Lo-Cal Ranch Dressing
A light and tangy ranch dressing with fresh herbs and garlic, perfect for salads, vegetables, or as a dip for those seeking a low-calorie option.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend the buttermilk, low-fat yogurt, soy sauce, garlic powder, grated onion, fresh parsley, chives, basil, paprika, and celery seed together until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a container and store in the refrigerator.
- Serve chilled as a dressing, dip, or topping.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, you can substitute the low-fat yogurt with Greek yogurt. If you're looking to reduce sodium, consider using a low-sodium soy sauce or omitting it entirely. Fresh herbs are key, so feel free to swap in any herbs you have on hand, such as dill or cilantro, to adjust the flavor to your liking. This dressing can also be enhanced with a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.
Serving Suggestions
This Lo-Cal Ranch Dressing is perfect as a dip for fresh vegetables or as a topping for salads. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish and can even be drizzled over baked potatoes. For a delightful snack, serve it alongside homemade Gingersnap Dip for a unique flavor combination. It's also great as a burger topping or a sauce for wraps.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The flavors will meld and improve over time. If the dressing thickens in the fridge, simply whisk in a little buttermilk or water to reach your desired consistency before serving again. Always give it a quick stir before using.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lo-Cal Ranch Dressing contains roughly 42 calories, with 3g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1070mg per serving (47% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
What dishes can I use this dressing with?
This dressing is versatile! Use it as a classic salad dressing, a dip for fresh veggies, or drizzle it over grilled meats. It's also delicious as a topping for baked potatoes or as a flavor enhancer for wraps and sandwiches. Try pairing it with your favorite American recipes for a delightful twist.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).