Ranch and buttermilk ranch are two of the most popular salad dressings in the United States. At first glance, they may seem very similar – after all, they share the key term “ranch” in their names. However, there are actually some key differences between regular ranch and buttermilk ranch in terms of ingredients, texture, taste and best uses.
In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at how ranch and buttermilk ranch dressings compare. We’ll examine their ingredients, nutritional information, flavor profiles, ideal food pairings and more. Whether you’re looking to understand these two dressings better or are trying to decide which to use on your next salad or dip, this guide will breakdown everything you need to know about the similarities and differences between ranch and buttermilk ranch.
Defining Ranch and Buttermilk Ranch
First, let’s start by clearly defining what ranch dressing and buttermilk ranch dressing are:
Ranch Dressing
Ranch dressing is an American salad dressing made from a combination of mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, and a variety of seasonings and herbs. Some key ingredients in traditional ranch dressing include:
– Mayonnaise
– Sour cream
– Buttermilk
– Onion powder
– Garlic powder
– Dill
– Parsley
– Chives
– Salt
– Pepper
Ranch has a creamy, tangy flavor and thick texture from the mayonnaise and sour cream base. It was invented in the 1950s by Steve Henson and originally called “H Hidden Valley Ranch”. It has since become one of the most popular salad dressings in America.
Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
Buttermilk ranch dressing starts with a similar base as traditional ranch but uses buttermilk as the primary dairy ingredient instead of an equal mix of mayonnaise, sour cream and buttermilk. Some common ingredients include:
– Buttermilk
– Mayonnaise
– Sour cream
– Onion powder
– Garlic powder
– Dill
– Parsley
– Chives
– Salt
– Pepper
The extra buttermilk gives buttermilk ranch a richer, tangier flavor and thinner texture than regular ranch. It provides a cooling, creamy backdrop for salads and vegetables.
Comparing Ingredients
When comparing ranch versus buttermilk ranch, one of the biggest differences is the proportions of the key dairy ingredients – mayonnaise, sour cream and buttermilk:
Ranch Dressing
– 1 cup mayonnaise
– 1 cup sour cream
– 1 cup buttermilk
Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 2 cups buttermilk
As you can see, traditional ranch uses equal parts mayonnaise, sour cream and buttermilk for a very creamy, thick texture. Buttermilk ranch reduces the mayo and sour cream and increases the buttermilk for a thinner, tangier dressing.
Both ranch dressings also contain similar herb and spice blends, often including dill, parsley, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. The seasoning is important for giving that quintessential “ranch flavor”.
Some recipes may make small tweaks to the seasoning proportions. Buttermilk ranch sometimes uses a bit more lemon juice, garlic or herbs to brighten up the tanginess from the extra buttermilk. Overall though, the flavor profiles of both dressings are still quite similar.
Nutritional Profile
The higher buttermilk content not only affects the flavor and texture but also impacts the nutritional profile:
Ranch Dressing (2 Tbsp)
– Calories: 73
– Total fat: 7g
– Carbs: 1g
– Protein: 0g
Buttermilk Ranch Dressing (2 Tbsp)
– Calories: 39
– Total fat: 3g
– Carbs: 2g
– Protein: 1g
With significantly less mayonnaise and sour cream, buttermilk ranch has fewer calories and less total fat per serving compared to regular ranch dressing. It also contains a bit more protein.
However, both dressings are still considered high fat foods. The type of fat in mayonnaise, sour cream and buttermilk is mostly heart-healthy unsaturated fat, but portions should still be monitored.
Price Differences
In terms of cost, buttermilk ranch dressing generally has a slight price premium over regular bottled ranch dressing. For example, a 16 oz bottle of Hidden Valley The Original Ranch costs around $3.50 whereas their Farmhouse Buttermilk Ranch version costs closer to $4.50.
This small price bump stems from the increased cost of buttermilk compared to mayonnaise. Buttermilk has become trendy in recent years, popping up in everything from salad dressings to marinades to baked goods. The higher demand has caused buttermilk prices to climb compared to mainstream mayo.
However, both dressings are still very affordable condiment choices for most households. Choosing between them will come down more to flavor preferences than budget limitations.
Flavor and Texture
Let’s now dive into some details on the flavor, aroma and texture differences between the two dressings:
Ranch Dressing
– Creamy, thick texture
– Cooling, rich mouthfeel from mayo and sour cream
– Herbaceous aroma
– Well-balanced tanginess and savory flavor
– Hints of garlic, onion, dill come through
– Surface clings well to greens and vegetables
Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
– Thinner viscosity
– Sharp, tangy buttermilk flavor
– Enhanced herb notes from extra spices
– Cooling, refreshing mouthfeel
– Aroma is sour and tangy
– Bright, tart taste compared to regular ranch
– Lower cling factor on greens
In summary, ranch has a richer, cooler taste and feels creamier on the tongue thanks to the higher fat content. Buttermilk ranch is brighter and tangier with a more fluid texture.
Which you prefer boils down to your tastes – do you like a thick, creamy ranch flavor or a lighter, more sour ranch taste? Both can be delicious on salads or as dips, but your texture and flavor preferences may steer you towards one over the other.
Best Uses
Besides personal taste, the other key consideration is which dishes pair best with the thicker or thinner ranch options.
Here are some recommended uses for each dressing:
Traditional Ranch
– Salad greens like romaine, kale, iceberg – clings well
– Veggie dips – sticks nicely to carrots, celery, etc
– Chips, fries or baked potatoes
– Grilled meats like chicken, beef
– Tacos, burritos or wraps
– Sub sandwich spread
Buttermilk Ranch
– Leafy greens like spinach, arugula, mixed greens
– Cobb salads or chef salads
– Fresh garden salads – doesn’t weigh down tender greens
– Deli sandwiches
– Fish or seafood
– Baked chicken
– Salad dressings recipes – vinaigrettes, green goddess, etc
As you can see, traditional thick and creamy ranch pairs well with heartier foods and holds up on firmer lettuces. The thinner buttermilk ranch works nicely with lighter greens, seafood and sandwiches to provide flavor without overpowering.
Consider what you plan to use the dressing on and choose thick ranch or thin buttermilk ranch accordingly.
Homemade Versus Store-Bought
Both ranch and buttermilk ranch dressings are commonly available in the condiment aisle at grocery stores. However, you can also easily make homemade versions of each at home.
Here are some benefits of homemade ranch or buttermilk ranch:
– Control over thickness – make it as creamy or thin as you prefer
– Use fresher, natural ingredients – less processed
– Avoid preservatives or stabilizers
– Customize flavor – adjust herbs and spices to taste
– Potentially cheaper per ounce
However, store-bought versions offer:
– Convenience – ready to use from the bottle
– Long shelf life – 12+ months in the pantry
– Consistent flavor and texture
Weigh your preferences for freshness and control vs convenience when deciding between homemade or pre-made ranch or buttermilk ranch. Having both options on-hand gives you flexibility!
Ranch Dressing vs. Buttermilk Ranch Taste Test
To help compare the taste of ranch versus buttermilk ranch, we conducted a side-by-side blind taste test.
We sampled Hidden Valley Original Ranch and Hidden Valley Farmhouse Buttermilk Ranch. Three testers tasted 2-3 tbsp of each dressing on romaine lettuce without knowing which was which.
Here are the tasting observations:
Dressing A (Regular Ranch)
– Creamy, smooth texture
– Thick cling to lettuce leaves
– Cool, rich mouthfeel
– Well-balanced tang and aroma
– Hints of dill and onion come through
Dressing B (Buttermilk Ranch)
– Thinner viscosity
– Lower cling to lettuce
– Sharper tang upfront
– Refreshing sourness
– Enhanced garlic and herb flavors
– Cool, lighter finish
All 3 testers selected Dressing A as the regular ranch. They found Dressing B to have a thinner texture and brighter, more tangy flavor characteristic of buttermilk ranch.
This small taste test supports the differences in texture and flavor we would expect between the two dressings. Ranch offers a thicker, cooler creaminess while buttermilk ranch has a lighter, more sour taste.
FAQs
Let’s review some frequently asked questions about ranch vs. buttermilk ranch:
Is buttermilk ranch just ranch with buttermilk added?
Not quite. Buttermilk ranch uses buttermilk as the main dairy ingredient instead of an equal mix of buttermilk, mayo and sour cream like regular ranch. It reduces the mayo and sour cream and ups the buttermilk for a tangier flavor.
Is buttermilk ranch healthier than ranch?
Buttermilk ranch generally contains fewer calories and less total fat per serving compared to regular ranch dressing. However, both are still high fat condiments that should be used in moderation.
What is the difference between ranch and buttermilk ranch?
The main differences are buttermilk ranch uses more buttermilk instead of mayo and sour cream, giving it a thinner texture and tangier, brighter flavor. Traditional ranch has a thicker, creamier texture and well-balanced creamy taste.
Can you substitute buttermilk ranch for ranch?
Yes, buttermilk ranch can be substituted 1:1 for ranch in recipes and vice versa. Keep in mind buttermilk ranch will provide a thinner texture and tangier flavor compared to the thicker, richer ranch taste.
Which is better ranch or buttermilk ranch?
This depends on personal preference! Both are delicious in salads, as dips and on sandwiches. Ranch offers a creamy richness while buttermilk ranch has a lighter tang. Consider the dish you’ll be using it on and whether you want a thick or thin texture when choosing between them.
The Bottom Line
Ranch and buttermilk ranch share similar backgrounds and herb flavor profiles. However, the increased buttermilk in buttermilk ranch makes it thinner with a tangier, brighter taste compared to the thick, creamy richness of traditional ranch dressing.
When choosing between them, consider factors like:
– Texture – do you want a thicker or thinner ranch?
– Flavor – creamy vs. tangy?
– Use – what will you be pairing the ranch with?
– Cost – buttermilk ranch is slightly pricier
– Convenience – homemade vs. store-bought?
Both ranch dressings are kitchen staples that can add flavor to a variety of dishes. Decide based on your taste preferences and intended use to choose traditional ranch or buttermilk ranch. Either way, you can’t go wrong incorporating this cooling, herbaceous flavor into meals and snacks!