Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Homemade Ranch Dressing (Fresh, Creamy & Better Than Store-Bought!)

Sarah Smith
Dec 2, 2025
2 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Glass jar of creamy dressing labeled "WECK" on a gray surface. There’s a lemon slice in the foreground, croutons, and purple tulips in the background.

This Homemade Ranch Dressing is cool, creamy, tangy, and unbelievably fresh — so much better than anything from a bottle. Made with buttermilk, herbs, garlic, and a touch of lemon, it’s the perfect dip or dressing for salads, chicken tenders, roasted veggies, and more.

For a full cozy spread, serve it with Crispy Fried Zucchini Chips, Chicken Caesar Wraps, Honey Garlic Brussels Sprouts, or drizzle it over a comforting dinner like Cajun Shrimp Lettuce Wraps or Mediterranean Chicken Bowls.

Why You’ll Love This

Creamy, tangy ranch with fresh herb flavor
Smooth texture that’s richer than store-bought
Simple ingredients mixed in minutes
Perfect for salads, dipping vegetables, or drizzling over meals

Cook Times & Servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes Chill Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes Servings: About 1 ¼ cups

Ingredients

½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream
½ cup buttermilk (more for a thinner consistency)
1 tbsp lemon juice or white vinegar
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried dill (or 1 tbsp fresh)
1 tsp dried parsley (or 1 tbsp fresh)
½ tsp dried chives
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper

Optional add-ins: pinch of sugar, dash of hot sauce

Instructions

Mix the Base: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk.
Add the Flavor: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, dill, parsley, chives, salt, and pepper.
Adjust the Texture: Add more buttermilk for a pourable dressing or keep it thicker for dipping.
Chill for Flavor: Refrigerate at least 30 minutes for the herbs and spices to bloom.
Serve: Drizzle over salads, dip veggies or wings, or spoon over roasted potatoes.

Ways to Serve

As dressing for Classic Garden Salad or Broccoli Bacon Salad
As a dip for Fried Zucchini Chips or Awesome Blossom Onion Bites
With Buffalo Chicken Sliders or Sausage & Peppers Rigatoni Bake
Drizzled over baked potatoes or chicken tenders

Storage

Refrigerate: 5–7 days
Freezing: Not recommended (dairy separates)

FAQ

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes! Greek yogurt makes it lighter and still creamy.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Absolutely — use 3x the amount of fresh herbs.

How do I make it thicker for dipping?

Use less buttermilk or add extra sour cream.

How do I make it restaurant-style?

Add a splash of pickle juice or Worcestershire sauce for depth.

Can this be made dairy-free?

Yes — use vegan mayo, coconut milk, and dairy-free sour cream.

Conclusion

This Homemade Ranch Dressing is cool, creamy, and bursting with fresh herb flavor — the perfect go-to dip or dressing for cozy meals, salads, and snacks. With simple ingredients and just minutes of prep, it’s an easy recipe you’ll want to make every week. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to store-bought ranch!