Homemade Ranch Salad Dressing Recipe

This Homemade Ranch Salad Dressing is creamy, tangy, and packed with fresh herbs—far better than anything you’ll find in a bottle! Made with simple ingredients like buttermilk, mayonnaise, and fresh herbs, this dressing is perfect for salads, as a dip for veggies, or drizzled over chicken wings and sandwiches. Quick to make and full of flavor, it’s a must-have for any ranch lover.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy and tangy – The perfect balance of rich buttermilk and fresh herbs.
• Better than store-bought – No preservatives or artificial flavors, just fresh ingredients.
• Versatile – Works as a salad dressing, dip, or sauce for meats and veggies.
• Quick and easy – Ready in 5 minutes with ingredients you probably already have.
• Customizable – Adjust herbs, spices, and consistency to suit your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup buttermilk (adjust for desired thickness)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (finely chopped)
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives (finely chopped)
• 1 teaspoon fresh dill (or ½ teaspoon dried dill)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Directions

1. Mix the base:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk until smooth and creamy.

2. Add herbs and seasonings:

• Stir in parsley, chives, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
• Add lemon juice for extra brightness if desired.

3. Adjust the consistency:

• Add more buttermilk for a thinner dressing, or use less for a thicker dip-like consistency.

4. Chill and serve:

• Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
• Stir well before using and serve chilled.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 1 cup (about 8 servings)
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes (optional but recommended)
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Ranch: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce for heat.
• Avocado Ranch: Blend in half of a ripe avocado for extra creaminess and flavor.
• Greek Yogurt Ranch: Replace sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a healthier, protein-packed version.
• Vegan Ranch: Use vegan mayonnaise and a non-dairy milk (like almond or oat) instead of buttermilk.
• Chipotle Ranch: Add 1 tablespoon of chipotle in adobo sauce for a smoky kick.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture will separate when thawed.
• Reheating: Not necessary—serve cold from the refrigerator.

FAQs

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, use 1 teaspoon of dried herbs in place of 1 tablespoon of fresh. Dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor, so use less.

What can I substitute for buttermilk?

You can use regular milk mixed with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute for buttermilk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

How long does homemade ranch dressing last?

It will stay fresh for up to 1 week when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I make this ranch dressing thicker for dipping?

Yes, reduce the amount of buttermilk for a thicker consistency perfect for dipping.

Is homemade ranch dressing gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your labels to ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Why does my ranch dressing separate in the fridge?

Separation can happen over time. Simply stir or shake the dressing before using.

Can I use light mayonnaise and sour cream?

Yes, using light versions of mayo and sour cream will reduce calories without significantly affecting the flavor.

What’s the best way to blend the herbs?

For an ultra-smooth dressing, use a food processor or immersion blender.

Can I make ranch dressing without mayonnaise?

Yes, replace the mayo with more sour cream or Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier flavor.

What can I serve with ranch dressing?

Use it as a salad dressing, a dip for fresh veggies, chicken wings, fries, or even as a spread for sandwiches and burgers.

Conclusion

This Homemade Ranch Salad Dressing is creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make with simple, fresh ingredients. Whether you’re drizzling it over salads, using it as a dip, or adding it to your favorite wraps and sandwiches, this ranch dressing is guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen. Once you try this homemade version, you’ll never go back to the store-bought stuff again!

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