much better!
Now, as you’ll see here MSG is still considered fairly safe with “no definitive evidence of a link between MSG and these symptoms” such as headache, flushing, numbness, heart palpitations or rapid heart beat, nausea, weakness, etc…, but I beg to differ. I know for a fact I had many very unnerving instances in my 20’s of tachycardia (rapid heart beat) from MSG in food I ate. That’s the biggest reason I try to stay away from it at all costs. I’m sure you might even know others who have mentioned having some unwelcome side effects of MSG.
Making your own seasoning is as easy as just combining 9 ingredients that you most likely already have in your kitchen. Some recipes for ranch seasoning you might see in other places add dried buttermilk to the mix. I personally think it’s just easier to make this mix without that because all these spices I already have on hand, as most people do, plus I can just add real buttermilk (yes, you might need to buy it, but that’s a given if you’re already wanting the Buttermilk flavor). Then add a couple other ingredients you might already have in your refrigerator and there’s your dip or dressing. Done! Enjoy!
Let me know how you like this mix and if you’ve tried it on other food not mentioned here. Happy Mixing!
Homemade Ranch Seasoning
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp dried parsley
- 1 1/2 Tbsp dried dill
- 1 1/2 Tbsp dried onion flakes
- 1 1/2 Tbsp freeze dried chives
- 1 Tbsp onion powder
- 1 Tbsp granulated garlic or garlic powder
- 1 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- Combine all spices in a jar or bowl and it’s ready to use!
- Store in a cool dry place for up to 6 months for maximum freshness.
Notes
Nutrition Disclaimer:
Nutrition
Thank you so much for a recipe for this Ranch Dressing mixture. I have been looking for one that did not have all of the preservatives and additives! I am thrilled!
Thank you, Paige! Glad you like it and can use it. I’ll be making it today actually.