Ranch dressing is a popular condiment that goes great with salads, chicken wings, pizza, and many other foods. Hidden Valley Ranch is one of the most popular and recognizable brands of ranch dressing. Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix packets are a convenient way to quickly prepare ranch dressing at home. But what if you want to make ranch dressing from scratch using ingredients you already have on hand? How much ranch seasoning do you need to equal the flavor of a Hidden Valley Ranch packet? Let’s take a closer look at the details.
Quick Answer
Most Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix packets contain about 2 tablespoons of dried seasoning. So to replicate the flavor of a packet with common pantry ingredients, you would need:
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1⁄4 teaspoon dried onion flakes
Simply combine these ingredients to create a ranch seasoning blend equivalent to one Hidden Valley Ranch packet. You can then mix the seasoning with mayonnaise, milk, and other ingredients to make homemade ranch dressing.
Examining the Contents of a Hidden Valley Ranch Packet
Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix packets typically contain the following dry seasoning ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Dried parsley flakes | 2 tablespoons |
| Dried dill weed | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Dried onion flakes | 1/4 teaspoon |
As you can see, the bulk of the seasoning comes from dried parsley and dill, which provide the characteristic fresh green flavors we associate with ranch dressing. Supporting ingredients like garlic, onion, salt, and pepper round out the flavor profile.
Finding Ranch Packet Equivalents in Common Spices
Recreating the Hidden Valley Ranch packet seasoning blend is easy if you have the exact ingredients on hand. But what if you’re missing one or two components? Here are some possible ingredient substitutions:
Dried Parsley Flakes
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes + 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 1/2 tablespoons dried chives or green onion flakes
Dried Dill Weed
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1/2 tablespoon dried dill weed + 1/2 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon dried tarragon leaves
Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic or garlic salt
- 1 large clove fresh garlic, minced
Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon dried minced onion
- 1 teaspoon onion salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh onion, minced
Salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt or onion salt
- 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
Black Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
With a bit of creativity and substituting fresh herbs for dried, you can approximate the Hidden Valley Ranch packet seasoning using spices and herbs you have on hand. The resulting flavor won’t be exactly the same, but it will still be delicious.
How to Make Homemade Ranch Seasoning
Making your own ranch seasoning to mimic a Hidden Valley packet is simple:
- Combine all dry seasoning ingredients in a small bowl and stir to blend thoroughly.
- Store homemade ranch seasoning in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 6 months.
- To make ranch dressing, combine 2 tablespoons of the seasoning blend with 1 cup mayonnaise and 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- For a dip, combine the seasoning blend with sour cream, Greek yogurt, or hummus. Start with 2 tablespoons of seasoning per cup of dip base.
- Use the seasoning on vegetables, chicken, fish, pizza, pasta, eggs, steak, and more. Sprinkle to taste.
Adjust the proportions of the herbs and spices to suit your tastes. More parsley and dill will give you a fresher flavor, while extra garlic and onion will make it more savory. A pinch of cayenne can also add a little kick.
How Much Ranch Flavoring Equals One Packet?
As a general guideline, 2 tablespoons of a homemade ranch seasoning blend made with the ingredients listed will equal the flavor of one Hidden Valley Ranch packet. But you can adjust the recipe up or down as needed:
| Amount of Seasoning | Equals |
|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon | 1/2 packet |
| 2 tablespoons | 1 packet |
| 1/4 cup | 2 packets |
| 1/2 cup | 4 packets |
For a single batch of homemade ranch dressing, stick with about 2 tablespoons of seasoning. Make more batches of the seasoning blend ahead if you want to regularly make dressing from scratch.
Tips for Making the Best Homemade Ranch
Follow these tips for foolproof homemade ranch flavor rivaling the Hidden Valley packets:
- Use fresh herbs when possible. The flavor will be brighter and more vibrant.
- Make sure dried herbs aren’t stale. Old, stale dried herbs will taste flat.
- Allow time for flavors to meld if making dressing or dip. Letting it sit for 30 minutes improves the flavor.
- Add seasoning blends gradually to taste. You can always add more but you can’t take it out.
- Use full fat dairy like regular mayo, sour cream, and whole milk for richer flavor.
- Try different dairy bases like Greek yogurt or buttermilk for unique flavors.
- Add a pinch of sugar to balance and round out the tangy flavors.
With a bit of experimenting, you’ll be able to create your own signature ranch perfect for dunking, dipping, and drizzling on all your favorite foods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make ranch seasoning without dried herbs?
Yes, you can make ranch seasoning without dried herbs by substituting all fresh herbs. Use 2 tablespoons each chopped fresh parsley, dill, chives or green onions. You may need to add a bit more to get the same intense flavor the dried herbs provide.
How long does homemade ranch seasoning last?
Properly stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry spot, homemade ranch seasoning will last 6-12 months. Heat and humidity will shorten its shelf life. If the dried herbs smell dull or off, it’s time to make a fresh batch.
What’s the difference between Hidden Valley Ranch packets and the bottled dressing?
The packets contain just the concentrated seasoning blend, while the bottled Hidden Valley Ranch dressing also includes mayonnaise, buttermilk, and other ingredients needed to make the complete dressing. The packets allow you to control the consistency and thickness of the dressing.
Can I use homemade ranch seasoning for dips and marinades?
Absolutely! A homemade ranch seasoning blend makes an easy flavor burst for dips, marinades, sauce mixes, rubs, and more. Mix it with Greek yogurt for a quick veggie dip or blend it with oil and vinegar for a creamy salad dressing.
Conclusion
Hidden Valley Ranch packets provide the quintessential ranch flavor that so many love on salads, wings, pizza and more. With just a few simple dried herbs and spices, you can easily recreate that zesty Hidden Valley Ranch taste at home. A homemade ranch seasoning blend lets you customize the flavor to your tastes and makes preparing ranch dips, dressings and marinades a breeze. So next time you run out of packets, don’t run to the store – just mix up this easy homemade ranch seasoning instead.