Homemade Dry Ranch Dressing Mix

Salad dressing is another one of those things that I hate to buy because it can be expensive. I also do not like to stock up on dressings using coupons because the dressings often expire before I am able to use them up and I end up throwing them out. At the same time, I love having ranch dressing on hand when I make buffalo chicken wings, buffalo chicken wraps, French fries, chicken strips, popcorn shrimp, or snack on with fresh veggies. I used to buy the dry ranch dressing mixes at the store, but they cost almost $3 each! When I came across this recipe for homemade dry ranch dressing mix, I knew I was going to make up a ton of this and keep it on hand. Because it is a dry mix, it will stay good on the shelf for an extremely long time and I will be able to have ranch dressing whenever I want! This mix also costs pennies to throw together! For the $3 I was spending at the store for each packet of dry ranch mix, I could have a huge jar of this mix that would be enough to last me for at least a year. Needless to say, this girl no longer buys ranch dressing at the store! 

You'll need:

1/3 cup dry buttermilk
2 tbsp dried parsley
1 1/2 cup dried dill weed
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp onion powder
2 tsp dried onion flakes
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried chives
1 tsp salt

Whisk all ingredients together until blended. If you want a more finely ground mixture. Try pulsing all of the ingredients in the food processor. Store this is mixture in an airtight container for up to three months. 

To prepare the ranch dressing:

Combine 1 tbsp of the ranch dressing mix with 1/3 cup of mayonnaise and 1/3 cup milk with a wire whisk. I replace the mayonnaise with non-fat plain Greek yogurt to lighten it up. It is just as delicious without all of the calories. The Greek yogurt also adds a boost of protein!