My homemade ranch dressing recipe is creamy and flavorful. It is so easy to make.
This dressing is delicious with salad or as a dipping sauce for bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers, mozzarella sticks and more.
This recipe is super easy for homemade ranch dressing. I mean really easy! Plus, it tastes amazing. Once you try it, you will be hooked and always want this homemade dressing.
Ranch dressing is my favorite but I’m pretty picky. Most store bought dressings are disappointing. They either lack flavor or have too much mayo or not enough seasoning.
I started making my own dressings at home and it’s pretty simple actually. Plus, we get to enjoy a much better dressing. It saves money too.
This is definitely a win all around. We could literally put ranch on everything! It’s so good.
What is Ranch Dressing?
Ranch dressing is a creamy dressing made with buttermilk, herbs and seasonings. Dill, chives, and parsley give it its fresh flavor, while buttermilk adds a tangy finish.
Ingredients
- mayonnaise – Greek yogurt can be substituted.
- sour cream
- milk
- Buttermilk Powder
- Dried Parsley
- Dill
- Dried Chives
- Onion Powder
- Garlic Salt
- Salt and pepper
We love this but feel free to adjust seasonings to your preference. If you love garlic you might want to add extra garlic powder. Fresh herbs can also be used instead of dried herbs. If you prefer, try our Ranch Dressing Mix Recipe.
How do you make ranch dressing from scratch?
First, get out a mixing bowl and combine the mayo and sour cream. Stir this until it is well combined.
Second, add all of the seasoning. Mix this together really good.
Finally, gradually add the milk and whisk until the dressing is the desired thickness you prefer. If I am using it for dipping, I make it a little thicker. However, if it is for salad, I make it thinner.
Once everything is well combined, put the dressing in a mason jar or dressing container. Put in the fridge for at least 2 to 3 hours so the flavors can combine.
What is Buttermilk Powder?
If you are not using this, it is so convenient. Buttermilk powder is powdered buttermilk. It is the result of dehydrating buttermilk.
You can use it in recipes that call for buttermilk and not have to worry about going to the store to get buttermilk. If you are like me, you normally only need a tiny bit and the rest goes to waste.
This powder lasts much longer and you can have it on hand for when you need it. Some brands require refrigeration while others do not. Just make sure to read the label.
Substitutions
- Greek Yogurt – Use it in place of mayonnaise for a light dressing with extra tang.
- No sour cream – Replace it with plain Greek yogurt.
- Liquid Buttermilk – Use it in place of the buttermilk powder and milk, adding enough to reach your desired consistency.
- Fresh Herbs – Use about 3 times as much fresh herbs as dried herbs for the best flavor.
How long does homemade ranch stay good for?
It will last up to 1 week in the refrigerator. Just make sure to store it inside an airtight container.
Tips and tricks
- This dressing recipe makes about 1 ½ cups of salad dressing, and each serving is approximately 1 Tablespoon.
If you are like me and use a lot of dressing, go ahead and double the recipe. It does not take any more time and you will have extra on hand. - Storage options: You can store the salad dressing in a mason jar. You probably already have several in your cabinet.
I love using these because you can just keep washing and reusing. It saves money in the long run. If you prefer, you can also use a reusable dressing bottle but I find the jar works just as well.
Ways to Use Ranch Dressing
- Crock Pot BBQ Ranch Drumsticks – We love to dip these drumsticks in ranch dressing.
- Air Fryer Fried Pickles– Pickles dipped in ranch taste amazing.
- Mozzarella Sticks– Some people prefer marinara for dipping but I love ranch!
- Buffalo Chicken Wraps – Drizzle ranch on the chicken mixture in the wrap. You might even want a little cup for dipping.
Use homemade ranch as a salad dressing, vegetable dip, or dipping sauce for wings and pizza. It is also delicious drizzled over wraps, sandwiches, burgers, and baked potatoes.
Make Ahead and Storage
For the best flavor, make the ranch 2 to 3 hours ahead and refrigerate before serving. It will thicken as it chills, so stir well before using and add a little milk if needed.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Freezing is not recommended because the dressing can separate and change texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Buttermilk powder adds the tangy flavor that gives homemade ranch its classic taste.
Mix ranch seasoning with mayonnaise and milk. Adjust the milk until dressing reaches your desired consistency.
Let the ranch chill for 2 to 3 hours before serving. This gives the herbs and seasoning time to blend and develop more flavor.
More Homemade Dressings
Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Buttermilk Powder
- 1 teaspoon Dried Parsley
- ¼ teaspoon Dill
- ¼ teaspoon Dried Chives
- ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Pepper
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
See how we calculate recipe costs.
Instructions
- Stir together the mayonnaise and sour cream. Then stir in all the seasoning.
- Then gradually whisk in the milk until the dressing is the consistency that you prefer.
- Refrigerate for 2-3 hours and then the dressing is ready to serve!
- Notes: This recipe makes approximately 1 ½ cups of salad dressing and each serving is approximately 1 Tablespoon.
- This salad dressing will last refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Great recipe. We love them!!
Thank you so much, Lois! I appreciate this so much.