I know that for a long time now I’ve been shouting from the rooftops how amazing CSA’s are (for more info, click here), but for all their awesomeness, I often still find myself struggling to actually eat all the veggies we get. So in an attempt to widen my “veggie palate,” I’ve also come up with lots of great ways to make them taste even better for myself. That’s how this Healthy Ranch Dip was born.
I love ranch. I always have loved ranch, but for years as a child, my parents (who are fat-phobic–what can I say? They’re products of the 80s/90s) told me how awful it is for you. When I got to the age where I finally quit dieting and worrying so much about fat, I started allowing myself ranch again. I figure the health benefits of the vegetables I’m putting it on (with the exception of french fries) far outweighs the extra fat I may get from 2 Tablespoons of ranch dressing I consume once a week.
But… I have to admit, there’s always that stupid previously-diet-y voice in the back of my head that still says “Ranch is bad for you.” Even while trying to shut that voice off, I also realized how many chemicals I’m likely consuming with the store bought stuff. So I decided I’d rather make it than eat the chemically stuff, and I started my foray into making Ranch.
When I learned to make actual ranch, I have to say, I was fairly horrified at the amount of mayonnaise. I don’t know what I was thinking was in ranch, but I can honestly say I wasn’t thinking that. So I figured it was time to find a healthy-ER alternative so I could still eat my chosen dressing without feeling too awfully guilty. Thus, this dip was born!
The replacement of plain Greek yogurt sounds horrible, but I promise it’s surprisingly delicious. And with the addition of some nonfat milk for thinning, you have a completely fat free dip that not only tastes amazing, but makes you feel like you’re being downright angelic food-wise. The only thing I don’t love is the packet of ranch seasoning I use for it. But hey, it’s organic and all real ingredients (i.e. names I know, let alone those I can pronounce) so that helps. Next stop, figuring the best homemade ranch mix! That’ll hopefully be discovered and posted sometime soon!
In the meantime, enjoy this dip! Happy cooking!
- ½ C. Nonfat Greek Yogurt
- 2 Tablespoons Organic Ranch Mix
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ¼ - ½ teaspoon Sea Salt
- 1-3 Tablespoons Nonfat Milk (depending on desired thickness)
- ***1 Tablespoon Mayo (if you're feeling naughty. Lol)
- Mix first 4 ingredients together with a whisk. (And Mayo if you're making the naughty version.)
- Add as much Milk as desired.
- Enjoy!!!
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