Cowboy Butter Ranch Dressing (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Dairy & Base

01 - ½ cup (116 g) mayonnaise
02 - ¼ cup (57.5 g) sour cream
03 - ¼ cup (61 g) buttermilk
04 - ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter, melted

→ Herbs & Seasonings

05 - 1 tablespoon coarse Dijon mustard
06 - 1 teaspoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
07 - 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
08 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
09 - 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
10 - 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
11 - 1 teaspoon fresh dill weed, chopped
12 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
13 - ½ teaspoon paprika
14 - ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
15 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
16 - ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
17 - ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

# Instructions:

01 - In a medium mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk. These creamy ingredients form the rich base of your dressing.
02 - To the same bowl, add Dijon mustard, freshly squeezed lemon juice, chopped fresh herbs (chives, parsley, thyme, and dill), minced garlic, and all the dry seasonings (onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes). These ingredients bring layers of flavor to the dressing.
03 - Using a whisk or spoon, mix all the ingredients until they're well combined and the herbs and seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the creamy base.
04 - Slowly drizzle the melted butter into the mixture while continuously whisking. The butter adds richness and that signature 'cowboy' element to this ranch dressing. Continue whisking until the butter is fully incorporated and the dressing has a smooth, uniform consistency.
05 - Transfer your finished dressing to a serving dish if using immediately, or to an airtight container or jar if storing for later use. The dressing can be refrigerated until needed.
06 - When ready to use after refrigeration, allow the dressing to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This helps soften any solidified butter and makes the dressing easier to pour, spread, or use as a dip.

# Notes:

01 - This versatile dressing can be used as a salad dressing, a dip for vegetables or chicken wings, or as a flavorful sauce for grilled meats.
02 - For the freshest flavor, use the dressing within 5-7 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
03 - If you don't have fresh herbs on hand, you can substitute with dried herbs at a ratio of 1 teaspoon dried for 1 tablespoon fresh.
04 - For a thinner consistency, add additional buttermilk one tablespoon at a time until desired thickness is reached.