Give this versatile mix in a decorative jar with instructions for making dip or dressing. Then tuck it into a gift basket along with a pretty serving bowl and snack crackers or chips!

Ranch dressing is a popular condiment known for its creamy and tangy flavor. It is commonly used as a dressing for salads, a dip for vegetables and chips, and a topping for various dishes. Ranch dressing originated in the United States and has become one of the most widely consumed dressings in the country.

The story of ranch dressing dates back to the early 1950s when Steve Henson, a plumbing contractor from California, and his wife Gayle opened a guest ranch called the Hidden Valley Ranch. At their ranch, they served a homemade dressing made from a blend of buttermilk, mayonnaise, and various herbs and spices. The dressing gained popularity among the guests, and soon they were receiving requests for the recipe.

In response to the growing demand, the Hensons started packaging and selling their ranch dressing mix in an envelope, which included a dry blend of herbs and spices. The mix could be combined with mayonnaise and buttermilk to create the creamy dressing. The convenience of the mix made it a hit, and it quickly gained popularity across the country.

In 1972, the Hensons sold the Hidden Valley Ranch brand to Clorox, a consumer goods company. Clorox further developed and marketed the product, introducing bottled versions of the dressing that required no mixing. This made ranch dressing even more accessible and convenient for consumers.

Today, ranch dressing is not only a staple in American households but has also gained popularity worldwide. It has become a versatile condiment, used not only as a salad dressing and dip but also as a flavoring for various dishes, such as pizza, burgers, and chicken wings.

PREP: 10 MIN.

MAKES: 2 CUPS

INGREDIENTS

RANCH DRESSING:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon Ranch Dressing Mix

RANCH DIP:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons Ranch Dressing Mix

RANCH DRESSING MIX:

• 4½ teaspoons dried parsley flakes
• 1 tablespoon minced chives
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons lemon-pepper seasoning
• 1½ teaspoons dried tarragon
• 1½ teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt

INSTRUCTIONS

RANCH DRESSING:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, buttermilk, and 1 tablespoon of the Ranch Dressing Mix.
2. Refrigerate the dressing for at least 1 hour before serving.

RANCH DIP:

1. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, and 2 tablespoons of the Ranch Dressing Mix.
2. Refrigerate the dip for at least 2 hours before serving.
3. Serve the ranch dip with assorted crackers, fresh veggies, or as a topping for baked potatoes.

RANCH DRESSING MIX:

1. In a small bowl, combine the dried parsley flakes, minced chives, garlic powder, lemon-pepper seasoning, dried tarragon, dried oregano, and salt.
2. Transfer the mix to a 4-ounce jar.
3. Shake the jar well before using the mix in the ranch dressing or dip recipes.

By following these simple instructions, you can enjoy the classic flavor of ranch dressing or dip made from scratch using the ranch dressing mix.