A creamy low-fat ranch dressing made with buttermilk and fresh herbs. Perfect to serve with end-of-summer garden vegetables!
There is nothing better than homemade dressing, store bought dressing just doesn't do it for me. Serve this over your favorite garden salad or dip your favorite veggies in it.
I slightly modified this recipe from my friend Susan's blog Farmgirl Fare. I love her blog, she is a former California city chick turned Missouri farm girl, complete with chickens, sheep and donkeys! I often tell her how lucky she is to have her own farm fresh eggs and fresh produce, and she often tells me how lucky I am to live near a Trader Joe's. You can easily halve this recipe and leftovers can be stored in the fridge for about 4-5 day. Enjoy!!
Low-fat Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
Gina's Weight Watcher Recipes
Servings: 13 • Size: 1/4 cup • Old Points: 1 pts • Points+: 1 pts
Calories: 52.3 • Fat: 2.0 g • Carbs: 5.5 g • Fiber: 0.0 g • Protein: 3.4 g • Sugar: 3.7 g
Sodium: 288.8 mg
Ingredients:
Servings: 13 • Size: 1/4 cup • Old Points: 1 pts • Points+: 1 pts
Calories: 52.3 • Fat: 2.0 g • Carbs: 5.5 g • Fiber: 0.0 g • Protein: 3.4 g • Sugar: 3.7 g
Sodium: 288.8 mg
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup fat free sour cream
- 3/4 cup fat free Greek yogurt
- 1/3 cup Hellman's light mayonnaise
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- freshly ground pepper
- 1-2 tbsp white balsamic vinegar
- 2 cups 1% low fat buttermilk
Directions:
In a small bowl or large measuring cup, combine the sour cream, yogurt, mayonnaise, garlic, powder, onion powder, parsley, chives, salt, and cracked pepper. Mix well.
Adjust the seasonings to taste, adding another tablespoon of balsamic vinegar if desired. The flavors will become bolder over time.
Recipe source: FarmgirlFare.com





















This looks awesome!! Homemade is always so much better than the store bought kind. And sugar free! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThis looks so amazing that I almost want to kiss you on the mouth for sharing it. LOL! I am having a dinner party this weekend and this is EXACTLY what I'm going to make with my fresh garden tomatoes and lemon cucumbers.
ReplyDeleteKelly H.
This excites me :) You rock!
ReplyDeleteHi there, here's a silly question...oh and by the way, your recipes are amazing!!!!! thank you for all the hard work you put into all this!
ReplyDeleteMy question is, I plan to make this dipping sauce as an appetizer to serve at a party. Do I just double the ingredients for the amount of people? Like for ex. for 36 servings, do I just triple the amount of each ingredient?
This looks so good, going to make some this week. My 11 y/o daughter is type 1 diabetic and she only uses ranch dressing....your carb count is low, perfect for her. Think I will let her make it :)
ReplyDeleteJennifer T.
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteLooks so Yummy! Making wings tonight and that will be a great dipping sauce!
ReplyDeleteI don't have buttermilk on hand, but I do have the powdered buttermilk, do you think it would be the same?
I've never made homemade dressing and this looks really creamy & good! I think this may work as a snack for me tonight! All I need to buy is fat free plain greek yogurt.
ReplyDeleteI've never used buttermilk powder, but I think it will be fine.
ReplyDeleteIf you use this as a dip, you may want to make it thicker as I suggested above.
And yes, to double or triple, just multiply the ingredients.
Susan's original recipe had fresh dill as well for those of you who like dill.
Gina - How would you make this thicker? I do not see where you suggested how to do this. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYou could try using less buttermilk?
DeleteI am so looking forward to making this. I love Ranch!! Looks like I will be making myself a lot more salads. Thanks so much :)
ReplyDeletei love gina's skinny recipes!
ReplyDeletei have a family and they love your website and recipes
ReplyDeletemy family and me have made 3 of your recipes
ReplyDeletegina, you rock
ReplyDeletegina your so skinny
ReplyDeleteDo you have suggestions for people who live in countries (Mexico) where I can't buy greek yogurt? There are a lot of recipes I want to make but they have greek yogurt and I am not sure how to substitute--not adventurous outside of a recipe!!
ReplyDeleteThanks I love your website and tell everyone I know about it!!
put regular yogurt in a paper towel lined strainer overnight. you will be amazed at the amount of water that drips out.
DeleteYou are amazing! 1/4 cup for a serving size is a lot and it's only 52 calories. I just looked at my regular store brought ranch dressing and the serving size is 2 tablespoons and 130 calories! Thanks for this recipe!
ReplyDeleteAny idea how long this will keep in the fridge after making it?
ReplyDeleteYay! Ranch dressing is my favorite but it is also one of the unhealthier options (because its creamy I suppose). Thanks SO MUCH for sharing a recipe for a healthier option other than store bought!
ReplyDeleteTo make this thicker, add more yogurt and less buttermilk.
ReplyDeleteDee- You could use regular yogurt in it's place.
This should keep 4-5 days.
Hope you all enjoy!
Could definitely use a great low-fat homemade ranch dressing! yum!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds so yummy! I agree, homemade dressings are the best!
ReplyDeletehi gina, i've always make heathy dinner recipes but my daughters dont want to eat heathy
ReplyDeleteSuch a great recipe! Love the healthy dressing :)
ReplyDeleteIs there a way to make this without mayo? I'm not a mayo fan.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Gina! You're my she-ro. Thank you for sharing your great gift!!!
ReplyDeleteOH YUM! I have been craving a creamy dressing for my salad lately....this looks divine!
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog today while searching for lowfat dressing ideas - how exciting to find one that's for Buttermilk Ranch! Can't wait to try this weekend. I see too that you post WW points, both old and new for your recipes. I can't tell you how helpful that is - and especially awesome you post the 'old' points - that's what we prefer to use. Can't wait to check out the rest of your site!
ReplyDeleteI was looking for a light mac and cheese recipe; found your great site. Love it.Great healthy recipes; I am tryig to follow you .
ReplyDeleteRita
I found it; I'm your new follower; studying your blog for your great recipes.
ReplyDeleteRita
Welcome Rita!
ReplyDeleteGina I just found your blog today and wanted to pop in and say how excited I am. With a family of five, and kids ranging in ages from 15 - 7, it's so hard to find something that everyone will eat. I've saved a bunch of recipes to try and printed out some to use this coming week. Thank you also for including information like the sides and such to complete the meals. I often struggle with what to serve with the main dish and your recommendations are such a relief!As soon as I have some reviews from the clan, I'll be sure to post back! Thanks again~
ReplyDeleteHow much dill, do you recall? I do love some dill...
ReplyDeleteI made this for dinner tonight! It was delicious! I made it slightly thicker by adding less buttermilk. With a whole 1/4 cup serving size I had enough to pour on my salad and on my baked potato too! This will be my ranch from now on!!
ReplyDeleteMela
I am one of those who puts ranch on E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G! Being from Texas I grew up on ranch and sweet tea LOL. Thanks to you now I don't have to feel bad about it lol!!
ReplyDeleteHow long will this hold up for in the fridge?
ReplyDeleteI was looking at the ingredients on a bottle of ranch dressing, and there is so much garbage in those bottles, so I am happy to share a much healthier version with all of you!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great creamy dressing base! I did not add the vinegar or herbs because I was out and it was still delicious. I found it to be thick enough for me but a few tablespoons of the buttermilk could be left out for those who prefer thicker.
ReplyDeleteI made this last night to go along with the salad we were having for dinner and it was DELICIOUS! It makes a lot but that's OK because I can use it for lots of things like salads, sandwich dressing, and veggie dip! :)
ReplyDeleteMade this tonight!!! FANTASTIC!!!!!!! LOVE IT!!!!!! Does NOT taste Lite which makes me LOVE it even more!! thanks!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI made this for my family to go over a fresh salad (along with your spaghetti squash with meat sauce) and it was delicious! Thank you for all your amazing recipes!
ReplyDeleteThis dressing looks amazing. I am always looking for new homemade dressings, and this should be the next one on my list. Thanks for sharing!!!
ReplyDeleteIf you're feeling lazy and don't mind packaged products, you can use the prepackaged dry ranch seasonings mix they sell to make your own dressing. Just use the wet ingredients as Gina posted. The recipe I use calls for about 1 tsp of the dry seasonings for every 7-8 tbsp of wet ingredients. I make this constantly with greek yogurt, light mayo (the green-edged label one) and low-fat buttermilk. It works like a charm and totally handles all my ranch cravings! Thanks for posting this Gina!!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to try this! I love homemade ranch! So much better than bottled!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of this recipe but I am not a huge fan of the sweetness the greek yogurt gives this. would using plain regular low-fat yogurt reduce that taste or is there another alternative to help out? thanks!
ReplyDelete- Abby
I love your recipes and this ranch is great! Do you think this could be frozen then thawed? My problem is I always have leftover buttermilk and don't want it to go to waste.
ReplyDeleteWould it make a big flavor difference if I used regular white vinegar?
ReplyDeleteJust made this now and I'm IN LOVE. It's sooooo good; I can't wait to have a salad now!
ReplyDeleteI love ranch and this dressing is AMAZING! It's so good; nothing like the gross, sour low-fat and fat-free ranch dressings from bottles. I will make again and again. Thank you, Gina! I love your site and have lost 30 lbs on WW! -Bethany
ReplyDeletewhat can I replace the white balsamic with>?
ReplyDeleteYou can try using apple cider vinegar instead of the white balsamic...
ReplyDeletewhite balsamic vinegar can be replaced with white whine vinegar and a pinch of sugar :)
ReplyDeleteI made this tonight and em excited to test it on my kids. We divided it in half and made a spicy version as well using taco seasoning, chipotle chili powder and cayenne pepper. I will do the same next time except use my own taco seasoning blend. Both are yummy!
ReplyDeleteIs it possible to freeze this? It's a lot of dressing.
ReplyDeleteCan I use regular balsamic vinegar instead of white balsamic? I couldn't find white balsamic at the store. I'm just making it for myself so presentation isn't really a factor (I know the darker vinegar wouldn't blend in as nicely as the white).
ReplyDeleteI would just use white vinegar instead. I haven't frozen it so I'm not too sure.
ReplyDeleteWe love ranch dressing, but we weren't crazy for this one with the buttermilk and vinegar, HOWEVER, I tweeked it using fat free half and half and just added enough in to make the dressing the consitency we like and it was SPECTACULAR!! We've tried several of your recipes. You Rock!!!
ReplyDeleteI tried this and it was okay. I added more spices and herbs than in the recipe, but I need more flavor. I will try it again with half and half as someone posted. Someone posted using the package powder stuff, but I don't wanna go that route. I do love the amount you get to have per serving.
ReplyDeleteJust made this, and I am so impressed! It's amazing! My grocery store didn't have white balsamic vinegar, so I just used regular balsamic vinegar. I also added a bit of cayenne pepper for some extra kick. The color isn't SO white, but it still looks like ranch. LOVE IT! Thanks so much for this recipe!
ReplyDeleteI am overjoyed at the thought of a buttermilk ranch recipe with 2 grams of fat and 52 calories in a 1/4 CUP! Ah, this made me so happy. I've lost almost 25 lbs, but dearly miss my beloved ranch. Now I can welcome it back home!
ReplyDeleteSo excited to try this! I've triedseveral of your recipes and gotten 2 thumbs up from the hubby, who usually bawks at anything lowfat. I was just frowning over the 90 calories in just 1 tbsp of my bottled ranch. So glad I happened upon this one today! Thanks for all the great recipes!
ReplyDeleteThis is so good! Reduced buttermilk by half so it's thicker, so perfect! I'll never buy store bought ranch again!
ReplyDeleteOMG this was so good! After reading the posts, I knew it was going to make a lot, so after I filled my bottle with dressing, I marinated bonless chicken in the rest and then dipped them in bread crumbs and baked!! This is definatly a keeper.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing I did differenly was add Dill, because I LOVE dill!
<53 calories for a quarter cup of ranch?? Oh my goodness! I could kiss you! My six year old has a food dye sensitivity and most ranches are a no-no (we also avoid artificial flavors and preservatives) so I'm sure he will want to kiss you as well! Lol
ReplyDeleteI made this and it's really good! It's not quite like regular ranch. I actually like it a lot better than regular ranch! I'm going to try dipping chicken in it tonight like a previous poster suggested. Thanks for the awesome recipe!
ReplyDeleteIt is difficult to find fat free greek yogurt where we live they usually have plain greek yogurt, will that work as well?
ReplyDeleteCan we use light sour cream instead of fat free since they don't carry it where we currently live?
ReplyDeleteI'm making my way though Gina's Back Pages. Made this yesterday; kids loved it; I loved it, and it tasted even better today. I didn't have chives (it's not chives season yet) but substituted some slightly wilted dill, and it was pissah.
ReplyDeleteYou are awesome Gina!!! This is my fav blog of all time!
ReplyDeleteThanks Gina! I just discovered that Hidden Valley Ranch dressing contains MSG, which is not good, so I won't be using that anymore. I am looking forward to trying my hand at your home made Ranch dressing.
ReplyDeleteI tried this, but I left out the vinegar, and added fresh dill. Now I actually prefer this recipe to the store bought versions of dressing. Guilt free, and delicious!!
ReplyDeleteI made this over the weekend and I think I may have messed it up. I followed the directions but the dressing has a weird taste. It tastes like to much yogurt or something, I just can't figure it out. It's got a weird after taste. Please help me figure out what I did wrong!!!
ReplyDeleteIs there a reason you specifically use Hellmann's light mayo? Flavor? Consistency? Just what you used to get this amount of calories? I can't find that brand anywhere but I did find Best Foods light mayo. Light mayo always has a really weird consistency to me, so I was wondering if that's why you use a specific brand.
ReplyDeleteBest Foods -is- Hellman's. They're the same brand, just that East of the Rockies, it's called Hellman's. West of the Rockies, it's called Best Foods. It should actually even say it in small print somewhere on your jar near the Nutrition Facts. It's just one of those weird things. Like Dreyer's and Edy's ice cream-- same thing, different names.
DeleteI wasn't sure how it was going to taste and if we were going to like it while I was making it but I am sooooo glad I made it! Super light and refreshing! Easy to put together and tastes awesome! Thank you so much for this recipe! Def my go to for ranch now! And you can't beat the calorie count...
ReplyDeleteIs there a benefit to using the fat free sour cream instead of doubling the greek yogurt? I no longer use sour cream. I replaced it with plain greek yogurt for the protein. I'm thinking of using 1 1/2 cups of yogurt instead of 3/4 yogurt and 3/4 sour cream. But if it affects it in some way....
ReplyDeleteCan the leftovers be frozen?
ReplyDeleteThis dressing makes a ton and tastes really good! This will easily become a staple for salads!
ReplyDeleteWonderful! Even my 6 year old, who never finishes her salad, actually asked for more salad so she could have more of this dressing. I did have to use low fat sour cream but followed everything else as stated. Eating it again today over a romaine salad with some leftover chicken from Gina's whole roasted chicken recipe. YUM!!! Thank you Gina!
ReplyDeleteI am very new to cooking and was hoping you could explain why the dressings will only last a few days in the fridge. Have you every tried to freeze this?
ReplyDeleteI really gotta say that I highly doubt this recipe is only 52 calories. More like 72 or more. Here's the breakdown as follows.
ReplyDelete3/4 cup fat free sour cream = 360 calories
3/4 cup fat free Greek yogurt - (Chobani) low fat = 127.5
1/3 cup Hellman's light mayonnaise = 186.665
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp salt
freshly ground pepper
1-2 tbsp white balsamic vinegar = 28 calories
2 cups 1% low fat buttermilk = 240 calories
That averages out to be about 72 calories per 1/4 cup serving. Haven't tested if it truly yields that much. Just wanted to give people a heads up since this recipe sounded a little too good to be true.
Hmm here is a conceivable breakdown to get relatively close to 52 calories:
Delete3/4 cup fat free sour cream - Breakstone's Fat Free = 180
3/4 cup fat free Greek yogurt - Oikos Fat Free = 90
1/3 cup Hellman's light mayonnaise = 186.665
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp salt
freshly ground pepper
1-2 tbsp white balsamic vinegar = 28 calories
2 cups 1% low fat buttermilk = 196 calories (from http://nutritiondata.self.com/ as I don't have any buttermilk on hand.)
Total calorie count is 52.4 calories per serving with 13 servings.
Your numbers are a little off. I guess it depends on what brand you use because my greek yogurt is only 90 calories, my buttermilk is 220 calories and my sour cream is 480 calories for light Daisy brand. I also googled what white balsamic vinegar was and I saw it was basically white wine vinegar so that's what I used and that's 6 calories. My recipe yields about 3.8 cups, so 15 servings. I figure 65 calories per serving and I didnt use fat free sour cream. If I did I figure 57 calories.
ReplyDeleteJust made this with dill instead of chives... it's totally delicious! I can't wait to have it on salad tonight with our Crock Pot Sauce with Sausage! YUM!
ReplyDelete