Homemade Ranch Dressing is a creamy, tangy delight that elevates any dish in just 10 minutes. Its velvety texture and rich blend of herbs and spices create a flavor that’s far superior to store-bought versions. Perfect for drizzling over crisp salads, dipping fresh veggies, or enhancing your favorite snacks, this dressing is a kitchen staple you’ll want to make again and again.
With fresh garlic, zesty buttermilk, and a hint of dill, every spoonful bursts with bright, savory notes. Quick to prepare and endlessly versatile, it’s a recipe that promises to impress without demanding much time. Once you taste this homemade version, you’ll never go back to the bottled kind.
What You’ll Need for Homemade Ranch Dressing?
- ½ cup sour cream (or whole milk Greek yogurt for a tangier option)
- ¼ to ½ cup mayonnaise (adjust for desired thickness)
- 2 to 4 tablespoons buttermilk (or any milk for consistency)
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional, for added flavor)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (optional, for a herby kick)
How to Make Homemade Ranch Dressing
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream, ¼ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons milk, dried dill, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, and several grinds of pepper.
- Adjust the consistency: For a thicker dressing, add more mayonnaise. For a thinner dressing, add more milk.
- Taste and season: Add more salt or pepper if desired, ensuring the flavors are balanced.
- If using, gently fold in the chopped fresh chives and dill for added freshness and texture.
- Serve immediately as a salad dressing or dip, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
This Homemade Ranch Dressing is incredibly versatile! Use it as a dip for fresh veggies like carrots, celery, and bell peppers, or drizzle it over a crisp garden salad. It’s also fantastic as a topping for baked potatoes, a spread for sandwiches, or a dipping sauce for chicken tenders and pizza crusts. Pro tip: Thin it slightly with extra milk for a pourable dressing or keep it thick for dipping.
Customize It: Recipe Variations
Want to mix things up? Swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt for a tangier, protein-packed version. For a richer flavor, use buttermilk instead of regular milk. Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce for a smoky or spicy twist. If you’re out of fresh herbs, double the dried dill or experiment with parsley or cilantro for a fresh twist.
Keep It Fresh: Storage Tips
Store your Homemade Ranch Dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Give it a quick stir before serving, as it may separate slightly. Note: If you’ve used fresh herbs, the flavor will intensify over time, so adjust seasoning if needed when serving.
Quick & Easy: Time-Saving Tips
To save time, prep all your ingredients before starting. Measure out the spices and chop the herbs in advance. If you’re making a double batch, use a blender or food processor to whisk everything together in seconds. This dressing also tastes great when made ahead, so feel free to whip it up the night before!
Essential Tools: Equipment Guidance
All you need is a medium-sized mixing bowl and a whisk to make this recipe. For a smoother consistency, a blender or food processor works wonders. If you’re storing the dressing, use a mason jar or airtight container with a lid for easy shaking and serving.
Homemade Ranch Dressing
Ingredients
- ½ cup sour cream or whole milk Greek yogurt
- ¼ to ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 to 4 tablespoons buttermilk or any milk
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives optional
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill optional
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream, ¼ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons milk, dried dill, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, and several grinds of pepper. For a thicker dressing, add more mayonnaise. For a thinner dressing, add more milk.
- Season to taste, adding more salt if desired. Fold in the chives and dill, if using.
- Use as a salad dressing or dip, or try one of the serving suggestions in the blog post above. Store dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.