Enjoy the bold, creamy flavor of Texas Roadhouse right at home with this easy-to-follow recipe for their signature ranch dressing. This homemade condiment mixes up the tangy zest of fresh herbs with the creamy goodness of mayonnaise and sour cream. Drizzle it over your fresh garden salad or dunk your veggies in it - this Texas Roadhouse ranch recipe is downright delicious!
Recreating the magic of Texas Roadhouse's signature ranch dressing at home is easier than you might think. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of this creamy, flavorful condiment that pairs perfectly with everything from crisp salads to hot, fresh-out-of-the-oven rolls.
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What makes this ranch dressing recipe so special is the combination of ingredients!
This dressing starts with mayonnaise and sour cream for that creamy base; then, throw in some buttermilk for a nice tangy twist. Add fresh herbs like dill and parsley to bring in those bright, fresh flavors and a bit of garlic for a little kick. A squeeze of lemon juice and a dash of black pepper finish it off with just the right amount of acidity and spice.
And just like that, you have the perfect buttermilk ranch dressing!
Note: If you love this recipe, try my copycat recipe for Jimmy John's Kickin Ranch!
Why you'll love this recipe
- Made with fresh ingredients, this ranch dressing has a much better flavor than store-bought versions.
- Comes together in just a few minutes with simple ingredients!
- Can be used as a dressing, dip, or sauce for your favorite foods.
Key ingredients
This super easy ranch dressing recipe calls for a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Here's why they are important:
Buttermilk: The tangy flavor of buttermilk stands out in ranch dressing. It also adds a creamy texture to the mixture. If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can make your own substitute by combining milk with lemon juice or white vinegar.
Herbs: The combination of fresh dill and parsley adds a bright, herbaceous flavor to the dressing. If you don't have fresh herbs available, you can also use dried ones. Green onions or chives can also be added for extra flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a pungent and slightly spicy flavor to the dressing. If you're not a fan of raw garlic, you can sauté it briefly in olive oil or roast it in the oven before adding it to the creamy base.
Heather's helpful hints
- To save time, you can use pre-minced garlic and Hidden Valley Buttermilk Ranch seasoning mix instead of fresh garlic and herbs.
- For a healthier option, you can use light mayonnaise and sour cream.
- Is your ranch too thick? Just mix in some more buttermilk!
Step-by-step instructions
Making this copycat recipe for Texas Roadhouse ranch dressing is super easy! Follow these simple steps to make your own batch at home...
Step 1) Finely mince the garlic and chop up the parsley and dill. Put them to the side.
Step 2) Mix mayo and sour cream in a bowl. Toss in the garlic, parsley, and dill and give it another mix.
Step 3) Slowly add buttermilk until you get the consistency you like.
Step 4) Sprinkle in the remaining spices. Whisk well until they're all nicely mixed together. Taste it and tweak the spices as needed.
Recipe Variations
- For a vegan version of this recipe, you can use a dairy-free mayonnaise and sour cream substitute, such as cashew-based or coconut-based options. You may also need to use a different type of buttermilk alternative, like almond milk with lemon juice added in.
- If you prefer a creamier ranch dressing, you can add some Greek yogurt or avocado to the mixture. This will also add extra protein and healthy fats.
- For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste. For a different flavor profile, try using flavored ranch seasoning packets instead of traditional dill and parsley!
Make ahead and storage tips
Once you've made your homemade ranch dressing, you can store it in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Note - If it thickens too much while chilled, simply add more buttermilk until it's the way you like it!
Equipment
You'll need the following pieces of equipment to make this Texas Roadhouse ranch recipe...
- Bowl: You'll need a medium-sized mixing bowl to combine the ingredients.
- Whisk: A whisk will help you mix all of the ingredients together thoroughly.
- Jar: Use a mason jar to store the ranch dressing.
Meal ideas
I'm going to say it—ranch tastes good on EVERYTHING, especially when you make it fresh! This ranch dressing recipe is so good because it's homemade, and you can tell. It adds a nice touch to any meal!
Some of my favorite ways to use this ranch dressing are:
- Drizzled over your favorite salad
- As a dipping sauce for mozzarella sticks, veggies, or chicken tenders
- As a topping for baked potatoes or sweet potato fries
- Spread on BLTs, burgers, or sandwiches
- As a marinade for chicken or pork
Frequently asked questions
Yeah, feel free to swap in Greek yogurt instead of sour cream if you're looking for a healthier twist. Just a heads up, though – it might taste and feel a bit different.
If you don't have fresh dill or parsley on hand, you can use the dried versions instead. Just remember that dried herbs tend to be more potent than fresh ones, so start with a smaller amount and add more as needed.
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free!
You might not want to freeze this homemade ranch dressing because the texture could get a bit weird after thawing. It's better to whip it up fresh or just keep it in the fridge for up to a week.
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Recipe
Texas Roadhouse Ranch Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons dill chopped fresh or dried
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley chopped
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- cayenne pepper optional, to taste
- paprika optional, to taste
Instructions
- Mince garlic finely and chop parsley and dill. Set aside.
- Combine mayonnaise and sour cream in a bowl and mix. Add garlic, parsley, and dill and mix.
- Add buttermilk a little at a time until your desired consistency is reached.
- Add remaining ingredients. Whisk well until thoroughly combined.
- Test and adjust spices as necessary. Add optional spices if desired.
- Store in an airtight jar in the refrigerator. Thin with buttermilk if desired.
Notes and Tips
- If you're short on time, the Hidden Valley buttermilk Ranch seasoning
- The mixture will thicken as it chills in the refrigerator.
Steve
Excellent. TRH is a family favorite and this dressing is just like what we get when we order out. Made a big batch and storing in the fridge!
Heather
So glad this worked out like the real thing, Steve. Enjoy!