I used to use the hidden valley packets to make ranch at camp, it's simple, you mix even parts mayo and buttermilk and voila, ranch. but this year, i had the diligence to actually create and refine my own recipe. so here it goes:
8 oz mayo (there are some that have high fructose corn syrup, major reason why i wanted to make my own in the first place, so make sure you read ingredients if you want to make this to avoid some of those pesky ingredients)
1 tsp parsley flake (dried, crush with hands)
1/4 tsp dill (dried, crush with hands)
1/4 tsp ground pepper
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp granulated onion (granulated spices have a different flavor than powdered, i think powdered tends to make things sweeter and granulated has that richer earthy flavor)
1/4 tsp granulated garlic
whisk ingredients together well (watch for pockets of seasonings)
whisk in 4-6 oz buttermilk (depending on how think/runny you prefer).
yeilds 12-14 oz
you can store it in an old jar or bottle you have, some places will sell squeeze bottles if you start investing in making your own condiments, buy these.
you can also use the seasonings and replace both the mayo and buttermilk with sour cream (12-14 oz) and make a ranch dip that is tasty for both veggies and chips. i also use these seasonings when making potato wedges or roasted vegetables. they are so good you won't want to dip them in anything.
