This homemade ranch dressing recipe is so easy to make that you’ll never want to buy store bought again!
I include step by step pictures and instructions to teach you how to make the best homemade ranch dressing recipe ever!
Creamy, tangy, and packed with herbs and spices, this Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Dressing recipe is perfect for salads, vegetables, or even as a dip for your favorite snacks.
The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients, including buttermilk, sour cream, mayonnaise, and a variety of dried herbs and spices. Simply whisk everything together, let it chill in the fridge, and you’ll have a delicious dressing ready to go in no time.
Say goodbye to bland, store-bought dressing and hello to your new favorite homemade ranch dressing recipe.
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Why You’ll Love This Ranch Dressing Recipe
Bursting with Flavor: This homemade buttermilk ranch dressing recipe is packed with a variety of herbs and spices, including dried parsley, dill, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. The combination of these ingredients creates a rich, savory flavor you’ll want to put on everything in sight!
Versatile: Whether you’re looking for a salad dressing, a dip for vegetables or chicken wings, or a sauce for your favorite sandwiches or wraps, this homemade buttermilk ranch dressing is versatile enough to satisfy your cravings.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is a breeze to make. Simply whisk everything together, chill in the fridge, and you’ll have a delicious dressing ready to go anytime a craving hits! Everybody gets a hankering for ranch dressing right? Or it that just me?!
Customizable: If you prefer your ranch dressing a bit thicker or thinner, you can easily adjust the consistency by adding more or less buttermilk. You can also tweak the amount of spices and herbs to suit your taste buds. I highly recommend tasting and tweaking this recipe to your liking!
Healthier Than Store-Bought Dressing: By making your own dressing at home, you can avoid the high levels of sodium, preservatives, and artificial ingredients found in many store-bought dressings.
Economical: Making your own dressing at home can save you money in the long run, as you can use ingredients you already have on hand and avoid the high cost of pre-made dressings at the grocery store. I like that!!
What You Need to Make This Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe
Equipment
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Ingredients
Below I discuss the ingredients and possible substitutions in case you don’t have a specific ingredient. However, if you are looking for the specific measurements of each ingredient, be sure to scroll down to the bottom of this article, just above the comments, for the printable recipe card, which includes all the ingredients and the specific amounts of each one.
- Buttermilk – If you don’t have buttermilk on hand you can make your own by mixing 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let the mixture stand for about 10 minutes.
- Sour cream – I recommend using real sour cream with all the fat, but if you want to save on calories you can use light sour cream or even greek yogurt is a good choice.
- Mayonnaise – Again, I recommend using real mayonnaise, but to save on calories you can use light mayonnaise. I avoid using fat free because it usually has a lot of sugar in it.
- Red wine vinegar – I like red wine vinegar in ranch dressing as it has a bolder flavor, but if you already have white wine vinegar on hand, that is a suitable substitute.
- Worcestershire sauce – THIS is one of my secret ingredients. Don’t skip this one as it adds umami to my ranch dressing recipe!
- Sugar – Another one of my secret ingredients you don’t want to skip. A little bit of sugar adds so much flavor and really gives this buttermilk ranch dressing that homemade taste.
- Dried seasonings – parsley, dill, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper come together to create the best buttermilk ranch dressing! I prefer to use dried seasonings as they extend the life of the dressing and the flavors blend easier. When using fresh herbs, strong flavors like dill, garlic, and onion can overpower the other flavors.
How to Make the Best Ranch Dressing
- Prep: Gather all of your ingredients.
- Mix: Add ingredients in a medium bowl and whisk together until combined and the spices are evenly distributed throughout the dressing. Add in the following:
- Add sour cream and mayonnaise to a bowl.
- Pour in buttermilk
- Add Red Wine Vinegar
- Add Worcestershire
- Add in the sugar and seasonings (parsley, dill, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper)
- Mix everything together
- Chill: This ranch dressing is delicious as soon as you make it, but magic happens if you cover the bowl and refrigerate the dressing for several hours or overnight before using. This allows the flavors to meld together and develop into a creamy, delicious dressing that’s perfect for any occasion.
- Serve: Serve with vegetables or chips for a dipping sauce, or pour in a curette to serve with salads.
Recipe Tips
- Check Dates – For the sour cream, mayonnaise, and buttermilk, especially, be sure to check the expiation dates to ensure that they are as fresh as can be for the best flavor.
- Chill – I recommend refrigerating the ranch dressing overnight to really give time for the flavors to fully develop. Be patient, and you will be rewarded with the most flavorful ranch dressing.
- Vegetables – A great serving idea is to serve with fresh vegetables and use the ranch dressing as a dip.
Variations
- Avocado Ranch Dressing
- Jalapeno Ranch Dressing
- Sriracha Ranch Dressing
- Everything Bagel Ranch Dressing
The list above is just the beginning. Use your imagination, or use whatever you have on hand, to create new variations, such as Salsa Ranch Dressing, Dairy Free Ranch Dressing, BBQ Ranch Dressing, Cucumber Ranch Dressing, or Dill Pickle Ranch Dressing.
FAQ’s
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs in this recipe?
Yes, you can use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs. However, the measurements may need to be adjusted. 1 teaspoon of dried herbs is equal to 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs, but use your taste buds to get the right mix. Taste and add a little bit at a time until you get it just right for you.
Can I substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream in this recipe. The resulting dressing will have a slightly tangier flavor and a thicker consistency.
Can I use low-fat or non-fat ingredients in this recipe?
Yes, you can use low-fat or non-fat ingredients in this recipe. However, the resulting dressing may have a slightly thinner consistency and a milder flavor. Also, be sure to check labels to see how much sugar in low-fat or non-fat products. Many times the sugar content is much higher in those products to add needed flavor.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. In fact, it’s recommended that you refrigerate the dressing for several hours or overnight before using it to allow the flavors to meld together.
How long will this dressing last in the fridge?
This dressing will last for up to a week in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. If you use fresh herbs and/or garlic instead of the dried, it won’t last as long, so keep that in mind.
Can I adjust the amount of spices and herbs in this recipe?
Yes, and I highly recommend you adjust the amount of spices and herbs in this recipe to suit your personal taste preferences. Just be sure to taste the dressing as you go and adjust accordingly.
Can You Freeze Ranch Dressing?
Yes, you can freeze ranch dressing. You’ll need to place it in an airtight freezer-safe container and then you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
Uses for Homemade Ranch Dressing
- Salad dressing: This homemade buttermilk ranch dressing is perfect as a salad dressing, whether it’s a classic green salad or a heartier pasta salad.
- Vegetable dip: Use this dressing as a dip for your favorite veggies, such as carrot sticks, celery, broccoli florets, and cherry tomatoes. It is so good you’ll want to dip everyone in it!
- Chicken wing dip: This tangy, flavorful dressing is the perfect dip for chicken wings, whether you’re hosting a party or just enjoying a snack.
- Sandwich or wrap spread: Use this dressing as a spread on your favorite sandwiches or wraps to add a creamy, savory flavor.
- Baked potato topping: Drizzle this dressing over a baked potato for a delicious and easy topping.
- Pizza dip: This dressing can also be used as a dip for pizza, whether it’s homemade or store-bought.
- Taco topping: Add a dollop of this dressing to your tacos for a creamy, tangy flavor that compliments the spicy meat and veggies.
- Burger condiment: Use this dressing as a condiment for your favorite burgers for a tangy and flavorful twist.
- Grilled meat marinade: Use this dressing as a marinade for grilled chicken, pork, or beef to add extra flavor and moisture.
- Quesadilla dip: Use this dressing as a dip for your favorite quesadillas for a delicious and creamy complement to the cheesy filling.
More Delicious Salad Dressing Recipes
- Cilantro Lime Dressing – Served with a fresh taco salad.
- Warm Bacon Dressing – Served with a spinach salad.
- Cajun Creole Dressing – Served with a Blackened Chicken Salad.
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Recipe
Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 3/4 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon dried chives
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium bowl combine all ingredients and whisk to combine.
- Refrigerate several hours or overnight before using for best results.
Notes
- Check Dates – For the sour cream, mayonnaise, and buttermilk, especially, be sure to check the expiation dates to ensure that they are as fresh as can be for the best flavor.
- Chill – I recommend refrigerating the ranch dressing overnight to really give time for the flavors to fully develop. Be patient, and you will be rewarded with the most flavorful ranch dressing.
- Vegetables – A great serving idea is to serve with fresh vegetables and use the ranch dressing as a dip.
- Make Ahead – Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. In fact, it’s recommended that you refrigerate the dressing for several hours or overnight before using it to allow the flavors to meld together.
