Homemade Ranch Dressing

A jar of ranch dressing with a small wooden spoon

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.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword homemade ranch dressing, ranch dressing with dried herbs

Prep Time 2

Fridge Time (Recommended) 2

Total Time 2 2

Servings

Calories 60kcal

Author Jessica

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

Calorie count is for one serving. The recipe makes about 1.5 cups of ranch dressing and I figure each serving is usually about 1 1/2 tablespoons. So you can get 16 servings from the recipe.

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