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This Homemade Ranch Dressing really is the best with hundreds of five-star ratings! Ranch dressing made with dried seasonings, which makes it so inexpensive and easy to make. Plus a ‘secret ingredient’ that makes this version of the classic salad dressing stand out from the rest.
For a high protein version of ranch version be sure to try Cottage Cheese Ranch Dressing.
Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe (With Buttermilk and Dried Herbs)
No need to go buy store-bought ranch ever again when you’ve got this recipe for the best ranch dressing EVER! My version of buttermilk ranch dressing is so easy with a ton of flavor, and I promise you, that any home cook can make it in their own kitchen.
I have tried recreating that iconic restaurant ranch so many times, and this version is the closest I have ever come. It’s a smooth, creamy base, that is 1000x better than the store-bought stuff.
Bonus – is that it’s so simple to make with dried seasonings and no chopping needed. No need to buy expensive fresh herbs to get that tangy flavor and classic ranch flavor. So make it at home and I can almost guarantee it will be a family favorite.
My kids always ask if ‘I’ve made any of my ranch’ because they love cutting up cucumbers and dipping them in the delicious ranch as an after-school snack.
I make this weekly for my family and I am not ashamed to admit that I even have the recipe memorized 😊 To say we love this homemade ranch dressing would be an understatement.
Simple Ingredients Needed
- Mayonnaise
- Buttermilk : I recommend using store-bought buttermilk rather than making your own using milk and vinegar or fresh lemon juice. I have tested this recipe with store-bought buttermilk and homemade buttermilk, and for some reason, the taste and consistency of the dressing using store-bought buttermilk was so much better.
- Sour Cream
- Dried Parsley
- Dried Dill Weed
- Dried Chives
- Onion Powder
- Garlic Powder
- Worcestershire Sauce : This is the surprising ‘secret ingredient’ to the best restaurant style ranch; it gives a delicious depth of bold flavor to this ranch recipe.
- Salt & Pepper : I like using kosher salt but you can use your favorite salt, add more or less to taste, I use 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and think it’s perfect.
How To Make A Homemade Version of Ranch Dressing (Printable Recipe Card)
Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until smooth mixed well.
Cover the bowl with a lid, or plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours before serving. This dressing tastes much better after it has had time to set, thicken, and the flavors meld in the fridge!
How To Store Leftover Ranch Dressing
Leftover ranch dressing stores well in the fridge for up to 5-6 days. Keep it inside the bowl, covered, or transfer the ranch dressing to a mason jar, or airtight container, for storage. Always keep the ranch dressing chilled and serve it chilled from the fridge.
Recipe Tips For Success
- Need More Servings? : This recipe easily double or triples if you need more servings. Simply double (or triple) every single ingredient!
- Use Full-Fat Mayo and Sour Cream : Using full-fat mayonnaise and sour cream makes a huge difference in this homemade dressing recipe, and it’s really a game changer! Using low-fat buttermilk is just fine, and I actually prefer low-fat buttermilk because it’s not as thick, and therefore, won’t make the dressing too thick.
- Chill The Ranch Dressing Before Serving : When you first make the dressing it won’t taste the best but I promise you, that as it sits in the fridge for a few hours, it thickens up so creamy and perfect, and the flavors all meld together perfectly. So trust the process, cover the bowl, and let it refrigerate before serving.
- Don’t Use Miracle Whip : Although Miracle whip is similar to mayonnaise with it’s creamy base, it has a distinctly different taste, thanks to the addition of sugar and other spices (such as mustard) which gives it its unique tangy and sweet flavor. The flavor profile just does not go well with the ranch dressing ingredients.
Serving Suggestions For Ranch Dressing
This homemade ranch is such a great recipe because there are so many things you can do with it! I mean, who doesn’t love ranch dressing?! Here are some of my family’s favorite ways to eat ranch, and also some ideas for dinner recipes using ranch dressing.
- My favorite way to enjoy ranch is with some fresh veggies such as carrots, sliced cucumbers, celery, and cherry tomatoes
- Ranch dressing is a great dip for French fries
- My kids love to dip pizza in ranch dressing
- Drizzle the ranch dressing over top your favorite green salad
- Chicken nuggets, chicken tenders, or chicken wings
- I love using this homemade ranch to make my Ranch Pasta Salad
- Make this Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole for dinner using some leftover ranch dressing
- Make Skillet Ranch Chicken Fajitas
- Try this Ranch Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole for dinner
Ranch Salad Dressing Recipe FAQs
Can I Use Homemade Buttermilk, or Is Real Buttermilk Better?
I have made this recipe hundreds of times and I highly recommend buying buttermilk at the store (I use low-fat buttermilk). I don’t know why, but every time I have tried using a homemade buttermilk – milk + white vinegar or lemon juice, the dressing never tastes the same and it’s not as good. Of course, feel free to experiment on your own because maybe you will think differently, but for me personally, I much prefer using store-bought buttermilk.
What Are Some Tips To Getting The Desired Consistency?
When you first make the ranch dressing it will be thinner dressing, but as it refrigerates, it will thicken up to the perfect creamy consistency. However, if it still feels too thick or too thin here are some solutions. If the dressing is too thick try adding additional buttermilk, or even regular milk, until the desired consistency is reached. If the dressing gets to be too thin (which I have never had happen) try adding a small amount of mayo or sour cream at a time, whisking well, until the desired consistency is reached.
Can I Use Fresh Herbs Instead of Dried Herbs?
Yes, you can use fresh herbs if preferred. If using fresh herbs you will want to double the amount used. So if the recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon dried chives and dried parsley, you will need to use 1 teaspoon fresh parsley and fresh chives. Just double the amount if using fresh.
How Can I Make This Ranch Dressing Healthier?
I never recommend to anyone that they try and make this ranch dressing healthier – but it can be done if you want. Use lite, or low-fat mayonnaise and sour cream. To make it ultra low-fat (but the taste will definitely be very different) use plain greek yogurt in place of the mayonnaise.
More Ranch Recipes
Homemade Ranch Dressing
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup full-fat mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup buttermilk low-fat is fine
- 1/4 cup full-fat sour cream
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried dill weed
- ½ teaspoon dried chives
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon salt I use kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until smooth mixed well.1/2 cup full-fat mayonnaise, 1/2 cup buttermilk, 1/4 cup full-fat sour cream, ½ teaspoon dried parsley, ½ teaspoon dried dill weed, ½ teaspoon dried chives, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon worcestershire sauce, ¼ teaspoon salt, ⅛ teaspoon pepper
- Cover the bowl with a lid, or plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours before serving. This dressing tastes much better after it has had time to set, thicken, and the flavors meld in the fridge!
Video
Notes
Can I Use Homemade Buttermilk, or Is Real Buttermilk Better?
I have made this recipe hundreds of times and I highly recommend buying buttermilk at the store (I use low-fat buttermilk). I don’t know why, but every time I have tried using a homemade buttermilk – milk + white vinegar or lemon juice, the dressing never tastes the same and it’s not as good. Of course, feel free to experiment on your own because maybe you will think differently, but for me personally, I much prefer using store-bought buttermilk.What Are Some Tips To Getting The Desired Consistency?
When you first make the ranch dressing it will be thinner dressing, but as it refrigerates, it will thicken up to the perfect creamy consistency. However, if it still feels too thick or too thin here are some solutions. If the dressing is too thick try adding additional buttermilk, or even regular milk, until the desired consistency is reached. If the dressing gets to be too thin (which I have never had happen) try adding a small amount of mayo or sour cream at a time, whisking well, until the desired consistency is reached.Can I Use Fresh Herbs Instead of Dried Herbs?
Yes, you can use fresh herbs if preferred. If using fresh herbs you will want to double the amount used. So if the recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon dried chives and dried parsley, you will need to use 1 teaspoon fresh parsley and fresh chives. Just double the amount if using fresh.How Can I Make This Ranch Dressing Healthier?
I never recommend to anyone that they try and make this ranch dressing healthier – but it can be done if you want. Use lite, or low-fat mayonnaise and sour cream. To make it ultra low-fat (but the taste will definitely be very different) use plain greek yogurt in place of the mayonnaise.Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
I’d love to see it! You can share it with me on @togetherasfamilyblog and follow on Pinterest @together-as-family-blog-recipes or Facebook @togetherasfamilyblog for more!
I use this same recipe and it really is the best I’ve found. Your suggestion to keep dry ingredients on hand is excellent. You can buy powdered buttermilk. Not expensive. Takes a second to mix a Tb with water…you can mix enough for one recipe and always have it on hand. Bob’s Red Mill is one brand. I use it for biscuits also….
Just the other day day I pulled out my buttermilk powder because I forgot to buy some at the store. I love that stuff! I’ve never used it before this ranch dressing but now I make sure I always keep it on hand. Thanks for stopping by Diana 🙂
Your powdered buttermilk suggestion is the best.
Thanks I made this dressing tonight. Fanastic I added fresh parsley because it’s in the yard. I also added the dressing to my macaroni salad. Love it. I could make this often.
So happy you loved it Tina 🙂 I love the idea of adding fresh parsley. Yum! Thank you so much for coming back to leave your comment. Have a great weekend!
Hi! How long will this keep in the fridge?
This will keep in the fridge for as long as the ingredients will. I would say because of the milk and sour cream, it would only be good for up to 2 weeks?? When I make it, it seems to keep well for up to 2 weeks. I hope that answers your question.
This is the best ranch recipe ever! I made it the first time and we gobbled it up so fast! I haven’t Purchased store bought ranch yet:) Thanks for sharing!
Hi Janelle! Thank you so much for your sweet comment. I love this ranch dressing too and always *try* to keep it on hand in the fridge 🙂 Thanks for leaving your feedback.
Hi! Thanks for the recipe! Any idea how long it will keep in the fridge?
Thanks!
With the sour cream and buttermilk in it, I would say up to 7 days in the fridge. It never ever lasts that long in my house 🙂
I just made this is by far test ranch dressing have ever tasted. And so easy. Thanks.
That makes me so happy to hear! We love this stuff and I am so glad that others are loving it as well. Thanks for coming back to let me know.
what kind of mayonnaise do you use?
Hi Rebecca! I prefer the regular, whole-fat mayo because it has much better flavor than the low-fat or light mayos. I like the Hellman’s brand but any brand would work. Hope that helps.
I absolutely LOVE this dressing! Thank you so much for sharing. I’ve made this many times and it’s now pretty much a staple in our refrigerator.
I hope you don’t mind but I shared it on my blog.
Hi Wendy. So happy you love this dressing. And I don’t mind at all that you shared it on your blog. I love sharing recipes 🙂
Homemade is always the best way to go. This Ranch is our new favorite. Great taste. I can’t wait to put it on our garden Romaine lettuce.
Yes, it is! Especially with ranch dressing. It’s so much better than anything you’ll buy at the store. Enjoy!
I love this ranch! I have always used the substitute of vinegar in milk as a substitute for buttermilk and I think it works very well! I have had it with the buttermilk so I was able to compare. Just FYI if anyone doesn’t have it or want to buy a big thing of it 🙂
I love the vinegar and milk tip! I use that when I don’t have buttermilk in the fridge and I agree, it does work very well. So glad you love this ranch! I could basically drink this stuff 🙂 kidding….. but it is so good!
Is this recipe thin or like sludge? Every homemade ranch I have ever made has been waaaaay too thick. It is more of a dip. I want thin?
It is a thinner dressing but not like really thin (watery) dressing. If that even make sense, haha 🙂 The longer it sits in the fridge the thicker it becomes but I don’t think it gets super thick. You can also just add more buttermilk or regular milk to thin in out once it’s been in the fridge.
This is the “Best Homemade Ranch Dressing”!!! I don’t like bottled store bought dressing so I’ve been trying different homemade ranch dressing recipes online and it’s true, this is the BEST. Thanks for sharing your recipe with the rest of us 🙂
You’re so welcome! It makes me happy to hear that others love this too. I don’t buy store bought anymore either. This stuff is so much better 🙂
There is way too much mayonnaise. Did not have a good taste.
Mayo is a big component of salad dressing. Especially ranch. Make sure you use a mayo that you like, or at least a high quality brand. I mention that in the post as a tip. Sorry you didn’t like this ☹️ Thanks for coming back! J
Any suggestions for me?…mine tastes way too much like mayo. I really like my mayo, this just tastes funky now. What would you add first to adjust the flavor?
Oh no! So sorry. The only thing I could think of that’s making it taste funky (like too much mayo) is : make sure you are using mayonnaise and not miracle whip. Also, I really recommend using a quality brand of mayonnaise, not the store brand because it does not taste nearly as decent as the name brand. If you’re still having trouble with the flavor I would use less mayo and see if that helps.
I switch between Hellmann’s, Duke and Kraft full fat mayo. When mayo flavor shines through too much in my ranch dressing, I change my ratio of mayo and sour cream. This could be the tweak that helps others.
I love the flavor. I just wish it was a little thicker, like store bought. Do you have any idea on how to make it thicker? I love the idea of knowing what is in my food.
If you want I thicker, make sure that you use whole fat buttermilk, whole fat sour cream, and regular mayo. If it’s still not thick enough then reduce the buttermilk slightly.
This recipe is wonderful.
I create most of my own dressings and have recently found adding ¼t or ½t Chia Seeds to a batch of 1 cup to 1½ cup dressing helps thicken mine to a desirable consistency, without altering the flavor profile.
This is finger licking good. I have always loved ranch and found that nothing in the store is of good quality. I found that homeade ranches is where it is at and not only that this is a healthier version. In that sense what are the Nutritional Facts?
Not sure. I would have to add it up in a recipe nutrition app or something. I’ll have to do that next time I make it, which seems to be often, and then I can add it to the recipe for everyone.
I love this ranch recipe! And so does my family I doubled it just the last time I made it! Thank you for his contribution.
I am planning on making this ranch dressing. I do have one question. Will I be able to refrigerate what’s left for later and for how long?
Yes, leftovers refrigerate really well. I find that 2-3 days is a good time for this ranch dressing. Anything longer than that and the dressing tends to separate. I hope that helps. Hope you enjoy it!
I added a avacado. Super good
Oh wow, avocado!! I need to try that. So happy you loved it.
This recipe is great, and very forgiving! I had all ingredients except buttermilk and dried dill. I took into consideration that you said the buttermilk substitute of milk and vinegar lacked richness in the recipe, so I used half & half instead of milk. Since I didn’t have dill, I used a tablespoon of dill pickle juice, and it was delicious!
I love your half-n-half hack. It’s brilliant. I’ve tried making this recipe with the buttermilk substitute and it’s SO much better with the real, full-fat stuff, haha 🙂 Thank you so much for coming back to leave your review and I am so happy you love this recipe. It’s a favorite of mine.
Hi! I just started experimenting with recipes I’ve found on pinterest and your ranch dressing is really great! It’s got lots of flavor and I’d much rather make this instead of buying hidden valley from the store…hmmm….saving money..taste better and it’s healthier! Thank you!
So happy to hear this. I hope you find more recipes you love. Thanks for being here!
This is the best I’ve ever had! The great thing is you can keep the dry mix in a canning jar and whip up a batch quickly anytime you want! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuW-32gEfKc
This is the ultimate recipe! I found it during a quick Pinterest search and now my family and I are completely obsessed! I’m thrilled to have a healthy version I can whip up in a pinch instead of buying some at the store that is full of preservatives and garbage. I ended up using greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and milk instead of buttermilk (simply because I didn’t have any on hand). It was a perfect substitution as we’re trying to get my toddler to gain weight. She doesn’t eat much, but she LOVES this dip. Score! I’ve already shared it with multiple friends as well, it’s that good. Thanks!!
I have recently been put on a low sodium diet Looking at labels can be depressing for sure my search for better options brought me to this recipe and I am so glad that I found this it is yummy and even with half the salt it is wonderful I have also been making homemade mayo to cut further on sodium and it makes things recipe thicker for those who have mentioned problems with it being thin
I’ve never been a huge fan of ranch dressing until I tried this recipe it’s fantastic!!! My family and I absolutely love it thank you for sharing.
This is so good and would have given it five stars but it was much too garlicky and tasted more like Caesar. I will definitely make it again and use about a quarter of the garlic. I didn’t use the dill and added fresh chives. The consistency was perfect. Thank you for your recipe!☺
Oh yea, for sure cut back on the garlic and that should solve it next time. This recipe is super adaptable so that will work just fine!
Great recipe! It tastes great before even putting it in the fridge!
Better than Kraft Ranch!
Thank you!!!
My family loved the homemade ranch dressing and so easy to make. I, myself, thought it was a little bland. Can I add garlic chives to the dressing mix or what do you suggest?
Yes, go ahead and add whatever you prefer to this. I will say that the flavor intensifies as it sits in the fridge, which is why I always make this ahead of time. Cayenne pepper for some heat would be a good addition, fresh garlic, garlic pepper seasoning would all be good additions.
YES!!! Tried so many awful different bottles of ranch dressing. This is the recipe I have been searching for!!! Thank you!
So happy to hear this! It definitely beats any bottles dressing for sure 🙂 Thank you for your comment.
I’ve been making this for 2 plus years and we love it! I’m asking for help turning this into a big Batch recipe I can keep in a mason jar. You know like 3- 4 cups! Thank you so much!!!!
This is phenomenal, thank you. I am wondering if you would consider adding just a pinch.com’s recipe box plugin to your blog? Thats how I save most recipes I find on the web. It’s a really great tool!
I have heard of their recipe plugin. I love the look of it. I will definitely look into it for sure. So happy you love this recipe.
I’ve used adaptions of this recipe for a bit, rarely having buttermilk, mayo and sr. cream all at once. I was drawn to this recipe because unlike other delicious versions I’ve tried this had dry spices which makes it so much quicker.
Tonight, I had everything to execute the recipe EXACTLY AS WRITTEN with the exception of parsley; I prefer fresh. Much more flavorful and cheaper than dried. THIS IS THE PERFECT RANCH DRESSING RECIPE. It was so delicious, full of flavor and I know it will taste even better tomorrow.
The spices were all spot on for me. My family will love it and it’s my new “go to” version! Thank YOU for crafting the perfect ranch dressing recipe.
Aww, I love this! So happy you love this recipe and you’re welcome. My favorite thing is to share recipes 🙂
I don’t like buttermilk or ranch that is tangy like kraft or hiddenvalley could it be possible to make this with whole milk instead?
Yes that would be ok. It would more than likely change the taste a bit, but that’s not a terrible thing cause it should still turn out fine.
Yum. Great flavor!
I’m definitely going to try this but it struck me as peculiar that there isn’t much acid in the recipe. Yes, there’s a little in the buttermilk and Worcestershire but not enough, it seems to me. I’ll find out today!
I hope you like it. If you prefer more acid you can always try adding a little fresh lemon juice or something. I love the recipe as is but everyone is different. Enjoy!
I just wanted to let you know that this adapts to dairy free and egg free beautifully! I have tried so many dairy free ranch dressing recipes and haven’t really liked any of them. But this was wonderful! I swapped Best Foods vegan mayo for regular and dairy free plain yogurt (Nancy’s Oat or Kite Hill Almond) fir the buttermilk and sour cream and it was perfect! My teenage son confirmed with me 3 times that it really was dairy free because it tasted so much like regular ranch dressing, which he fondly remembers but can’t eat anymore. Thanks for such a great recipe!
That makes me so happy to hear that you were able to make those swaps for dairy free! Thank you so much for your comment and rating. I appreciate it.
Here in the South, we use Duke’s or Hellman’s mayo. So good!
Best ranch dressing flavor ever!! Thank you so much for sharing……always s big hit.
I haven’t made this yet but I have a question. To answer one of the people, you said it would keep about 2 weeks in the fridge, but when you answered another person you said 7 days. Just wondering which one is more correct? I’m DEFINITELY NOT a fan of buttermilk in any way shape or form, so not sure I will even try the recipe to be perfectly honest. But I do love ranch dressing.
Thanks for visiting the blog! If you don’t like buttermilk you could always use regular milk as a substitute. How long this recipe is good in the fridge depends on a lot of different things but I would suggest 7-14 days.
The question on how long will it last in the fridge was asked a lot and you gave three different answers. 1. 2 weeks, 2. 7 days, 3. Two days. Hmm. I will definitely give this a try…sounds delicious and simple. Win win!
What a dandy way to start the new year! Dashing to Publix tomorrow. I’ve never heard of powdered buttermilk. You’ve opened a whole New World for me. My family will be in celebration mode. They are coming for dinner this weekend and guess what your ranch dressing will be touted. Thank you so much.
the best
Just made this! The absolute best! I have made many and always something was missing. I used powdered buttermilk (KAF brand) 3/4 tsp with 1/4 C skim milk, light sour cream because that’s what was available. Love that it worked! I made half of a recipe for 2 people. Exactly halved all ingredients. Your recipe needs no alterations! Thank you for taking the time to share.
Best I have ever had ,just the right season and a little goes far,does not run off vegetables states on veggies. I will not buy store dressing anymore!