If you find yourself wondering exactly what goes into making traditional or even store bought ranch dressing and whether mayonnaise is a part of it, you’re not alone! We’re all here with similar thoughts.
But in this article, we’ll put those thoughts to bed through a proper analysis of what ranch dressing contains and all the different variations of it that exist.
What Is Ranch Made From?
Ranch dressing at its core, is made up of a few simple components that come together to form an explosive mixture.
The main base is a combination of mayonnaise or another type of stable emulsion like aioli), with sour cream or buttermilk (or sometimes just mayonnaise alone) which lends a creamy consistency and a tangy flavor.
The next key ingredients are herbs and spices such as dill, chives, onion powder, salt and parsley (among a myriad of others) which provide a savory taste, as well as aid to complicate the whole mixture even more.
The last component includes a bit of acid such as lemon juice, lime juice or vinegar to help balance out the richness of the creamy base as well as brighten the flavor of the herbs and spices.
So, as you can tell already, mayonnaise plays a crucial role in ranch dressing, but it’s only one part of the delightful symphony of ingredients that come together to create the rich condiment.
Is Ranch And Mayo The Same?
In order for you to comprehend the distinction between ranch and mayonnaise, it’s good to look at ranch as a flavored version of mayonnaise, which is the stable emulsion of oil, egg yolk and either acid like lemon or lime juice.
And to be honest, it really isn’t far from that: mayonnaise or aioli fortified with buttermilk, sour cream, acids, herbs, spices and seasonings.
That way, you can see the similarities between ranch and other types of flavored mayonnaise such as Spicy Mayo, Mayochup, Chipotle Mayo and Aioli.
In terms of taste, you would expect ranch to be more explosive than traditional mayonnaise, which it actually is.
Ranch dressing has a tangy, savory and sometimes peppery flavor that is much more distinct than mayonnaise alone which has a more neutral creamy flavor.
While a good number of distinctions exist between ranch dressing and mayonnaise, both can be used in quite a lot of similar applications such as salad dressings or spread.
Is Ranch Or Mayo Better?
In terms of health? None. Both are high calorie and high fat foods, except for alternatives that substitute out the Mayo, which can negatively affect the health when abused.
In terms of taste, it really comes down to personal preference and the context in which they are being used.
Both condiments have their distinct flavors and textures but their overall use can be said to be nearly the same (if not the same).
Both Mayo and ranch can be used as salad dressings, spread in sandwiches, dip for pizza or wings, a base for other dressings and sauces or even used in dishes like potato salad and coleslaw. dips, and drizzles on various dishes.
For some people, Mayo may be the better dip (I’m team ranch on this one) while ranch is the perfect condiment for salad dressing or sandwich spread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hidden Valley Ranch Made With Mayonnaise?
Yes, Hidden Valley Ranch dressing that come in the refrigerated form are typically made with mayonnaise alongside other ingredients such as buttermilk, cream cheese and dried aillum and herbs. Depending on the specific products, it may have extra twists to it such as cheddar cheese or fully cooked bacon pieces.
For the mix, they don’t have mayonnaise in them, but are typically mixed with mayonnaise (at home) to form the ranch.
Is Ranch And Dressing The Same?
Ranch is a type of salad dressing that features a creamy base and a blend of herbs and spices.
So, while ranch is indeed a dressing, not all dressings are ranch as there are so many other types of salad dressings available such as Caesar, vinaigrettes, Thousand Island, blue cheese and more, each with their own unique compositions.
Is Ranch Made With The Following Ingredients Too?
Milk
Yes, ranch dressing is often made with milk in the form of buttermilk. This is typically added as a base ingredient for boosting the savory profile as well as the creaminess of the ranch alongside mayonnaise and/or sour cream.
Raw eggs
Ranch dressing does not usually contain raw eggs as an ingredient, except from the mayonnaise which typically is made from the emulsion of raw egg yolks or whole eggs. If you’re making ranch from vegan Mayo however then it would be completely egg free.
Anchovies
Anchovies are not a typical ingredient in ranch dressing but are a common ingredient in Caesar salad dressing.
Dill
Yes, dill is a common ingredient in ranch dressing alongside other types of herbs like parsley and chive. When used in ranch dressing, dill adds a fresh citrus-like taste with some grass aroma and taste. Dill is quite a key ingredient in ranch because it helps give it its characteristic flavor.
How To Make Ranch Dressing With Mayo And Milk
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup milk, any type of milk works
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (you can add more)
- 1 Tablespoon of dried dill
- Salt
Procedure:
Whisk all the liquids in a medium-sized bowl until you have a smooth base. Proceed to add the herbs and spices and stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings throughout the incorporate everything. Season with salt and taste. Once you’re satisfied, transfer the mixture into a jar with a lid (or purpose it if that was the intention in the first place) and store it in the refrigerator. Try to consume it within 1-2 weeks for optimal quality.
