Homemade Ranch Dressing
Hands down the BEST ranch you will ever dunk into, drizzle over, or spoon out! While we love to keep things eazy peazy, there is just something about a homemade ranch that can’t be beat, and this one is just too easy! So say goodbye to store-bought and hello to fresh, flavorful, and incredibly easy-to-make Homemade Ranch Dressing!
With just a few simple ingredients, most of which you probably keep on hand, a bowl and a whisk, you can create a creamy, tangy, and herb-packed ranch dressing that’s perfect for salads, dipping your favorite wings or fries into, and drizzling over fresh cut veggies. You will never want anything but homemade again.
What You Need for Homemade Ranch Dressing
- 1/3-½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried chives
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- up to 3 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, adjusted to taste
Optional
- 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped (optional) You can also add fresh parsley and cilantro if desired.
- 1 teaspoon fresh chives, chopped (optional)
- 1 garlic clove, minced (optional)
I got this recipe from my friend at Barefeet in the Kitchen and adjusted it slightly to my family preference. It is amazing. When I have fresh herbs I substitute a Tablespoon of fresh for the teaspoon of dried. This is also best when I plan to use it right away. If I want to keep it in the fridge for a week or so, I use dried herbs, and leave out the fresh. I also love garlic, so I add in a clove of minced garlic if I am the one eating it. But that is optional.
How to Make Homemade Ranch Dressing
- Combine the Base: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk until smooth and creamy.
- Add the Herbs and Spices: Sprinkle in dried dill, parsley, chives, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk again until fully combined.
- Add Lemon to Taste: Stir in the lemon juice, tasting as you go. Add in about 1 teaspoon at a time until your homemade ranch dressing reaches your preferred tanginess and flavor.
- Chill and Serve: Pour the dressing into a jar or airtight container and refrigerate before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Ranch Dressing
- Freshness is Key: Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. If you don’t have lemon, plain white vinegar works as an excellent substitute.
- Customize Your Flavor: Add a pinch of cayenne for a hint of heat, some chipotle for a chipotle ranch, or extra garlic powder or fresh garlic for more punch. Taste and adjust to your preference along the way. Sometimes I like to add fresh cilantro for a cilantro ranch.
- Make it Thicker or Thinner: For a thicker dip-like consistency, reduce the buttermilk. For a thinner, pourable dressing, add a splash of milk.
- Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh dill, parsley, or chives, feel free to substitute them for the dried herbs. The flavors will be even brighter.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store the ranch dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Shake or Stir: The dressing may separate slightly over time. Just give it a good shake or stir before using.
Serving Ideas
- As a Dip: Perfect for veggies, wings, or crispy chicken tenders.
- On Salads: Drizzle over greens for a classic touch.
- For Pizza: Use as a dipping sauce or a drizzle on top of pizza slices.
- In Wraps or Sandwiches: Add a creamy layer to wraps and sandwiches.
Homemade Ranch Dressing is easy, delicious, and so much better than anything you’ll find in a bottle. With its creamy texture, herby notes, and customizable tang, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Whip up a batch today and taste the difference! You won’t ever want to go back!
Homemade Ranch Dressing
Ingredients
- 1/3-½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried chives
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- up to 3 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice adjusted to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh dill chopped (optional) You can also add fresh parsley and cilantro if desired.
- 1 teaspoon fresh chives chopped (optional)
- 1 garlic clove minced (optional)
Instructions
Combine the Base:
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk until smooth and creamy.
Add the Herbs and Spices:
- Sprinkle in dried dill, parsley, chives, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk again until fully combined.
Add Lemon to Taste:
- Stir in the lemon juice, tasting as you go. Add in about 1 teaspoon at a time until your homemade ranch dressing reaches your preferred tanginess and flavor.
Chill and Serve:
- Pour the ranch dressing into a jar or airtight container and refrigerate before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
Nutrition
Our recipe card software calculates these nutrition facts based on averages for the above ingredients, different brands, and quality of produce/meats may have different nutritional information, always calculate your own based on the specific products you use in order to achieve accurate macros for this recipe.
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