Here’s a promise: once you make this homemade ranch dressing and realize how easy it is, you’ll want to put it on everything. I know because that’s what happened to me! I use this dressing in tons of recipes. I’ve added it to everything from chicken and bacon (a truly, truly classic ranch combo) to steak, quesadillas, shrimp and even more chicken.
The homemade version is so freakin’ delicious, you’ll forget all about the store-bought bottles. The simple ingredients and easy prep make this a ranch dressing recipe you won’t want to pass up.
Why You’ll Love Homemade Ranch Dressing
Our homemade ranch dressing gets its delicious, tangy flavors from a combination of sour cream, mayonnaise and real buttermilk. This mix of ingredients also creates a fantastic creamy consistency, so this ranch recipe works as both a dressing and a ranch dip. Fresh parsley and fresh dill add complexity and, well, freshness. We’ve got a real party in a bowl here!
Looking for other sauces or a new favorite condiment? Check out my recipes for Smoked Butter, Guinness BBQ Sauce and the Best Chimichurri Recipes.
Homemade Ranch Dressing Ingredients
- Creamy Base: We’ll use tangy sour cream and mayonnaise as our main ingredients. The buttermilk is to thin out the dressing, so add it according to your desired consistency.
- Seasoning: I use chopped parsley and chopped dill, plus some garlic powder, kosher salt and black pepper. If you wanted, you could probably sub in fresh chives and use onion powder instead of garlic powder. This garlic flavor combo is my favorite way to make it, though, so maybe try it this way first and then experiment according to your taste buds.
Fun Facts About Ranch Dressing
Things that I did not know about ranch dressing until I 1) started making it all the time and 2) came across this New York Times “Ranch Nation” article:
- Ranch dressing is the most popular dressing in America, with 40 percent of people saying it’s their favorite.
- Steve Henson, a Nebraska plumber, came up with the recipe when he was working in construction in Alaska. He and his wife bought a ranch in California, named it Hidden Valley Ranch, and started sending guests home with the dressing as a souvenir from the ranch’s steakhouse. That’s where the name comes from.
- When they started expanding, the Hensons mailed ranch packets that people could mix at home. A shelf-stable bottle of store-bought ranch didn’t show up in supermarkets until 1983.
- There’s a restaurant in St. Louis that serves 31 (?!?!) different kinds of ranch dressing.
The more you know!
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How to Make Homemade Ranch Dressing
I said this dressing is an easy recipe. I wasn’t kidding. In the world of homemade dressings, it doesn’t get much simpler than this. Ready to make your own ranch?
In a small bowl, mix together 2.5 tablespoons sour cream, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1.5 tablespoons chopped parsley, 1 tablespoon chopped dill weed, 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon black pepper, kosher salt to taste and buttermilk to your desired consistency. Less buttermilk if you want it on the thicker side for a perfect dip; more buttermilk if you want it thinner as a homemade salad dressing.
Set it to the side until you’re ready to use it. I like to leave it in the fridge for 30 minutes so the flavors have a chance to meld, but it’s not totally necessary.
There it is! The best ranch dressing. After tasting your own homemade ranch, I bet you’ll have a hard time going back to the store-bought stuff.
What to Serve with Homemade Ranch Dressing
More like, what NOT to serve with homemade ranch dressing, because it goes with just about everything? This stuff is a game changer. You can pour it on chicken, chicken wings, bacon, steaks, tacos, quesadillas, salads, and more.
If you want to use it as a dipping sauce, I love it with shrimp and sliders, and you can also go with the classics of potato chips and fresh vegetables. Leave a comment and let me know your favorite way to use it!
Leftovers and Reheating
This homemade ranch dressing will last in an airtight container or a mason jar in the fridge for up to two weeks. As far as reheating…don’t reheat it. Salad dressing recipes don’t want to be hot.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Everything
FAQs
Sure! I do love the grassy flavors of fresh ingredients here, but dried herbs can work in a pinch. A good rule of thumb is that 1 tablespoon fresh herbs is equal to 1 teaspoon dried herbs, so adjust your quantities accordingly.
Full-fat plain Greek yogurt can do the trick! The consistency might be a little different and the homemade ranch might have a little less tang, but it’s a good option.
Definitely. I’m a huge fan of mixing chipotle into ranch dressing for tacos and quesadillas. If you want a little more Italian flavor, you can add in some dried or fresh oregano. Throw in dashes of hot sauce for Buffalo ranch dressing. There are tons of options out there!
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- Ranch dressing is the most popular dressing in America, with 40 percent of people saying it’s their favorite.
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- Steve Henson, a Nebraska plumber, came up with the recipe when he was working in construction in Alaska. He and his wife bought a ranch in California, named it Hidden Valley Ranch, and started sending guests home with the dressing as a souvenir from the ranch’s steakhouse. That’s where the name comes from.
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- When they started expanding, the Hensons mailed ranch packets that people could mix at home. A shelf-stable bottle of store-bought ranch didn’t show up in supermarkets until 1983.
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- There’s a restaurant in St. Louis that serves 31 (?!?!) different kinds of ranch dressing.
Calories: 68kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 48mg | Potassium: 40mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 0.3g | Vitamin A: 188IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 0.2mg
