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Easy Homemade Ranch Dressing

4.9 (45 ratings)
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By Ella
Prep Time 10 min
Cook Time 0 min
Calories 145 kcal
Difficulty Easy

Ingredients

Servings

Directions / Instructions

Why You'll Love This Easy Homemade Ranch Dressing

Skip the bottled dressing and make this fresh, creamy Homemade Ranch Dressing in just minutes. Made with real buttermilk, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, and fresh herbs, it has a bright, tangy flavor that's far superior to store-bought versions.

This versatile dressing works as a salad dressing, vegetable dip, sandwich spread, pizza dip, or sauce for chicken wings and fries. Best of all, it uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh chives
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried dill (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine the Base

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, and lemon juice until smooth.

2. Add the Seasonings

Stir in the minced garlic, parsley, dill, chives, onion powder, dried dill (if using), salt, pepper, and paprika.

3. Mix Well

Whisk until all of the herbs and seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the dressing.

4. Adjust the Consistency

If you prefer a thinner dressing, whisk in an additional tablespoon or two of buttermilk until the desired consistency is reached.

5. Chill

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

6. Serve

Stir before serving and enjoy over salads or as a dip for vegetables, wings, fries, crackers, or pizza.

Expert Tips

Fresh herbs provide the brightest flavor, but dried herbs work well if fresh aren't available. Letting the dressing chill before serving allows the garlic and herbs to fully infuse. Use full-fat mayonnaise and sour cream for the creamiest texture.

Storage

Store the ranch dressing in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Stir before each use. Do not freeze, as dairy-based dressings tend to separate after thawing.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over garden salads, Cobb salads, Caesar salads, wraps, burgers, sandwiches, baked potatoes, roasted vegetables, buffalo wings, chicken tenders, fries, onion rings, pizza, or fresh vegetable platters.

Recipe Variations

Add crumbled blue cheese for a bold flavor, mix in chipotle powder or hot sauce for a spicy ranch, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version, or stir in freshly grated Parmesan for an Italian-inspired ranch dressing. For an herb-forward version, increase the fresh dill and parsley.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, homemade ranch dressing stays fresh for up to one week.
Yes. Mix regular milk with a teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes as a buttermilk substitute.
Absolutely. Plain Greek yogurt creates a lighter dressing with extra protein while maintaining a creamy texture.
Chilling allows the herbs, garlic, and seasonings to blend together, resulting in a much more flavorful dressing.
Yes. Use about one-third the amount of dried herbs since they have a more concentrated flavor.
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