Cucumbers with Homemade Ranch Dressing
Little appetites are easily pleased with fun finger foods and tasty combos. Skip the bottled salad dressing and make this homemade version to pair with crisp and refreshing cucumbers. Thanks to their high water content, cukes will help keep kids hydrated. If mixing up veggies and dressing is unappealing for your kids, serve the dressing on the side for dunking. This is a good time for good old real mayo, combined with Greek yogurt to cut the fat and boost the protein. This dressing is best when made the night before, as the flavors are enhanced when they sit in the fridge overnight.
1⁄4 cup low-fat buttermilk
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons nonfat Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder
1⁄2 teaspoon onion powder
1⁄2 teaspoon kosher salt
1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
1 English cucumber, thinly sliced
For the dressing combine buttermilk, mayo, yogurt, herbs, lemon juice, and spices; whisk vigorously. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Toss cucumbers with dressing or serve on the side for dipping.
YIELD: 3 cups cucumber, 2⁄3 cup dressing
Nutrition Information per 5 Cucumber Slices and 1 Tablespoon Dressing
Calories: 30, Total Fat: 2 grams, Saturated Fat: 0 grams, Carbohydrate: 2 grams, Sugars: 0 grams, Protein: 1 gram, Sodium: 147 milligrams, Cholesterol: 1 milligram, Fiber: 0 grams, Vitamin D: 0 IU, Calcium: 12 milligrams, Iron: 0 milligrams