There’s nothing quite like the creamy, tangy taste of homemade ranch dressing. Forget the store-bought bottles—this easy homemade ranch recipe will completely elevate your salads, veggies, and snacks. Made with a blend of herbs, spices, and a rich creamy base, this ranch is so flavorful you’ll want to drizzle it on everything!
🌿 Why You’ll Love This Homemade Ranch
- Bursting with Flavor: Fresh herbs and spices make every bite bold and delicious.
- Super Versatile: Use it as a salad dressing, veggie dip, or sandwich spread.
- Quick and Easy: Made with pantry staples and ready in minutes.
- Customizable: Adjust the flavor—make it creamier, tangier, or spicier to suit your taste.
Once you try this homemade version, you’ll never want the bottled stuff again!
🧂 Ingredients
For the Dry Ranch Mix:
- ¼ cup black pepper
- 1½ cups parsley flakes
- ½ cup garlic salt
- 2 tbsp kosher salt
- ¼ cup granulated garlic
- ¾ cup granulated onion
- 2 tbsp dill weed
For the Ranch Dressing:
- 2 cups mayonnaise
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1½ cups sour cream
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp of the dry ranch mix
This recipe makes about 3½ cups of dry mix—plenty to have on hand for quick dressings anytime!
🧰 Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Airtight container (for storing the dry mix)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Jar or bottle (for storing the dressing)
👩🍳 How to Make Homemade Ranch
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ranch Mix
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together all dry mix ingredients until evenly blended.
- Store: Transfer to an airtight container and keep in a cool, dry place. It will stay fresh for up to 6 months.
💡 Tip: Package this mix in small jars and gift it to friends—add a cute label with mixing instructions!
Step 2: Make the Ranch Dressing
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a clean bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, sour cream, and lemon juice.
- Add Seasoning: Stir in 2 tablespoons of your homemade dry ranch mix until smooth.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors blend beautifully.
💡 Tips for the Best Ranch
- Adjust Consistency: Add more buttermilk for a thinner dressing or less for a thicker dip.
- Enhance Flavor: Mix in extra dill, parsley, or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce for a zesty kick.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This homemade ranch isn’t just for salads—try it with:
- Fresh veggies like carrots, celery, and cucumbers
- Drizzled over pizza or baked potatoes
- As a dip for buffalo wings or chicken tenders
- A flavorful spread for wraps and sandwiches
🧊 Storage Tips
- Ranch Dressing: Store in the fridge in an airtight jar for up to 1 week.
- Dry Ranch Mix: Keep sealed in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
- Before Serving: Shake or stir the dressing if it separates a bit in the fridge.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make it lighter?
Yes! Use low-fat mayo, light sour cream, or non-fat buttermilk for a lighter version.
Can I use fresh herbs?
Absolutely—just use 3 times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried.
How long does it last?
The prepared dressing keeps for up to 1 week in the fridge.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free mayo and sour cream, and replace buttermilk with almond or soy milk mixed with a little lemon juice.
Why chill before serving?
Chilling allows the flavors to meld, giving the dressing a rich, balanced taste.
💬 Final Thoughts
This Homemade Ranch Dressing is creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor. It’s simple to make, completely customizable, and so much better than store-bought. Perfect for salads, dipping, or even as a marinade, it’ll quickly become your go-to ranch recipe.