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Homemade Ranch Dressing!

I love ranch dressing. But in the last few years I don't buy much pre-made dressing because we've switched to making my own at home whenever possible. I have seen a few homemade ranch dressing recipes but haven't gotten around to trying my own. I think because it's more complicated than vinaigrette dressings. Last night I finally attempted it and man was it a success! I even got a high five from my husband because it was so good. We used it on our kale salad and I am happy to now have a good, healthier alternative to other ranch dressings. I think I'll be using this on many different foods!
I wanted to share this recipe with you so you can enjoy it too. I'll also put my kale salad recipe below. 

Smoky Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

1 small garlic clove, grated
1 T fresh parsley, minced
1 T fresh chives, minced
1 t fresh thyme, minced
1 t dried oregano
1 t. smoked paprika
salt & pepper, to taste
2 T plain greek yogurt
1/2 c. buttermilk
optional - about 1 T extra virgin olive oil

Put all ingredients in a 1 pint jar and shake vigorously. You may want to change the amounts of yogurt and buttermilk depending on the consistency you want. These measurements are approximate, feel free to change them to your taste and availability. The olive oil is also an option if you want to adjust the consistency.
Makes about 1 c. dressing which was enough for 4 large meal salads.
The dressing should last for a few days in your refrigerator but I haven't tested it. I'll let you know if I do but I can't see that it would last that long in my house.

Addictive Kale Salad

amounts are for a large salad for 1 person
2 c. chopped raw kale (be sure to remove the stems)
2-3 baby carrots, sliced
1/2 small cucumber, sliced
2 T. blue cheese (or other cheese you like, or omit)
2 T. diced onion (red or green onions are great)
2 T. sunflower seeds (or preferred nut)
1 slice of bread
4 oz of cooked chicken (or whatever meat you prefer)
salt & pepper to taste
1/4 c. dressing

First, I like to take whatever bread I may have on hand and make up some croutons. Just cut the bread into bite sized pieces and toss with olive oil, butter, salt, pepper, and possibly garlic if you like. Brown the bread in a skillet or on a cookie sheet under the broiler in an oven. Be sure to toss frequently so they don't burn. 
Then take your kale and dressing and toss together. Get your hands in there and rub the dressing into the kale. They call this "massaging" your kale. It really helps break the kale down and it will soak up the dressing. 
Toss your other ingredients together with the kale and enjoy! 
You can prepare your kale in advance but I usually wait till I'm close to eating. I'm not sure how well it holds up overnight in the dressing. 

I love doing many varieties of this salad. We'll do a balsamic dressing with apples and a balsamic marinated chicken. Sometimes I use raisins or cranberries in the salad. Or blueberries or strawberries when those are in season. I've tried goat cheese in it and almonds. You could toss some fresh herbs and green onions in here as well. 
This is a great way to get some nutritious kale in your diet. Also you have a great dressing with less guilt! 


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