PDQ Sauce Recipe

I’ve been going to PDQ at least once a week here in Austin, and their ranch sauce is something I just can’t get enough of! If you’re not familiar with PDQ, it’s a chicken restaurant primarily found in southern states. And no, PDQ doesn’t stand for “Pretty Damned Quick” as many think – it actually means “People Dedicated to Quality.”

What keeps me coming back is their incredible house-made sauces, especially their ranch. After visiting so often, I decided to try making this PDQ sauce at home. I checked their website for ingredients, did some research, and after several attempts, I think I’ve created a spot-on copycat PDQ sauce recipe that tastes just like the original.

Today, I’m sharing my secrets so you can enjoy this delicious sauce without leaving home!

What Is PDQ Sauce?

PDQ sauce is a creamy, herby ranch dip made famous by the PDQ restaurant chain. Here’s the scoop:

1. Base: Mayo and buttermilk for richness and tang.
2. Flavor Boosters: Fry salt (a seasoned salt blend), paprika, and black pepper.
3. Texture: Smooth, thick, and perfect for dipping.

PDQ’s version is fresher and bolder than bottled ranch. The fry salt adds a savory, garlicky punch you won’t find elsewhere.

What’s in PDQ Sauce?

To recreate the famous PDQ sauce at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Mayonnaise (1 cup): The creamy base. Use full-fat for the best texture.
• Buttermilk (½ cup): Thins the mayo and adds tang. No buttermilk? See substitutions below!
• Fry Salt (1 tbsp): The star! It’s a mix of salt, garlic, onion, and herbs. I use Lawry’s Seasoned Salt as a shortcut.
• Paprika (⅛ tsp): For color and a smoky hint.
• Black Pepper (3-4 grinds): Freshly ground adds a mild kick.

Substitutions & Variations

1. DIY Fry Salt: Mix 1 tsp salt + ½ tsp garlic powder + ½ tsp dried dill.
2. Buttermilk Substitute: Stir ½ tbsp lemon juice or vinegar into ½ cup regular milk. Let it sit 5 minutes.
3. Lighter Version: Swap mayo for Greek yogurt (thicker) or sour cream (richer).
4. Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce!

Kitchen Appliances Needed

1. Mixing bowl – To combine all the ingredients.
2. Whisk or spoon – For mixing everything smoothly.
3. Measuring spoons & cups – To get the right ingredient amounts.
4. Airtight container – For storing the sauce in the fridge.

How to Make PDQ Sauce

Follow these simple steps to create a batch of PDQ-style ranch:

Step 1 | Add the Base

In a bowl, add 1 cup of mayonnaise and ½ cup of buttermilk.

Step 2 | Add Seasonings

Stir in 1 tablespoon of ranch-flavored fry salt, ⅛ teaspoon of paprika, and 3–4 grinds of black pepper. Whisk vigorously for 1–2 minutes to ensure no clumps remain.

Step 3 | Chill and Rest

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the sauce to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 4 | Adjust and Serve

After chilling, taste the sauce. If it’s too thick, add a splash of buttermilk. For more tang, mix in an extra pinch of fry salt. Serve with chicken tenders, fries, or fresh veggies!

Tips for Perfect PDQ Sauce

• Don’t Rush the Resting Time: Skipping the chill step results in a bland sauce. The wait is worth it!
• Adjust Consistency Gradually: Add buttermilk 1 teaspoon at a time if the sauce feels too thick after refrigeration.
• Taste as You Go: PDQ’s sauce has a bold ranch flavor. If yours tastes mild, add fry salt in small increments.

Make-Ahead Tips

PDQ sauce tastes even better the next day. Make it up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge. The flavors will deepen, and the texture will stay creamy. If the sauce separates slightly, give it a quick stir before serving.

What To Serve With PDQ Sauce

1. Classic PDQ Combo: Chicken tenders + crinkle-cut fries.
2. Veggies: Carrot sticks, celery, or cucumber slices.
3. Burgers/Sandwiches: Spread on buns or mix into tuna salad.
4. Pizza Dip: Dunk crusts for a fun twist!

Proper Storage Tips

Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Avoid freezing, as mayo-based sauces separate when thawed. If you notice discoloration or an off smell, discard the sauce immediately.

Signs of Spoilage

Before using sauce that’s been stored for a few days, give it a quick check. If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to toss it and make a fresh batch:

• Separation that doesn’t re-combine when stirred
• Off or sour smell
• Change in color
• Mold (obviously!)

PDQ Sauce Recipe FAQs

1. Can I use regular salt instead of fry salt?

No—regular salt lacks the herbs and spices that give PDQ sauce its unique flavor. Ranch seasoning is a must.

2. Why is my sauce too runny?

You may have added too much buttermilk. Thicken it by whisking in an extra tablespoon of mayo.

3. How do I fix a too-salty sauce?

Balance it with a teaspoon of honey or a squeeze of lemon juice.

4. Why does my sauce taste bland?

Let it sit longer—up to 2 hours—to allow the flavors to develop.

5. How close does this taste to PDQ’s sauce?

In my taste tests, it’s nearly identical—just a tad fresher thanks to homemade love!

Continue to Content

PDQ Sauce Recipe

Yield: 1 cup

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Make the best PDQ Sauce at home in just 35 minutes! This creamy, herby ranch dip is perfect for chicken tenders, fries, and more. Quick & easy recipe!

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Ingredients

• Mayonnaise – 1 cup
• Buttermilk – ½ cup
• Fry Salt (or Lawry’s Seasoned Salt) – 1 tbsp
• Paprika – ⅛ tsp
• Black Pepper – 3-4 grinds (or to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Add the Base

In a bowl, add 1 cup of mayonnaise and ½ cup of buttermilk.

Step 2: Add Seasonings

Stir in 1 tablespoon of ranch-flavored fry salt, ⅛ teaspoon of paprika, and 3–4 grinds of black pepper. Whisk vigorously for 1–2 minutes to ensure no clumps remain.

Step 3: Chill and Rest

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the sauce to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Adjust and Serve

After chilling, taste the sauce. If it’s too thick, add a splash of buttermilk. For more tang, mix in an extra pinch of fry salt. Serve with chicken tenders, fries, or fresh veggies!

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: Approx. 2 tbsp
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 160Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 290mgCarbohydrates: 1gSugar: 0gProtein: 1g

Conclusion

I hope you’re as excited to try this PDQ Sauce recipe as I am to share it with you! There’s something truly satisfying about recreating your favorite restaurant flavors at home, and this PDQ Sauce comes incredibly close to the original.

The secret ingredient – ranch-flavored french fry salt – makes all the difference in capturing that distinctive taste we all love.

Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out. Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for more tasty recipes!