Light, tangy and refreshingly cool, this Skinny Cucumber Ranch Dressing offers all the creamy flavor of classic ranch with far fewer calories. It combines low-fat buttermilk, fat-free Greek yogurt and a touch of light mayonnaise for creaminess, while cucumber, fresh chives and parsley add brightness. A squeeze of lemon and a hint of garlic complete the balance of flavors. Use it on salads, as a dip for fresh vegetables, or as a lighter sauce for grilled proteins.
The dressing is intentionally simple to make and easy to customize. If you prefer to avoid mayonnaise, you can increase the proportion of buttermilk and Greek yogurt for a tangier, even lighter result. Finely chop the herbs and squeeze excess water from the cucumber to keep the consistency smooth and creamy. Chill briefly before serving to let the flavors meld.
Skinny Cucumber Ranch Dressing
15 mins
7 servings
1 /4 cup
Ingredients
-
1/2
cup
low-fat buttermilk -
1/4
cup
light mayonnaise -
1/4
cup
fat-free Greek yogurt -
1
small cucumber, peeled and seeds removed -
3
tbsp
fresh parsley, chopped -
1
clove
garlic, minced -
1/4
cup
chives or scallions, thinly sliced - juice of 1/2 lemon
-
1/8
tsp
garlic powder -
1/4
tsp
freshly ground black pepper -
1/4
tsp
salt
Instructions
-
Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust salt, pepper or lemon juice as needed. If you prefer a chunkier texture, pulse briefly instead of blending until completely smooth. Chill before serving to let the flavors develop.
Final Note:
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Nutrition
Serving:
1
/4 cup
,
Calories:
43.5
kcal
,
Carbohydrates:
3.5
g
,
Protein:
2
g
,
Fat:
2.5
g
,
Fiber:
0.5
g
Serving Suggestions
Use this dressing on green salads, as a dip for raw vegetables like carrot sticks and bell pepper slices, or spoon it over grilled chicken and baked potatoes for a lighter finish. It also makes a tasty spread for sandwiches and wraps.
Variations & Tips
For a dairy-free version, substitute the buttermilk and yogurt with unsweetened plant-based yogurt and a splash of dairy-free milk plus a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar for tang. To make a thinner dressing, add a little extra buttermilk. If you prefer more herb flavor, increase the parsley and chives. To reduce sodium, omit or reduce the added salt and season to taste.
Storage
Store the dressing refrigerated in a sealed container. Give it a gentle stir before using if it separates slightly. Taste again after chilling and adjust seasoning if needed.