A good ranch salad is one of the foods that shouts comfort the loudest. It’s creamy, crisp, and incredibly customisable. This all-American classic is always a hit, whether you’re serving a large group of people or just craving a light lunch.
The show’s star? That ranch dressing is creamy, tart, and full of herbs. No, we’re not referring to the bottled variety. We’ll demonstrate how to make a homemade ranch dressing in this recipe that is far superior to store-bought ones.
The best salad toppings will also be covered, along with variations like BBQ ranch and chicken bacon ranch salad, and even a lighter, “skinny” ranch option made with Greek yoghurt. If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out The Ultimate Compendium of Salad Recipes for a wide range of delicious salad ideas. This ranch salad recipe can satisfy your cravings for both decadence and a healthy twist.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
The Secret to the Best Homemade Ranch Dressing
The right dressing is the foundation of a fantastic ranch salad. You can create magic with just a few pantry staples and fresh herbs, so you can avoid artificial flavours and preservatives.
Classic Ranch Dressing Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk with a splash of lemon juice)
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce
Instructions:
- Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl until smooth.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Skinny Greek Yogurt Version:
Looking for a lighter twist? Try this:
- Replace mayo and sour cream with plain Greek yogurt
- Use low-fat buttermilk or unsweetened almond milk
- Add a touch of olive oil for creaminess (optional)
This version is tangy, protein-packed, and still just as delicious.
Choosing Your Toppings: The Ultimate Ranch Salad Bar
A ranch salad can be anything you want it to be, which is what makes it so delicious. Here’s how to create your ideal bowl or prepare a spectacular ranch salad bar for visitors.
Base Greens:
- Romaine (classic choice for crunch)
- Iceberg (for a retro diner vibe)
- Mixed greens or spinach (for extra nutrients)
Veggie Add-Ins:
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumber slices
- Red onion or green onions
- Bell peppers
- Shredded carrots
- Avocado slices
- Corn kernels
Crunchy Toppings:
- Croutons
- Sunflower seeds
- Tortilla strips
- Crispy bacon bits
Cheese Options:
- Shredded cheddar
- Crumbled blue cheese
- Shaved parmesan
To fit your tastes, mix and match. With lots of leeway for creativity, the objective is to balance flavours and textures.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Once your ingredients are prepped, putting this salad together is a breeze.
What You’ll Need:
- 4 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
- 1 cup assorted chopped vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, etc.)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- 1/4 cup crunchy toppings (croutons, seeds, bacon bits)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (or to taste)
How to Assemble:
- Start with greens in a large bowl or individual serving plates.
- Add veggies of your choice for color and crunch.
- Sprinkle on cheese and crunchy toppings.
- Drizzle ranch dressing over the top just before serving.
- Toss gently to coat everything evenly, or leave undressed for DIY style.
Serve with garlic bread or grilled protein for a complete meal.
Variations: Chicken Bacon Ranch, BBQ Ranch
Want to switch things up? Try one of these flavorful twists on the classic ranch salad.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad:
- Add grilled or shredded chicken breast
- Top with crispy bacon bits
- Use sharp cheddar for extra flavor
- Optional: sliced hard-boiled egg
This combo is hearty, protein-packed, and a total crowd-pleaser.
BBQ Ranch Salad:
- Mix ranch with a spoonful of your favorite BBQ sauce
- Use grilled BBQ chicken or pulled pork
- Add corn, black beans, and tortilla strips
- Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick
Great for summer cookouts or a quick weeknight dinner with bold flavors.
All-American Ranch Salad
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- Whisk
- salad bowl or serving plates
- Knife and cutting board
- refrigerator for chilling the dressing
Ingredients
- 4 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
- 1 cup assorted chopped vegetables (e.g. tomatoes, cucumbers)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- 1/4 cup crunchy toppings (e.g. croutons, seeds, bacon bits)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (or to taste)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk + lemon juice)
- 1 tbsp fresh dill or 1 tsp dried
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- optional: squeeze of lemon juice or dash of hot sauce
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, dill, parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Optional: Add a squeeze of lemon juice or dash of hot sauce for extra flavor. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Chill the dressing in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Place chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce in a large bowl or individual plates.
- Add chopped vegetables, cheese, and crunchy toppings.
- Drizzle with ranch dressing and toss gently to coat, or serve undressed for guests to add their own.
Notes
- Try variations like Chicken Bacon Ranch or BBQ Ranch by swapping in grilled meats and specialty toppings.
- For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt-based ranch.
- Chill dressing before serving for best flavor.
- Serve with garlic bread or grilled protein for a complete meal.
Is Ranch Salad Healthy?
It might be! Although homemade versions offer you complete control over the ingredients, ranch dressing is frequently perceived as decadent. Here’s how to maintain a lighter ranch salad:
- Use Greek yogurt-based ranch
- Load up on fresh veggies
- Choose grilled over fried proteins
- Watch portion sizes on cheese and croutons
The result? A balanced, satisfying meal full of flavor and nutrients.
Want a higher-protein version? Add a sliced hard-boiled egg or some chickpeas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make ranch dressing ahead of time?
Yes! Homemade ranch keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight jar. In fact, the flavor gets better after a day.
Is ranch salad keto-friendly?
It can be—just skip the croutons and use a low-carb ranch dressing. Load up on greens, cheese, bacon, and avocado.
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Absolutely. Omit the meat and add extras like chickpeas, avocado, or hard-boiled eggs for protein.
What goes well with ranch salad?
Serve with grilled meats, sandwiches, or baked potatoes. It also makes a great potluck side.
Can I use bottled ranch?
You can, but homemade ranch is fresher and tastier—and lets you adjust the flavors to your liking.
Final Thoughts
A ranch salad’s simplicity and adaptability are what make it so lovely. This salad is always a hit whether you follow the traditional recipe or experiment with different toppings and dressings.
Try the homemade ranch; you may never use store-bought again. This all-American classic is sure to please whether you’re serving a large group of people or indulging yourself.