How to Make the Best Homemade Cajun Ranch Dressing in 10 Minutes
This homemade cajun ranch dressing is a game-changer for your salads and snacks. It mixes zesty Cajun spices with creamy ranch for a flavorful punch.
It’s versatile and great for dipping veggies, drizzling on salads, or adding a kick to your favorite sandwich. We enjoy it with homemade deep-fried chicken tenders, onion rings, and anything else that’s deep-fried.
Homemade Cajun Ranch Dressing
Ingredients
- 1/2 tablespoon salt
- 1/2 tablespoon white pepper
- 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
- 1/2 tablespoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 tablespoon lemon
- dash Worcestershire
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Combine the seasonings. First, mix salt, white pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and cayenne together. It's important to mix them thoroughly so one spice doesn't clump up.
- Add the wet ingredients. Add the following wet ingredients to the bowl. Then, whisk all the ingredients together until smooth and well combined. If you prefer a thinner dressing, add a bit more milk until you reach the desired consistency.
- Refrigerate and store. Transfer the dressing to a clean container. Refrigerate for at least one hour to let the flavors blend. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
More Tips:
If the dressing is too thick, you can add more milk gradually until it’s the consistency you want. Start with a teaspoon at a time so it doesn’t get too runny.
It’s a good idea to let the dressing sit in the fridge for at least an hour, or even overnight, to help the flavors blend. This waiting time is important for the best taste.
Before you serve it, taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if needed. Sometimes, adding a little extra salt or a squeeze of lemon juice can really change the flavor.
Key Ingredients and Tools
Here are the things you’ll need to make a great ranch dressing:
- Cayenne pepper: This spice adds some heat to the dressing and can be found in the spice aisle of any grocery store.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adding a bit of this sauce adds flavor to the dressing, usually found near the condiments.
- Whisk: Using a whisk helps to mix all the ingredients together smoothly.
- Medium-sized mixing bowl: This size bowl gives enough space to mix everything without making a mess.
- Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice gives a tangy flavor to the dressing.
You can try these ingredient alternatives for this recipe:
- Fresh lemon juice: Replace with bottled lemon juice in equal amounts.
- Cayenne pepper: Use paprika for a milder flavor.
- Buttermilk: Swap regular milk with buttermilk and skip the lemon juice.
- Mayonnaise: Opt for Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Worcestershire sauce: Use soy sauce instead or skip it if unavailable.
These changes will adjust the taste and texture of the dressing, so feel free to experiment to find what suits your taste.
Enjoy this homemade cajun ranch dressing on your favorite salads, veggies, or snacks. It’s easy to make and will add a delicious twist to your meals. Whether dipping, drizzling, or spreading, this dressing will surely become a favorite.
By Katie Shaw
Katie lives in Virginia with her husband, three daughters, a chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens. She loves creating simple tutorials for sourdough, bread, and soap. Her recipes, articles, and YouTube videos reach millions of people per year.