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Ranch Dressing Recipe

Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe

This ranch dressing recipe creates the perfect creamy, tangy dressing that beats any store-bought version. Made with simple ingredients in just 5 minutes, this homemade ranch uses fresh herbs and pantry staples to create restaurant-quality flavor that's perfect for salads, vegetables, and dipping.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 24 tablespoons
Course: Condiment, Sauce
Cuisine: American
Calories: 45
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Base Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk or regular milk
Seasonings
  • 3/4 teaspoon dried dill weed
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried chives
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1-2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice adjust to taste

Equipment

  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring Cups
  • Mason jar or airtight container

Method
 

  1. Combine the base: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk until completely smooth and well combined.
  2. Add dry seasonings: Sprinkle in dried dill, parsley, chives, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the creamy base.
  3. Mix thoroughly: Whisk everything together until all herbs and seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the dressing.
  4. Add acid: Squeeze in fresh lemon juice starting with 1 teaspoon, then taste and add more as desired for brightness.
  5. Chill and serve: Transfer to a mason jar or airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to develop.

Notes

Storage: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Shake well before each use as natural separation may occur.
Substitutions: You can replace fresh lemon juice with white vinegar for a different tang. Greek yogurt can substitute for sour cream for a protein boost.
Consistency Tips: If too thick, thin with additional buttermilk one tablespoon at a time. If too thin, add more mayonnaise.
Best Results: Use room temperature ingredients for smoother blending and let the dressing chill for several hours for the best flavor development.