There’s no need to buy Ranch seasoning packets or bottled versions because this homemade ranch dressing is totally easy to make from scratch.
How to Make Homemade Ranch Dressing
There really is no need to buy those little packets of pre-portioned dried Ranch mix. This homemade Ranch dressing comes together quick with no fuss.Â
When I make this homemade buttermilk Ranch dressing, it’s pretty much drizzled, dipped and guzzled down so there’s never much left over. But when there is, it’s perfectly poised for making a simple-to-make Ranch potato salad or this tasty pulled chicken sandwich with Ranch sauce that will leave you wishing for one more handful of potato chips.
What’s In Ranch Dressing
An often asked question is, “Why is Ranch dressing bad for you?” Well, when you make Ranch homemade from scratch, the processed mystery ingredients in bottled dressing and spice packets go out the window, making this version not so bad after all.
Here’s what’s in this homemade Ranch dressing:
- mayonnaise
- buttermilk
- sour cream
- champagne or white vinegar
- garlic
- fresh chives
- Italian parsley
- dried dill
- onion powder
- cayenne pepper
- kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
This dressing gets its tang from the combo of mayo, sour cream and buttermilk. I use full-fat ingredients, but if you want to create your own lower calorie versions, you can simply sub low-fat mayo, sour cream or give Greek yogurt a try. Buttermilk is naturally low-fat so you’re in the clear there.
Fresh herbs are essential here, but I do like to use dried dill in this recipe for it’s more concentrated flavor. If you don’t have fresh herbs, go for dried, a much better option than skipping altogether.
The recognizable taste of ranch comes from the nugget of garlic and dried onion in the dressing. I pretty much always prefer pressing my garlic, but if you don’t have a garlic press, simply mash the garlic in 1/8 teaspoon of salt to create a paste then add to the rest of the ingredients. Don’t be swayed to add more garlic where it can become overpowering.
How to Make Ranch Dressing
To make homemade Ranch, simply whisk together all the ingredients and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
How to Thin Ranch Dressing
After you make this Ranch, enjoy it right away or store it in the fridge to give the flavors time to mingle. The dressing may thicken once chilled. If that happens, stir in a little buttermilk to thin it out to your desired consistency.
How to Store Ranch Dressing
Keep this homemade Ranch in an airtight container or jar in the fridge where it will last for 1 week.
How to Make Ranch Dressing Healthier
- Instead of full fat ingredients, use low-fat alternatives for the sour cream and mayonnaise.Â
- Substitute non-fat plain Greek yogurt for sour cream.
- Buttermilk is naturally low fat so feel good about that.Â
Can I Use a Buttermilk Substitute?
Yes. I always buy real buttermilk specifically for this ranch recipe, but a buttermilk substitute (like lemon juice with regular milk) should be fine here since you’re only using 2 tablespoons.
What to Eat With Ranch Dressing
Obviously ranch dressing is a favorite for green salads. I prefer it on a crisp cuts of iceberg with fresh tomatoes and slices of avocado. But what you’ll usually find me using it for is dipping my pizza crust into. Yep, I’m one of those.
More Homemade Salad Dressing Recipes
- Easy Coleslaw Dressing
- Greek Salad Dressing
- Avocado Caesar Dressing
- Vietnamese Dressing (Nuoc Mam Cham)
- Lightened Up Poppyseed Dressing
- Asian Sesame Dressing
If you make this recipe, please let me know! Leave a 
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Homemade Ranch Dressing
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 teaspoon champagne or white vinegar
- 1 clove garlic pressed or finely minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives
- 1 tablespoon Italian parsley minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Mix all of the ingredients together in a small bowl. Add more buttermilk for desired consistency. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
Nutrition
More Salad Recipes You’ll Love
- The Best Fattoush Salad
- Strawberry Spinach Salad with Chicken and Avocado
- Classic Blue Cheese Wedge Salad
- Chinese Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing
- Classic Three Bean Salad
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