This is the best Bacon Ranch Dressing and Ranch Dip (made with buttermilk) that I've ever made. A tasty homemade salad dressing that's full of flavor. I love this recipe because it's easy to make, and not out of a store-bought salad dressing bottle.
Since moving to Australia, I sure miss the variety of selection of salad dressings that are available in North America. In Australia's defense, we have in the last few years gained a few more varieties of salad dressings, usually driven by store brand offerings in our supermarkets. I think it's cultural here in Australia, not to drown your salad with a dressing. We've been invited to an Aussie's home for dinner, and sometimes the salad is served dry, without dressing. It's not a mistake, but just how many people enjoy to eat a salad here. That's definitely not me, I am a product of a sauced-up North America.
How to Make Ranch Dressing with Bacon
This Bacon Ranch Dressing is easier to make than you would think, and tastier than store-bought varieties. Simply whisk together all the ingredients and you are done! I'm a big fan or using good mayonnaise. What I mean is that not all mayo is equal. I tend to use Hellman's or Heinz Mayo. For a change, I will use Japanese Mayo too.
The other tip is to mince the onion. I use a garlic press to squeeze through the onion, which adds amazing flavor. Don't use dry onion powder, it only takes seconds to make minced onions. Trust me, you'll love the zing it provides the dressing.
Bacon Pieces vs Bacon Bits
You don't want to use crispy bacon bits for this Bacon Ranch Dressing. They don't taste great, and get soggy in a dressing. I buy Hormel Real Bacon Pieces, in a glass jar on your supermarket shelf. It gives the right consistency and smokey flavor to the dressing. You can use real bacon, but needs to be cooked well and evenly. I find this hard to do as some pieces are too chewy, others too burnt, plus the extra bacon fat in the dressing.
Salad Dressings Worth Checking Out
- Blue Cheese Dressing
- Homemade Zesty Italian Dressing
- Poppyseed Dressing
- Caesar Salad Dressing
- Coleslaw Dressing
- Creamy French Dressing
This recipe also doubles as an awesome dip for chopped vegetables, chicken wings, chicken strips, roasted potato wedges, and I even dip my pizza crusts in this sauce. My Bacon Ranch Dressing & Dip (made with buttermilk) is super easy to make, rich in flavor, and calories too (but totally worth it). Bon Appetit! Приятного аппетита!
Ingredients
- 1 cup of mayonnaise
- 1 cup of sour cream
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 2 cloves of crushed garlic
- 1 teaspoon of minced onion
- 1 teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon of vinegar
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon of chopped dill
- 12 teaspoons Hormel Real Bacon Pieces or to taste about half the 85g/3oz jar
Instructions
- Whisk all together except for the bacon bits. You can use an electric mixer, but I just used a whisk and vigorously mixed together in a bowl.
- Add the crumbled bacon bits and mix throughout.
- Best to refrigerate for a few hours before use, but I usually can’t wait and eat it right away! Enjoy!
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