Did you ever look at the label on a bottle of creamy dressings such as ranch and be appalled at all the unwelcomed additives, preservatives and sugars listed? After playing around with different proportions of buttermilk, yogurt and mayonnaise, fresh herbs and spices, I created this ultra- creamy, good-for-you version that will keep you from buying those less-than-healthy bottled dressings again!
1cuphealthy mayonnaisesuch as Hellmann’s or Spectrum's Olive Oil Mayonnaise
1/2cupplain Greek yogurtsuch as Fage or Stoneyfield
1/3cupbuttermilkregular or low fat
1/2teaspoonapple cider vinegar
1tablespoonfresh lemon juiceabout 1/2 lemon
3tablespoonstomato paste
1 1/2tablespoonschopped fresh Italian parsley
1 1/2tablespoonschopped fresh cilantro
2green onionschopped
1teaspoongarlic powder
1 1/2teaspoonschili powder
1 1/2teaspoonscumin
1/4teaspoonsalt
Cayenne or hot sauce to taste
Instructions
In a blender or food processor (or using an immersion blender), combine all ingredients until well blended.
Taste; adjust herbs, spices and seasoning as desired.
Notes
Make Ahead and Storage Tips: dressing may be made up to 3 days ahead; cover and refrigerate until serving time. Stir dressing. Thin if necessary by blending in up to 1 tablespoon additional buttermilk.This dressing is equally wonderful on salads or as a dip. If dressing is too thick, blend in up to an additional tablespoon of buttermilk. Need more spice and/or heat? Mix in additional cumin, garlic and chili powders and cayenne or hot sauce to taste.Delicious served with: Layered Picnic Salad, Grilled Mexican Shrimp Kabob Bowls and a veggie crudite platter. Other creamy dressings you may enjoy are:Herbed Buttermilk Dressing and Creamy Honey-Dijon Dressing.