Ranch dressing, a staple in American cuisine, has seen a dramatic surge in popularity in the United Kingdom, with Waitrose reporting a 51% increase in interest over recent weeks, attributed to the World Cup. While the sauce is widely available in the US, paired with fried foods, sandwiches, and salads, it remains less common in UK supermarkets, where Hellmann's only launched a ranch range last year.
Why Brits Are Turning to Homemade Ranch
Many Brits have been bulk-buying ranch dressing during trips to the US, alongside Trader Joe's tote bags and melatonin. However, with limited availability and growing demand, making ranch at home has become an attractive alternative. Jack Godik, head chef at Sucre, an Argentinian-inspired open-fire cooking restaurant in Soho, told Metro that homemade ranch is quick and easy, taking less than five minutes to prepare. He emphasized that using good-quality mayonnaise, fresh herbs, and balancing richness with acidity is key.
Simple Homemade Ranch Recipe
Godik shared a straightforward recipe for ranch dressing. Ingredients include 120g good-quality mayonnaise, 60g sour cream, 1 tbsp whole milk with a squeeze of lemon (or buttermilk), 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tbsp chopped chives, 1 tbsp chopped parsley, 1 tsp chopped dill (fresh if possible), 1 tsp lemon juice, and salt and black pepper to taste. The method involves whisking the mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk until creamy, then stirring in the mustard, garlic, herbs, and lemon juice, seasoning generously, and chilling for 20-30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Versatile Uses for Ranch Dressing
Godik noted that ranch is brilliant with crispy chicken, grilled vegetables, wedges, or as a dip for crudités. For a thinner dressing for salads, simply add another splash of buttermilk. This homemade version offers a fresh, vibrant alternative to store-bought options.
EU Regulations Impacting Condiment Packaging
In related food news, new European Union regulations set to take effect from August 2026 will ban single-use plastic packaging for condiments in restaurants and bars across Europe. Under EU Regulation 2025/40, sachets of ketchup, mayonnaise, coffee creamer, sugar, and seasoning must be replaced with reusable dispensers or containers. This change aims to reduce plastic waste and aligns with growing environmental concerns.
