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.
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 ⅛ 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.
- Substitute non-fat plain Greek yogurt for sour cream.
- Buttermilk is naturally low fat so feel good about that.
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
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried dill
- ¼ 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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Jamie
This is delicious! Much better than the stuff from the bottle. Used leftover bbq chicken and veggies for a salad – will definitely make again!
Hayley
We’re so happy you enjoyed it, Jamie!
Shelby
I usually love your recipes but Just an FYI – I his was way too salty… should have halved the salt… had to double the rest of the ingredients to balance it out…
Hi Shelby, sorry you found it too salty. Did you use kosher salt or regular iodized salt? Iodized is saltier, could that be the problem?
Andrea Christian
Tastes just like ranch SHOULD taste!!
I made a homemade mayo with an avocado/coconut oil blend, and added the full amount of salt that the recipe calls for and it was perfect. I don’t have a garlic press (and my knife skills aren’t that up to snuff lol), so I substituted 1/2 tsp dried garlic powder for the clove. I’m writing this recipe down and I guarantee it’ll be a huge hit with my ranch-loving family!
Anna Wright
I love this recipe .its really a mouth watering one.Looking for more similar recipes from you.
Elizabeth Campbell
I would like to know how long can I store this ranch dressing in my refrigerator?
Genea
I loved this recipe! I substituted cilantro for the parsley and used it on Baja Fish Tacos, delicious!
What a great idea to add to tacos! It’s so good on pretty much everything :) Thanks Geena!
Caitlyn
Thanks!! How long can this be stored in the fridge?
Elizabeth Campbell
How long can I store this ranch dressing in my refrigerator?
Joy
Just made this. To serve tomorrow. Added more vinegar a bit of sugar and some chile powder. Tasted it and liked it
Joy
When I added the chile powder it turned into more of a spicy ranch still delicious.
Jeanmarie Johnson
I made this dressing for a 4th of July BBQ.. Made enough to fill up a quart size mason jar. I added less salt and less garlic and used store bought buttermilk. I made Blue Cheese and Raspberry Walnut Vinaigrette also. The Ranch was a huge hit and had very little left. At one point I thought i would have to make more. My son (surprisingly) loved it and I will be making it again.
Mary Lucia Smith
This dressing is amazing! Best ranch recipe that i have tried! My 6 year old daughter even dipped it with vegetables! It was loved by our entire family!
Mary, I’m so glad you guys enjoyed it!
Laura
I have been searching for an amazing homemade ranch dressing that will knock the socks off of my ranch-loving husband! This totally looks like it could be the winner! :)
katy likens
Best ranch dressing recipe EVER! My husband and I are completely addicted. I’ve made about 5 batches in 2 weeks. That’s healthy, right? :)
That is great news Katy! I’m so glad you’ve make the recipe part of your weekly routine :)
Heather
I made a half serving for myself after I ran out of the store stuff. I may never go back!!! This is the best ranch I have ever had!!
Sonia
I love this recipe, can I share this to my friends, thanks very much
Elizabeth Zuiker
WOW , now that is some kind of explosive flavor!!!! Who would want to buy ranch dressing after that?
Your pic. Looked the most scrumptious so I thought I’d give it a whirl. I doubled the recipe. Made my own buttermilk with Braggs Apple cider vinegar. Used real mayo. Had no fresh garlic so I just used powered garlic. And I love dill so I added a little more. Put it in my blend tech and BOOM…. my husband was in love with me all over again!! It’s amazing how delicious food can do that to a man.
Thanks for saving our marriage!! Heidi
Alya
This was excellent, thank you! At first it seemed too liquidy but i put it in the fridge over night and it was the perfect consistency by morning. I converted the recipe to cups and am making this by the jar-ful. It lasted up to a week before we gobbled up the whole thing… Not sure how much more time it would have stayed good but it was still super fresh tasting after a week.
Felicia
Looks yummy + similar to one I used to make. Gonna try this, with the whole quantity of salt. Mayo + salt…tasty. So do you buy your buttermilk or do you do the el mako DIY (milk with a splash of lemon)?
:-)
Hi Felicia. I use regular buttermilk, only because I specifically buy it for the recipe, but if you didn’t have it on hand, your method would likely work.
Kirsten
Tried this tonight. Flavors were good. I would add 1/4 tsp salt instead. It was very salty with 1 tsp.
I’m glad you gave it a whirl, and yes, salt is a very personal addition :)
Courtney
Agree there was way too much salt!
Alya
I think this depends on what mayonnaise you are using… if its homemade it may have less salt than store bought.
Eileen
Agreed, for me it was so salty that it was inedible. I would just add a little bit of salt at a time.
Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness
If I could ranch dressing ALL the things in life, I WOULD. Even my face, I love it that much.
This homemade dressing looks perfectly thick and creamy, and I definitely need to give ‘er a try! Pinned!
Bella B
I will have to try this. I love ranch on everything!
xoxoBella | http://xoxobella.com
Nick
Same
George SSF
Looks nice!!! I can save this recipe as my favourite!!! Thanks for sharing!!!
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar
Aww darn!! I made a ranch dressing from another blog this weekend and it was terrible!!! At least I have this recipe to tuck away for later. It looks great!