ranch as part of a balanced diet

cause ranch is life but so are probiotics

If you were looking for an excuse to include ranch in at least one meal or snack per day, look no further. This dressing, unlike the classic we all know and love, features probiotics, protein, and healthy fats, what more do ya need? Here’s the thing, in my opinion, a lot of healthy takes on ranch lean too heavily on Greek yogurt. It’s just not the right mouthfeel for me. Kinda gritty? So while this recipe does feature Greek yogurt, it relies more on labneh as the base.

Labneh is wonderful because it has a texture and flavor more similar to sour cream, which is perfect in ranch. It’s creamy, tangy, probiotic, and higher in protein (5 grams per 1/4 cup versus 1 gram per 1/4 in sour cream). It’s a fermented dairy which we like when considering probiotics, a crucial part of any diet but certainly the prenatal and postpartum diets.

Greek yogurt, is, of course, widely used for its probiotic prowess and is a great addition to the labneh bringing with it lots of protein. I prefer full-fat Greek yogurt here as it adds to the creaminess, 2% works too but I wouldn’t endorse a nonfat option. But, that’s just me. I talk a bit more about my strong feelings surrounding full-fat dairy here.

Buttermilk, one of the OG three of classic ranch alongside sour cream and mayo, is another sneaky probiotic, lucky us! And lastly, we have the real sleeper hit, sauerkraut brine. Sauerkraut brine really is that girl when it comes to ~gut health~ and for good reason. I’m talking specifically about lacto-fermented sauerkraut, the kind made from just cabbage, salt, and time. A couple of great storebought brands are Bubbies and Wildbrine. This recipe calls for a few tablespoons of brine to loosen up the consistency and transforms this ranch from a decadent dressing into a bonafide health tonic. ;)

probiotic ranch

Makes about 1 1/2 cups

ingredients

2/3 cup labneh

1/3 cup full-fat or 2% Greek yogurt

1/4 cup buttermilk

2 tablespoons lacto-fermented sauerkraut brine

1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder

1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder

1 teaspoon dried dill or 2 tablespoons fresh minced dill

3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon sugar, optional

preparation

1. In a medium bowl whisk together the labneh, greek yogurt, buttermilk, and brine. If you prefer a slightly looser ranch, add in up to 2 tablespoons of cool filtered water, 1 at a time, until reaching the desired consistency.

2. Whisk in the garlic powder, onion powder, dill, salt, black pepper, and sugar if using. Taste for seasoning.

3. Store in your refrigerator for up to 7 days. Drizzle over salads, enjoy with crudite, dunk your chicken tenders in it. You know what to do!