Spicy, tangy and creamy, this Buffalo ranch dip or dressing is perfect for drizzling on salads or using for dipping veggies, wings and more. Ready in minutes, it is made with a Greek yogurt base for a healthier twist.
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Inspiring all sorts of dishes, Buffalo chicken wing flavor is always a crowd pleaser.
Nachos, chili, sandwiches and more, there's just something about it that keeps you coming back for more.
And ranch dip, well, that's a flavor that's hard to beat as well. Tangy and well seasoned, it is the G.O.A.T. of veggie dips, a delicious dressing for salads (like this chicken bacon pasta salad) and excellent spread on a sandwich.
So it was only natural when I made a batch of Greek yogurt ranch for dipping my vegetables, that I decided to try adding a bit of cayenne pepper hot sauce.
I've been making it on repeat since and I know you'll love it too because it's:
- Healthy: With Greek yogurt as the base and without any mysterious ingredients, this spicy ranch boasts a bit of protein as compared to store-bought versions. Plus, making it at home means that you can control the level of spiciness (which is a bonus with this sweet and spicy stir fry sauce as well).
- Easy: Whip up this homemade dressing (or dip) in minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have in your fridge or pantry.
- Versatile: Use it as a salad dressing, dip for veggies, pizza, chicken wings or chips, marinade, spread on sandwiches and more.
- Delicious: Creamy, spicy, and packed with flavor, it has everything you love about the flavors of Buffalo wings.
The Ingredients
- Greek Yogurt - Use plain (unsweetened) yogurt. Full fat yields the creamiest results though low fat also works. You could substitute with regular yogurt or sour cream if needed.
- Olive Oil- Just a little bit of high quality extra virgin olive oil gives the ranch an extra creamy texture.
- Lemon Juice- Use freshly squeezed for best flavor. If you use bottled, use half the amount, taste and adjust. Apple cider vinegar also works (but start with half the amount as well).
- Garlic Powder + Onion Powder- Adds key flavor to the base of the dip.
- Dried Parsley- A tablespoon of finely chopped, fresh will work as well.
- Dried Dill Weed- If you have fresh, you can use 1 tablespoon finely chopped.
- Fine Sea Salt- Kosher or table salt will work as well; adjust to taste.
- Black Pepper
- "Frank's Red" Hot Sauce- Provides the "Buffalo" flavor. A similar cayenne pepper hot sauce can be used but the spice level may vary. If not using "Frank's", add less than is written, then taste and add as desired.
- Milk or Water- If using as a dressing, you may need to add a bit of liquid to make it thinner for pouring.
The Method
1. Mix. Combine all of the Buffalo ranch ingredients in a small bowl.
2. Thin (if using as a dressing). If you are using it as a salad dressing or just want a thinner dip, add water (or milk for a slightly creamier option) 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
3. Use.
Leftovers and Storage
To Store: Store leftover Greek yogurt Buffalo ranch in an airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Serving Ideas
- Salad Dressing: Use it on a simple green salad or make Buffalo chicken pasta salad.
- Crudité: Serve it for dipping alongside your favorite fresh vegetables such as carrots, peppers, celery and cucumbers.
- As a Dip: Enjoy it with some fries, chips, crackers, pretzels or chicken wings.
- On Sandwiches: This is the perfect healthy spread to add to a chicken sandwich.
- Burgers: Spread this creamy and spicy sauce on barbecued burgers.
- With Pizza: Use it for dipping the crusts of your favorite pizza.
Tips for the Best Ranch with Greek Yogurt
- Use Full-Fat Yogurt: Choose full-fat Greek yogurt for the creamiest and richest flavor.
- Adjust the Spice: If you're sensitive to spice, add less hot sauce than the recipe card calls for. And if you'd like it spicier, feel free to add more.
- Mix Ahead of Time: The dip turns out even better if you allow the ingredients to meld together by making is ahead of time and refrigerating for at least an hour before serving. Though if you don't have time, it is still tasty right after mixing.
- Thin with Milk: Adjust the consistency if using as a dressing by thinning with a splash of milk rather than water for an extra creamy dressing.
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Recipe Card
Buffalo Ranch
Ingredients
- ¾ cup Greek yogurt full-fat for best flavor
- 2 tablespoon Frank's Red hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 and ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 and ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt plus additional to taste
- ⅛ teaspoon ground pepper
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients except the water (or milk) to a small bowl and mix together.
- If using as a salad dressing, add water (or milk) one tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Chill for 1 hour. (Optional, for best flavor).
- Use.
Katie says
Very refreshing, with just enough heat. We enjoyed it in a buffalo chicken wrap with buttermilk fried chicken and tomato/lettuce and it was delicious. The recipe makes almost a full cereal bowl's worth, so we used the rest as a veggie dip, which is great with celery sticks. Thank you!
Janessa says
I'm so glad you liked this recipe, Katie! Thank you for your kind review.