This homemade ranch dressing recipe is so much better than store bought! Creamy, rich and tangy, it’s delicious as a dip, in salads and more.
Our son loves this homemade ranch dressing…and honestly, so do I! It has a delicious creamy texture and a spicy, savory flavor. Keep it on the thicker side to use as a dip with vegetables, or thin it out to drizzle on salads and pizzas (if ranch on pizza is your thing).
This ranch dressing recipe calls for simple ingredients, which makes it taste MUCH better than any store-bought ranch dressing I’ve ever tried. It has a rich sour cream base (Greek yogurt works too!) and seasonings like dried dill and garlic powder add rich flavor. Fresh lemon juice gives it a perfect shiny finish.
In a side-by-side taste test with this dressing and Hidden Valley Ranch, I would choose this recipe as the winner every time. Try it the next time you’re craving ranch dressing. I think you will agree!
Ranch dressing ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this ranch dressing recipe:
- Sour cream, buttermilk and mayonnaise – They create the creamy base of the dressing.
- Dried dill, garlic powder and onion powder – These seasonings give the dressing its distinctive “ranch” flavor.
- Distilled white vinegar and lemon juice. – For a spicy flavor! White vinegar adds an assertive flavor. Lemon juice adds a lighter shine.
- fresh dill and chives – Optional, but delicious! They add freshness to the dressing and deepen its savory flavor.
- And salt and pepper – To make all the flavors stand out!
Find the full recipe with measurements below.
Substitutions
Don’t have these exact ingredients on hand? Here are some substitutions that work well in this recipe:
- Sour cream – Whole milk Greek yogurt is a good substitute.
- Buttermilk – Regular milk is great too! For a dairy-free option, check out my vegan ranch dressing.
- Fresh chives and dill – Feel free to skip them if you don’t have them on hand. If you still want to add something fresh, a little parsley is a good alternative.
How to make ranch dressing
This recipe is quick and easy to make!
First, make the dressing base. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, lemon juice, vinegar, and dried herbs and seasonings.
Adjust the consistency to your taste. For a thicker sauce, add more mayonnaise. For a thinner dressing, add more milk.
Then, season to taste. Add more salt and/or pepper, if desired. If you are using fresh herbs, fold them in.
Chill until ready to use.
Find the full recipe with measurements below.
How to use ranch dressing
If you’re making this recipe, I’m assuming you already have a favorite way to use ranch salad dressing. Let me know what it is in the comments!
But if you’re looking for more ideas, you can’t go wrong with these:
Storage
This dressing keeps well in an airtight container or jar. in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
We love having it on hand to enjoy with vegetables as a snack!
More Homemade Salad Dressing Recipes
If you love this recipe, try one of these homemade dressings below:
Homemade Ranch Dressing
serves 6 at 8
This homemade ranch dressing is so much better than store bought! It’s creamy, rich and spicy, made with simple ingredients like mayonnaise and fresh herbs. Enjoy it as a salad dressing or sauce, or try another of the serving suggestions in the previous blog post.
Prevent your screen from going dark
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In a medium bowl, whisk together sour cream, ¼ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons milk, dried dill, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, and a few grinds of pepper. For a thicker dressing, add more mayonnaise. For a thinner dressing, add more milk.
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Season to taste, adding more salt if desired. Add the chives and dill, if using.
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Use it as a salad dressing or sauce, or try one of the serving suggestions in the blog post above. Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
