MSG-Free Ranch Dressing

[Luckyfeather]

Does anyone know if there is a good ranch salad dressing out there that does not have MSG? I want to take a salad to a dinner tomorrow night, and I know one person there cannot have MSG. I know Hidden Valley Ranch has MSG & Kraft does, too. If anyone knows of a brand I can look for (I have very limited shopping venues here, though), I would appreciate it. TIA.

[mrswaz]

If you make your own it will be guaranteed to be MSG free as long as your ingredients are free of it. When people bring homemade salad dressing to dinner I am always really impressed.

Here's a recipe from Eating Well:

Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

1/2 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
2 tablespoons champagne, or white-wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/3 cup chopped fresh herbs, such as chives, tarragon, basil or dill

Whisk buttermilk, mayonnaise, champagne (or white-wine) vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper in a small bowl until smooth. Stir in herbs.

[Luckyfeather]

This recipe is similar to the one I'd like to prepare (recipe book is at home). Would substituting the homemade dressing for the Ranch be just as good do you think?

Ranch Coleslaw

Ingredients:

3 cups coleslaw mix
1/4 cup Mexicorn, drained
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
2 tablespoons chopped red onion
1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup ranch salad dressing
1-1/2 teaspoons lime juice
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Directions:

In a large bowl, combine the first six ingredients. In a small bowl, whisk the salad dressing, lime juice and cumin. Pour over the coleslaw; toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving.

Yield: 6 servings.

Nutrition Facts: 1/2 cup equals 152 calories, 13 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 13 mg cholesterol, 280 mg sodium, 6 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 3 g protein.

[BucknellAlum]

This recipe is similar to the one I'd like to prepare (recipe book is at home). Would substituting the homemade dressing for the Ranch be just as good do you think?

Ranch Coleslaw

Ingredients:

3 cups coleslaw mix
1/4 cup Mexicorn, drained
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
2 tablespoons chopped red onion
1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup ranch salad dressing
1-1/2 teaspoons lime juice
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Directions:

In a large bowl, combine the first six ingredients. In a small bowl, whisk the salad dressing, lime juice and cumin. Pour over the coleslaw; toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving.

Yield: 6 servings.

Nutrition Facts: 1/2 cup equals 152 calories, 13 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 13 mg cholesterol, 280 mg sodium, 6 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 3 g protein.

Seriously? You are wondering if homemade would be as good as storebought? On the CLBB? :D

(I am not trying to be snarky, I just couldn't help it!) I think the homemade will be WAY better than a storebought!

[mrswaz]

I think the homemade will be WAY better than a storebought!

Agreed- I suspect you'll have a new favorite on your hands and not want to share! :)

It will work beautifully.

[Luckyfeather]

Okay...I guess that was kinda a dumb thing to say. I was just wondering how much different the flavor would be. Thanks, guys!

[AngelaM]

If you don't have time to make homemade (and I must confess whenever I make "homemade" that is a packet of Hidden Valley Ranch Buttermilk packet, real mayo and buttermilk. :)....I checked the Newman's Own website and MSG is not listed in the ingredients. I've had it before...very good.