I decided to make some Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning today. I’ve always loved the taste of it, but I was curious about what actually goes into it. Plus, making it myself felt like a fun little project.
So, I started by looking up what I needed. Turns out, it’s mostly stuff I already had in my kitchen: onion powder, onion flakes, dill, parsley, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and dried chives. It was kind of surprising how simple the ingredients were. I grabbed everything from my spice rack and got ready to mix them together.
But then I got curious about the history of this seasoning. I read online that the original recipe was a bit different than what we see in stores now. And some articles even mentioned that the current version has some genetically modified ingredients, which was a bit of a bummer to learn. But hey, when you make it yourself, you know exactly what’s going in there, right?
I measured out each ingredient carefully. I wanted to get the proportions just right. I put it all into a small bowl and mixed them together with a spoon. As I was stirring, the smell started to fill my kitchen. It smelled just like the store-bought stuff, but maybe a little fresher.
After mixing, I wanted to see how it compared to the packet seasoning. I did a little taste test, and honestly, it was pretty darn close! I was actually surprised by how similar it tasted.
My Own Seasoning
With the seasoning ready, I sprinkled some on my salad. It was delicious! It had that same tangy, herby flavor that I love. I also tried it on some chicken, and it worked great as a dry rub. The flavors really came through when I cooked it.
- Onion powder: This gives it that classic oniony flavor.
- Onion flakes: More onion, but with a bit of texture.
- Dill: This herb is essential for that herby, fresh taste.
- Parsley: Adds to the overall herby profile.
- Garlic powder: Who doesn’t love garlic? It adds a nice kick.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
- Pepper: Gives it a little bit of heat.
- Dried chives: Adds a subtle oniony flavor and a bit of color.
Making this seasoning myself was actually easier than I thought. I’m definitely going to do this again. It’s a nice feeling to know exactly what’s in my food. Plus, it’s kind of cool to make something from scratch that I usually buy at the store. I might even try experimenting with different herbs and spices next time to see if I can come up with my own unique blend. Maybe add a little paprika for some smokiness, or some lemon zest for a brighter flavor. The possibilities are endless!
In the end, I stored the rest of my homemade ranch seasoning in a little jar. It’s sitting in my spice rack now, ready for the next time I need a flavor boost. It’s a small thing, but it made my day a little more interesting. Plus, I learned something new, and that’s always a good thing.
