Homemade Ranch Dressing: Creamy, Tangy, and So Easy to Make
Let’s be honest—ranch dressing is one of those sauces that just makes everything better.
Whether you’re drizzling it over a salad, dipping crispy fries, pairing it with spicy appetizers like Nashville hot mozzarella sticks, or even dunking your pizza in it, ranch has a way of balancing bold flavors while holding its own.
This homemade ranch dressing is creamy, tangy, and packed with fresh herbs. Once you try making it from scratch, you’ll never go back to the bottled stuff. It comes together in just a few minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Quick and Easy: Mix it up in minutes—no fancy tools required.
- Packed with Freshness: The combination of fresh dill, parsley, and chives adds a vibrant kick.
- Versatile: Perfect for salads, dipping, or drizzling over your favorite dishes.
How It Comes Together:
Start with a base of mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk for that signature creaminess. Add garlic, fresh herbs, and a splash of lemon juice for brightness. Mix it all together, and it’s ready to serve.
Ingredients (with Substitutions)
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess to the base; can use low-fat or avocado oil-based mayo.
- Sour Cream: For tanginess; Greek yogurt works as an alternative.
- Buttermilk: Thins out the dressing; regular milk with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar can substitute.
- Parsley: Use dried parsley or swap with freshly chopped parsley for a brighter flavor.
- Dill: Dried or fresh dill adds herby notes to the dressing.
- Chives: Freshly chopped for a mild onion-like flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a savory element.
- Onion Powder: Deepens the flavor.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Enhances and balances the flavors.
- Lemon Juice or White Vinegar: Brightens the overall taste.
Top Tips for the Best Ranch Dressing
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs, if available, elevate the flavor for a more vibrant taste.
- Adjust the Tang: Add more lemon juice or vinegar if you like a tangier dressing.
- Consistency Control: For a dip, keep it thicker by reducing the buttermilk. For a thinner drizzle, add more buttermilk or milk gradually.
- Make Ahead: Ranch tastes even better when chilled for at least an hour, allowing the flavors to fully meld.
What to Pair It With
Homemade ranch dressing is incredibly versatile. Here are a few recipes from the blog that pair perfectly:
- Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks – The cool, creamy ranch balances the heat of the mozzarella sticks.
- Crispy Tostones with Garlic Sauce – Swap out the garlic sauce for a tangy ranch twist.
- Air Fryer Plantain Chips – A crunchy, dippable snack made even better with ranch.
If You Like This, You’ll Love These
- Spicy Cilantro Sauce – A zesty, herby dip that’s perfect for veggies or chips.
- Garlic Aioli – Creamy and garlicky, another versatile sauce to keep on hand.
- Baked Crack Corn Dip – A warm, cheesy corn dip that’s always a hit.
- Cold Crack Corn Dip – A chilled, creamy version with crunchy toppings.
If you make this homemade ranch dressing, I’d love to hear what you think!
Leave a comment or recipe rating, and if you snap a photo, tag me on Instagram. Seeing your creations is always a treat!
Homemade Ranch Dressing: Creamy, Tangy, and So Easy to Make
Equipment
- 1 Mixing Bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons
- 1 Airtight Container or Jar
- 1 Chopping Board and Knife (Optional)
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp dried parsley or 2 tsp fresh
- ½ tsp dried dill or 1 tsp fresh
- 1-2 tsp fresh chives finely chopped
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice or white vinegar
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk until smooth.
- Stir in the dried parsley, dill, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the lemon juice or vinegar and whisk again. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add a bit more buttermilk, 1 tbsp at a time.
- For the best flavor, cover and refrigerate the ranch for at least 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Serve cold or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs, if available, elevate the flavor for a more vibrant taste.
- Adjust the Tang: Add more lemon juice or vinegar if you like a tangier dressing.
- Consistency Control: For a dip, keep it thicker by reducing the buttermilk. For a thinner drizzle, add more buttermilk or milk gradually.
- Make Ahead: Ranch tastes even better when chilled for at least an hour, allowing the flavors to fully meld.
