5 Ways to Jazz Up Classic Ranch Dressing
By: Leah Rodrigues
Published: February 4, 2015

Whether you prefer it as a dressing or a dipping sauce, ranch dressing is a staple for most households and restaurants.  This ubiquitous sauce is best friends with a fried chicken tender and the glue that ties a fresh and crunchy chef's salad together. Reinventing old classics keeps us on our toes in the kitchen and brings something new to the table.  These revamped ranch recipes add another dimension of flavor to your already delicious meal.
Avocado Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
Recipe from Mom on Time Out 
	Avocado buttermilk ranch falls somewhere between a chunky guacamole and a creamy dill sauce.  Buttermilk is blended with a whole avocado, garlic, cilantro, dill, green onion and lime juice.  This dressing can be used as a dipping sauce for carrots, spread on a sandwich, or tossed with your favorite salad greens. 

Hatch Green Chile Ranch Dressing
Recipe from Confections of a Foodie Bride
	Hatch green chiles have a smooth spicy flavor which compliments the cooling buttermilk ranch dressing.  If you can find this mild green chile fresh, it is significantly better than the canned version.  The fresh chiles are roasted until almost blackened and then blended into the dressing.  Serve with your favorite bag of chips..
 
 Basil Buttermilk Ranch
Recipe from Food 52
You can easily dress up ranch dressing by adding an ingredient or two from your pantry.  This basil buttermilk ranch is the perfect example.  Adding fresh chopped basil changes the dressing completely by adding another dimension of flavor.  You can do this with any herb you have in the fridge.  Dill, parsley and tarragon would all be delicious additions.

Chive Bacon Cool Ranch Dressing
Recipe from The Creekside Cook
	If you have ever had trouble convincing someone to eat a salad, this chive bacon cool ranch dressing is guaranteed to convert any carnivore.  Chunks of crispy salty bacon combined with the mild onion flavor is perfection.  This dressing also works great as a base for a potato salad or pasta salad.

Spicy Chipotle Ranch Dip
Recipe from Thyme and Tamarind
	Chipotle ranch dip adds some spice to your life.  This recipe pulls flavors from the southwest to create a full bodied dressing that has notes of lime, garlic, and a touch of sweetness from the brown sugar.  This chipotle ranch dressing is wonderful on burgers and absolutely delicious with sweet potato fries.