It’s pretty well known that Midwestern DNA generally includes an extra chromosome for an intense love of Ranch dressing. Ranch, however, is terribly unhealthy and one of many culprits that make the seemingly-healthy choice of ordering a salad a gargantuan caloric error. What would happen if we emulated the flavor using a dry seasoning mix? Then if used said seasoning mix in burgers, meatloaf, and in today’s recipe’s case: meatballs? Well, then, we’d have happy and healthy Midwesterners, of course!
Buffalo Ranch Chicken Meatballs http://lowcarboneday.com/2013/01/whole30-buffalo-ranch-chicken-meatballs.html
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp garlic
Sauce
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup hot sauce
- 2½ Tbsp dry ranch seasoning
In a medium sauce pot, combine chicken broth, hot sauce, and ranch seasoning (place on stove for later use). Mix together ground chicken and spices until combined. Form into meatballs (~20 small meatballs). Heat 1-2 tsp oil in a large skillet, over med-high heat. Sear meatballs for 6-8 min, turning meatballs for even sear. While meatballs are searing, bring hot sauce mixture to a boil and allow to cook until reduced by half and thickened (~6-8 min). Add sauce to meatballs after being seared and cook 3-4 min or until meatballs are cooked through. Makes up to 2 large protein servings, based on protein allotment.
Dry Ranch Seasoning/Dressing http://lowcarboneday.com/2012/07/grilled-ranch-chicken-low-carb-and.html
- 1 Tbsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp dried dill
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt – omit or decrease as you can
- ½ tsp pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dry mustard
Combine parsley, dill, and basil in a spice grinder (or small food processor) and grind to a powder. Combine mixture with the rest of the ingredients. Makes ~4-5 Tbsp. Original Recipe’s suggestion for Ranch dressing, mix 2 Tbsp of this seasoning mix with 1/3 cup veganaise and 1/4 cup of almond milk. Note 1/3 cup veganaise = 6 fat servings. Use less veganaise for larger portions or just use the seasoning without turning it into dressing. I thinned mine out big time in the pic above with only a few Tbsp (= to number of servings) veganaise.
These meatballs are a great protein addition to any meal or snack. I bet they’re pretty good cold as well so consider putting a few in a snack-size baggie and tossing them into your lunchbox for a protein pick-me-up!
There are so many ways you can use this Ranch spice mix:
- Meatballs
- Meatloaf
- Burgers
- Seasoned meat atop a salad, spaghetti squash, or miracle noodles
- Seasoning alone sprinkled on salads and roasted veggies
Great creative, Meltdowners! How else could you use this Ranch seasoning mix? Feast to appease your tastebuds, feast to appease theoretical geographical genetics, and as always…FEAST ON!!!
~Coach Lauren
