There’s nothing quite like the creamy, tangy flavor of homemade ranch dressing. Forget the store-bought bottles—this recipe for The Best Homemade Ranch will elevate your salads, veggies, and snacks to a whole new level. With a blend of flavorful herbs and spices combined with a creamy base, this ranch is so good you’ll want to drizzle it on everything.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Ranch
- Packed with Flavor: Fresh herbs and spices make this ranch bold and irresistible.
- Versatile: Perfect as a salad dressing, veggie dip, or sandwich spread.
- Easy to Make: Minimal prep with ingredients you likely already have.
- Customizable: Adjust seasoning to your taste—spicier, creamier, or tangier.
Once you try this homemade version, you’ll never go back to store-bought!
Ingredients
For the Dry Ranch Mix:
- ¼ cup black pepper
- 1½ cups parsley flakes
- ½ cup garlic salt
- 2 tbsp kosher salt
- ¼ cup granulated garlic
- ¾ cup granulated onion
- 2 tbsp dill weed
For the Ranch Dressing:
- 2 cups mayonnaise
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1½ cups sour cream
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp of the dry ranch mix
This recipe makes about 3½ cups of dry ranch mix, so you’ll have plenty to make dressing whenever you need it.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl – for combining the dry mix and dressing ingredients
- Whisk – to ensure a smooth, creamy consistency
- Airtight container – to store the dry mix
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate measurements
- Jar or bottle – to store the prepared dressing
How to Make Homemade Ranch
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ranch Mix
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together:
- ¼ cup black pepper
- 1½ cups parsley flakes
- ½ cup garlic salt
- 2 tbsp kosher salt
- ¼ cup granulated garlic
- ¾ cup granulated onion
- 2 tbsp dill weed
- Store the Mix: Transfer the dry ranch mix to an airtight container. This will keep it fresh and flavorful for months.
Tip: This dry mix also makes a great gift! Package it in small jars and add a tag with instructions for making the dressing.
Step 2: Make the Ranch Dressing
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine:
- 2 cups mayonnaise
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1½ cups sour cream
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Add Dry Mix: Whisk in 2 tbsp of the prepared dry ranch mix. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Chill: Refrigerate the dressing for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a richer, creamier dressing.
Tips for the Best Homemade Ranch
- Consistency Control: Adjust the thickness by adding more or less buttermilk. For a thicker dip, reduce the buttermilk; for a thinner dressing, add a bit more.
- Flavor Boost: For a stronger herb flavor, add extra dill or parsley to the mix.
- Zesty Twist: Add a splash of white vinegar or more lemon juice for extra tang.
- Spicy Ranch: Mix in a dash of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This homemade ranch is super versatile! Here are some delicious ways to use it:
- Salad Dressing: A classic topping for green salads or pasta salads.
- Veggie Dip: Perfect for dipping carrots, celery, cucumbers, and bell peppers.
- Pizza Companion: Drizzle over pizza slices or use as a dipping sauce.
- Buffalo Wings Dip: A cooling dip for spicy wings.
- Sandwich Spread: Use it as a flavorful spread for wraps and sandwiches.
- Baked Potato Topper: Drizzle over baked potatoes or loaded potato skins.
Storing Homemade Ranch
- Refrigerate: Store the prepared ranch dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Dry Mix Storage: The dry ranch mix can be kept in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
- Shake Before Serving: The dressing may separate a bit in the fridge—just give it a quick shake or stir before using.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Low-Fat Ingredients?
Yes! You can use low-fat mayonnaise, light sour cream, and even non-fat buttermilk for a lighter version. The texture and flavor will still be delicious.
Can I Use Fresh Herbs Instead of Dried?
Absolutely! Swap out the dried parsley and dill for fresh herbs. Use 3 times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried for the best flavor.
How Long Does Homemade Ranch Last?
The prepared ranch dressing lasts for up to 1 week in the fridge. The dry mix can be stored for up to 6 months if kept in an airtight container.
Can I Make This Ranch Dairy-Free?
Yes, for a dairy-free version, use:
- Dairy-free mayonnaise
- Unsweetened almond or soy milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice (as a buttermilk substitute)
- Dairy-free sour cream
Why Does It Taste Better After Chilling?
Chilling allows the herbs and spices to fully hydrate and blend with the creamy base, resulting in a richer and more cohesive flavor.
Final Thoughts and Call to Action
This Homemade Ranch Dressing is creamy, tangy, and bursting with herbaceous flavor. It’s simple to make, tastes way better than store-bought, and can be customized to your liking. Perfect for salads, dipping, or even as a marinade, this ranch will become your go-to dressing in no time.
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