I used to be completely in love with those little green packets of Ranch dressing mix. So much that I started buying it in the canister instead of the packets.

When we started cleaning up our diet I soon realized that those “canisters of MSG”, as my husband affectionately called them, had to go. It was a long time before I discovered a good substitute that was just as convenient to use as those little packets. And tasted good, too.

About a year ago I posted the Homemade Buttermilk Dressing (Dry Mix) recipe. Since then I’ve found that I make it into a dip more often than I use it for a dressing. It’s great if you have little ones who are in the habit of eating their vegetables with some kind of dip because you don’t have to worry about MSG or flavorings.

My littlest one likes it, but my older one would rather just eat her carrot and pepper (and lately, jicama) sticks plain. (I’m definitely not complaining!)

I’ve made it several times for gatherings here and there, and I always get compliments!

Buttermilk "Ranch" Dip (without the little green packet)

Yield: about 1 cup

Total Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

1 cup plain, whole-milk Greek yogurt
3-4 T homemade dry Ranch mix (see link within post)
juice from 1/2 a lemon (about 1 T)
pinch of salt, if needed

Directions:

Combine all and add more Ranch mix, lemon juice, or salt, to achieve the taste you want.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keeps for about a week.

from Perry's Plate