Copycat Jimmy John's Kickin' Ranch Recipe - Zesty, Creamy, and Addictive

Jimmy John's signature Kickin' Ranch sauce is a fan favorite - cool, creamy and loaded with zippy flavor. This copycat recipe recreates that perfect balance of sour cream, buttermilk and spices. Drizzle it over sandwiches, wings, salads and more. You'll never buy ranch dressing again once you learn how easy it is to make this restaurant copycat!

About Jimmy John's Kickin' Ranch Dressing

Jimmy John's sandwich shops started serving their legendary Kickin' Ranch sauce in 1983. Some key facts about this iconic dressing include:

Cool and Creamy Base

Sour cream and buttermilk provide a thick, creamy texture.

Signature Spice Blend

A special blend of spices gives it a zesty "kick".

Served on Sandwiches

It's the exclusive dressing for all Jimmy John's sandwiches.

Also Used as a Dip

Customers love dipping fries and chips in the ranch dressing too.

How to Make Copycat Kickin' Ranch

Recreating the Kickin' Ranch dressing is simple with these basic steps:

Combine Sour Cream and Buttermilk

Whisk together 1 cup each of sour cream and buttermilk in a bowl until smooth.

Add Spices and Herbs

Next whisk in the garlic powder, onion powder, chives, parsley, dill, and other seasonings.

Taste and Adjust

Taste and adjust spice amounts if needed. Refrigerate at least an hour for flavors to meld.

Drizzle and Dip

Drizzle over sandwiches, wings, salads, burgers, fries, chips, and more!

Ingredients Needed

You probably have most, if not all, of these already in your kitchen:

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tbsp dried parsley
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp dill
• 1 tsp chives
• 1⁄2 tsp pepper

Substitutions

Don't have one of the ingredients? Here are some easy substitutions:

• Sour cream - Plain Greek yogurt
• Buttermilk - Milk + lemon juice
• Dried herbs - Fresh herbs

Tips for Best Results

To achieve the perfect copycat dressing, follow these tips:

• Use full-fat dairy for rich creaminess.
• Whisk really well to fully incorporate.
• Chill at least 1 hour for best flavor.
• Start with less spice and add more to taste.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 1 week.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile dressing can be used in many ways. Try it on:

Sandwiches

Use as a spread or dip for hoagies, French dip, cold cuts, or burgers.

Salads

Toss green, pasta, potato, or other salads with Kickin' Ranch.

Wings and Chips

Serve as a dip for chicken wings, fries, chips, and veggies.

Wraps and Tacos

Drizzle on wraps, tacos, and Mexican dishes for a creamy touch.

Conclusion

Jimmy John's Kickin' Ranch dressing is a fan favorite condiment for sandwiches, salads, wings and more. With its luscious sour cream and buttermilk base kicked up with zesty spices like dill, chives, and garlic, it's easy to see why restaurants can't keep enough in stock. This copycat recipe allows you to recreate the addictive flavor profile at home to enjoy anytime.

FAQs

Does Kickin' Ranch need to be refrigerated?

Yes, because of the dairy ingredients it's important to store leftovers in the fridge.

What's the difference between ranch and Kickin' ranch?

Kickin' Ranch has a spicier, more flavorful blend of herbs and spices.

Can I use this recipe as a veggie dip?

Absolutely! It makes a fabulous dip for raw vegetables.

Can I adjust the heat level?

Yes, reduce the amount of garlic, onion and pepper to make it less spicy.

Does it contain mayo?

No, there is no mayonnaise in this lighter ranch recipe.