Our Best Bites Ranch

I have followed Our Best Bites on social media for years and years. She just posted this recipe - with the disclaimer that she has a JUG of it in her refrigerator at all times - that sold me!! The other funny thing she said is "people will ask - can I make this with Greek Yogurt or cottage cheese for more protein? The answer is no - this is absolutely sacred." That made me laugh!!

Ranch
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/8 teaspoon dried dill
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1 1/2 teaspoon dried chives
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt like Lowreys
1/8 teaspoon dry mustard

Combine all ingredients in a blender or a bowl and blend or whisk until smooth

For best results, let chill for 2 hours or more for flavors to intensify. Dressing will also thicken after being stored in the fridge.

Different mayonnaise brands produce different consistencies in this recipe. I almost always use Best Foods, so for me, about the ratio listed seems to be perfect, but that same amount is sometimes incredibly thick or incredibly thin for others. So just keep that in mind. Mix everything together and then add more buttermilk until it’s perfect for you.
All spices and herbs listed below are dried. If substituting fresh, use the ratio 1 part dry = 3 parts fresh. If using fresh herbs, blend everything except herbs first and then lightly pulse in the herbs.
Store finished dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within 1 week for best results.

Orange Citrus Salad

Orange Citrus Salad
Organic Spring Mix Salad - spinach, arugula, kale, butter lettuce etc.

oranges, peeled and segmented
strawberries, sliced
green onions, sliced
grilled chicken, seasoned with a little seasoned salt, sliced thin
goat cheese, crumbled (or feta)
candied pecans (see below)

Candied Pecans

1 cup pecans, slightly chopped
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 Tbsp water
Pinch of salt
Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the brown sugar, water, and pinch of cayenne pepper until smooth. Turn off the heat, and add the chopped pecans. Stir until well coated and transfer nuts to a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow to cool.

Orange Vinaigrette

1 packet of Good Seasons Italian Dressing mix (dry, in an envelope)
1-2 teaspoons of grated orange zest (from one whole orange)
2/3 cup orange juice, fresh squeezed
4 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
4 Tablespoons granulated white sugar
1 cup extra virgin olive oil

In a medium sized bowl, combine the first 5 ingredients until sugar dissolves. Slowly add the extra virgin olive oil whisking it continuously into the other ingredients. You could also shake all the ingredients together vigorously in a large mason jar.

Refrigerate until ready to use. When ready to serve, toss salad with some of the vinaigrette just before serving. (You will not use all of the vinaigrette!)

*Salad add-in options: fresh fruit, such as mango or kiwi, cucumbers, dried cranberries/cherries, bacon, walnuts, or almonds are great too!

Protein Ranch Dip

Protein Ranch Dip 

½ cup cottage cheese
½ cup sour cream
1 tsp grated shallot
2 Tbsp ranch seasoning
½ tsp seasoned salt

Blend everything with an immersion blender until smooth OR leave it chunky - it's that good!!

Protein Cheeseburger Bowls

Protein Cheeseburger Bowls
Salt + pepper
1 onion, diced
2 lbs ground beef
2 Tbsp ketchup
Sharp cheddar cheese
Shredded lettuce
Diced tomatoes
Cottage cheese
Pickles
Chick-fil-A sauce (or your favorite burger sauce)

1. Dice sweet potatoes and spread on a parchment-lined baking dish. Spray with olive oil, season with salt + pepper, and bake at 425°F for ~20 minutes.
2. In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion until beef is browned and onion is translucent. Season with ketchup and salt and pepper.
3. Assemble your bowl: sweet potatoes + beef mixture + cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, cottage cheese, pickles.
4. Drizzle with burger sauce and dig in!

Makes about 6 servings—perfect for lunch all week. I like to portion the sweet potatoes and beef into airtight containers, then reheat and add toppings right before eating.