This Homemade Ranch Dressing recipe is a creamy, flavorful favorite perfect for salads, dips, and more. Made with fresh ingredients like buttermilk, sour cream, and herbs, it’s easy to whip up in minutes and tastes better than store-bought versions. Whether you’re drizzling it over greens, dipping veggies, or using it as a sauce for chicken wings, this ranch recipe is versatile and customizable. Learn tips for adjusting the consistency, making it vegan, and adding unique twists like avocado or spice. Say goodbye to preservatives and hello to fresh, homemade flavor with this easy ranch dressing recipe!

Ingredients:

Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup cold buttermilk (or kefir)
- ½ cup cold sour cream
- ½ cup real mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (or 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley)
- ½ teaspoon dried dill (or 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 tablespoon freshly grated garlic from 3 medium cloves)
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper (or to taste)

Instructions:

Combine the Ingredients:
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth.
Add the Seasonings:
Stir in the vinegar, onion powder, parsley, dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined.
Taste and Adjust:
Taste the dressing and adjust the salt to your preference. For a dressing consistency, ¾ teaspoon of salt works well. For a thicker dip, ½ teaspoon of salt is sufficient.
Chill and Serve:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the ranch dressing for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Versatile: Perfect as a salad dressing, dip, or spread for sandwiches and wraps.
Fresh and Flavorful: Made with real ingredients for a rich, creamy texture and bold herb flavors.
Customizable: Easily adjust the consistency and flavor to suit your preferences.
Healthier Alternative: Free of preservatives found in store-bought dressings.

Tips

Chilling Time: Letting the dressing rest for at least 2 hours enhances the flavors.
Consistency Control: Add more buttermilk for a thinner dressing or extra sour cream for a thicker dip.
Garlic Flavor: Use fresh garlic for a robust flavor or garlic powder for a milder taste.

Variations and Substitutions

Lemon Ranch: Replace white vinegar with freshly squeezed lemon juice for a citrusy twist.
Avocado Ranch: Blend in half an avocado for added creaminess and a unique flavor.
Spicy Ranch: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Vegan Option: Use plant-based mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk alternatives.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

Can I freeze ranch dressing?
It’s not recommended, as the dairy ingredients may separate when thawed.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can make a quick substitute by mixing ½ cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.

Serving and Suggestions

Salads: Drizzle over your favorite greens, pasta salads, or grain bowls.
Dips: Serve with fresh vegetables, chicken wings, fries, or onion rings.
Sandwiches: Spread on wraps, burgers, or as a sauce for grilled chicken sandwiches.
Snacks: Use it as a dip for pizza, breadsticks, or pretzels for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.