Description
Ina Garten’s buttermilk ranch dressing elevates simple salads with creamy, herbaceous charm. Garden-fresh ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a classic American condiment that makes Bibb lettuce sing with tangy, cool sophistication.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients (Greens and Vegetables):
- 3 Bibb lettuces, cut in half through the core
- 2 large ripe tomatoes, thickly sliced
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 3 scallions, white and green parts, chopped
- Salad greens for 6
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 0.5 cups chopped fresh basil leaves, lightly packed
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 2.5 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Dressing Ingredients:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 0.5 cups Greek-style yogurt (such as Fage Total)
- 0.5 cups buttermilk, shaken
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1.5 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine finely chopped scallions, fresh basil leaves, freshly squeezed lemon juice (about or 30 milliliters), Dijon mustard, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic cloves, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Pulse the mixture for 15-20 seconds until the ingredients are thoroughly integrated and form a smooth, vibrant green base.
- Gently incorporate mayonnaise (or 60 grams), plain Greek yogurt (or 30 grams), and buttermilk (or 45 milliliters) into the processor. Blend again until the dressing becomes creamy and uniformly mixed, with a light, silky texture.
- Transfer the dressing to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. This resting period helps develop a more complex and harmonious taste profile.
- Carefully arrange halved Bibb lettuce leaves on individual serving plates or a large platter, creating an elegant, layered presentation. Intersperse ripe, sliced tomatoes and thinly sliced red onion rings between the lettuce leaves.
- If desired, supplement the base with additional mixed salad greens to enhance visual appeal and provide textural variety.
- Just before serving, generously drizzle the chilled, herb-infused dressing over the prepared salad. Season with an extra pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper to elevate the overall flavor.
- Serve immediately to ensure the salad remains crisp and the dressing is refreshingly cool.
Notes
- Capture the freshness by slicing crisp veggies moments before serving to maintain their vibrant crunch and prevent wilting.
- Blend flavor complexity by letting the dressing rest in the refrigerator, allowing herbs and spices to marry into a more harmonious taste profile.
- Elevate the dressing’s texture by vigorously shaking buttermilk before measuring, ensuring a smooth and well-incorporated liquid base.
- Transform the final dish by tasting and fine-tuning seasonings, creating a personalized flavor balance that delights your palate.
- Maximize aromatic intensity with freshly chopped basil, steering clear of dried alternatives that lack the vibrant, garden-fresh essence.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving ( 1 cup)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg