Addicted to Ranch Dressing...HELP!

24

Replies

  • wigglypeaches
    wigglypeaches Posts: 146 Member
    Here's a healthy recipe: http://www.food.com/recipe/healthy-homemade-ranch-dressing-251351
    Watch the 'Fat Free' varieties. Lots of sugar!

    I'm seconding this. Fat free products frequently use a lot of added salt and sugar to compensate for flavor. Think about reducing your portion, replacing it with something healthier, or learning to make your own.
  • Chikipiwi
    Chikipiwi Posts: 117 Member
    Hope this helps, taste like the real thing...

    Protein Ranch Dressing: (Serves 4)
    1 Cup Cottage Cheese (Watch your label, sometimes low fat doesn't mean low calories and the regular cottage cheese is only a few cal. more)
    3-4 tsp. Buttermilk Ranch Dressing mix
    1/4 C. water (or milk if you prefer: Milk will add more calories) add more water if the consistency is too thick for your liking.

    Add ingredients to blender and blend until smooth. (About 3 min.) Enjoy!
  • vim_n_vigor
    vim_n_vigor Posts: 4,089 Member
    Try salsa mixed with some sour cream.
  • abnerner
    abnerner Posts: 452 Member
    I make it myself with HVR Buttermilk recipe mix, low-fat buttermilk and light mayo. I add a little garlic powder and cracked black pepper. It tastes wonderful for about half the calories.

    ^This but I use Skim Milk and Low-Fat Mayo. Trust me, as a ranch lover myself, it's the same!
  • jharb2
    jharb2 Posts: 208 Member
    Simply Dressed Light Ranch tastes good. Its not Hidden Valley but it works
  • yoovie
    yoovie Posts: 17,121 Member
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  • WendyTerry420
    WendyTerry420 Posts: 13,274 Member
    I just have Ranch.

    *shrugs*

    Me too :) Just eat it!


    Same here. I use the "old school" method of tossing the salad really well. That way you only use a small amount but taste the dressing in every bite.
  • acogg
    acogg Posts: 1,870 Member
    I just started using Bernstein's Light Fantastic Parmesan Garlic Ranch, 2 tbsp is only 45 calories. It's not traditional Ranch, but it's the best diet creamy dressing I have found.
  • tbullock11
    tbullock11 Posts: 38 Member
    I use Bolthouse ranch. It is a yogurt based dressing. It is sold in the cooler next to the salad in mt grocery stores.
  • DanaDark
    DanaDark Posts: 2,187 Member
    Keep the dressing, just use it sparingly. No need to turn a salad into soup.

    Salads tend to be high in fiber, and if you throw on vegetables and fruits, they also become high in vitamins and minerals.

    Many vitamins REQUIRE fats to aid in absorption. So, they should be eaten with fats to ensure you get them!

    Additionally, combining fat and fiber will help lower blood cholesterol.
  • Cassondra6608
    Cassondra6608 Posts: 8
    I think it's just a matter of using less. I LOVE dressing on salads. I still use ranch, french, etc (fat free). I just had to get used to using a lot less of it!
  • green022
    green022 Posts: 115
    IDK if anyone has suggested this yet but.... you take a ranch mix packet and add it into plain greek yogurt its half the calories and alot better for you with the same basic taste. I love it
  • alschultz33
    alschultz33 Posts: 199 Member
    I'm also a big Ranch dressing fan....had to cut it out.

    Now I mix balsamic vinegar with a tiny bit of olive oil to make my own dressing.

    I also like lemon vinaigrette (but you'd have to search recipes to make it)...so delicious

    :)
  • ShaniWulffe
    ShaniWulffe Posts: 458 Member
    There's this stuff by Lighthouse that's ranch made from yogurt... It's 60 calories for 2 tbsp :D My favorite dressing of all time, though, is sesame ginger :)
  • RedRunner82
    RedRunner82 Posts: 29
    Someone already mentioned it, but I have to second it - Bolthouse Farms ranch tastes almost exactly like full-fat regular Hidden Valley, but only has 45 calories per two tablespoons. I used to be addicted to ranch (French fries dipped in it in college... aka how I gained weight!) and pretty much cut it out cold turkey when I started eating healthier. But Bolthouse is definitely a great choice if you can't end your relationship with ranch :)
  • spalmer27
    spalmer27 Posts: 2
    OMG I love Ranch!
  • jonesin_am
    jonesin_am Posts: 404 Member
    I like ranch too but in an effort to find a lower calorie dressing I came across a Roasted Garlic Balsamic Vinagerette and it's to die for! LOVE it!
  • melsinct
    melsinct Posts: 3,512 Member
    Ok people....I am not actually "addicted" to ranch dressing, I just love it.

    Stupid question, but why can't you use the real deal but in moderation? A serving is probably two tablespoons, which is totally reasonable. Measure it out, don't make your salad into a soup, and enjoy your ranch dressing.
  • Ilysandrew11
    Ilysandrew11 Posts: 133 Member
    If your really that addicted ask for ranch on the side and just dip a little bit of your fork into the dressing everytime you take a bite...that way your not dumping all of those calories onto your salad and you can control it a bit more :)
  • FittyMe8
    FittyMe8 Posts: 1
    I am SO with you on the addicted to ranch! I love it on just about everything! Not a healthy addiction...
  • auzziecawth66
    auzziecawth66 Posts: 476 Member
    I actually put my salads mixings into an old ice cream bucket (not the huge 4 lt ones but like the 1lt (I think) put lid on and shake. Does a great job or really getting the dressing onto everything while using less lol. Works like a charm.
  • Donnarose82
    Donnarose82 Posts: 71
    Low fat version? Or you could just eat it and fit it into your calories, small world problem!!
  • Amberonamission
    Amberonamission Posts: 836 Member
    kroger Fat free ranch is yummy. I am sure it is some genetic mutation but, it could be ground bunnies and I'd still eat the yummy stuff. 30 cal for 2 Tbsp
  • Christylee76
    Christylee76 Posts: 138 Member
    A tip from a neighbor ( I am from Odenville,Al) I like the Hidden Valley light buttermilk ranch and also I love Kens Sweet Vidalia Onion Lite. Both are low in calories.
  • victoriannsays
    victoriannsays Posts: 568 Member
    FAT FREE GREEK YOGURT + HIDDEN VALLEY RANCH PACKET = AMAZING.


    i was once a ranch addict myself - this is a great substitute!
  • sherrirb
    sherrirb Posts: 1,649 Member
    have you tried fat free ranch??? It might not taste the same but maybe it will help with the ranch cravings?

    ^^^THIS!!!

    HVR's Fat Free Ranch is pretty darn good!
  • AckieJ
    AckieJ Posts: 199 Member
    Fit & Active Fat Free Ranch 45cals. Yea it's Aldi cheap stuff but it works.
  • bastgoddess7
    bastgoddess7 Posts: 64 Member
    Wanna know whats awesome on veggis and stuff? The "holy trinity": Olive Oil, Lemon Juice (or Vinegar) and salt. This is low in fat, high in flavor and brightens any dish.
  • chimpoforevah
    chimpoforevah Posts: 10
    I used to love ranch too.. so I forced myself to get addicted to hot sauce instead.
  • pudadough
    pudadough Posts: 1,271 Member
    Ah, Ranch, my old adversary. I love it with more than just salads. Dip a Whataburger french fry in it...fatty heaven! Which is how I got fat, of course.

    BUT I DIGRESS (as always)...

    I know it sounds weird but I really like the spray dressing by Wishbone. Balsamic Breeze is a good one.

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