This Best Homemade Ranch Dressing is creamy, tangy, and full of fresh flavors, making it perfect for salads, dipping vegetables, or drizzling over your favorite dishes. Made with simple ingredients like buttermilk, mayonnaise, and fresh herbs, this ranch dressing is easy to whip up and tastes so much better than store-bought versions.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried chives
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for extra tang)
Instructions
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk until smooth.
- Add the dried dill, dried parsley, dried chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice (if using).
- Whisk until all the ingredients are well combined and the dressing is smooth.
Step 2: Taste and Adjust
- Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your taste.
Step 3: Chill and Serve
- Transfer the ranch dressing to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve as a dressing, dip, or drizzle over your favorite dishes.
Cooking Tips & Notes
- Buttermilk: For a thicker dressing, reduce the amount of buttermilk slightly. For a thinner consistency, add more buttermilk until you reach your desired thickness.
- Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh herbs on hand, use them instead of dried. Use 1 tablespoon of fresh dill, parsley, and chives for the best flavor.
- Storing: Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Variations
- Spicy Ranch: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Avocado Ranch: Blend in half an avocado for a creamy avocado ranch dressing.
- Greek Yogurt Ranch: Replace the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version with extra tang.
- Ranch Dip: For a thicker dip, reduce the buttermilk or omit it altogether, making it perfect for dipping vegetables or chips.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Use Regular Milk Instead of Buttermilk?
Yes, you can use regular milk, but the dressing will be less tangy. To mimic buttermilk, add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to the milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
2. How Long Does Homemade Ranch Dressing Last?
Homemade ranch dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Stir before serving.
3. Can I Make This Ranch Dressing Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can use dairy-free substitutes for the mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk. Use vegan mayonnaise, dairy-free sour cream, and almond milk with a splash of lemon juice.
4. Can I Freeze Ranch Dressing?
It’s not recommended to freeze ranch dressing, as the texture may change and become grainy once thawed.
Serving Suggestions
- Salad Dressing: Drizzle over your favorite salads, such as a classic garden salad or a Cobb salad.
- Vegetable Dip: Serve as a dip for fresh veggies like carrots, celery, bell peppers, and cucumbers.
- Chicken Wings: Use as a dipping sauce for chicken wings or chicken tenders.
- Pizza Drizzle: Drizzle over pizza for an extra burst of flavor.
- Burger Sauce: Spread on burgers or sandwiches for a creamy, tangy addition.
The Best Homemade Ranch Dressing is a creamy, flavorful addition to any meal, made with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Whether you’re using it as a salad dressing, a dip, or a sauce, this ranch dressing is sure to elevate your dishes. Give it a try, and enjoy the fresh taste of homemade ranch dressing that’s so much better than anything you’ll find in a bottle!
