Ranch Dressing Recipe

Ranch dressing might be the most popular salad dressing recipe in the world. This salad dressing recipe tastes like the Buttermilk Ranch Dressing that’s in that beloved packet, only better!

This homemade ranch is so much better than store-bought.

This dressing recipe is the BEST Ranch Dressing recipe because it tastes like Hidden Valley Ranch mix, but it’s made with fresh ingredients. It has classic ranch flavor that you know and love. See how easy it is to make this ranch dressing from scratch.

You can also use this recipe to make a ranch dip. All you have to do is leave out the buttermilk entirely or use less of it to get a thicker consistency. Adjust it to your liking.

Why this recipe works

• This salad dressing recipe has the perfect ranch flavor.
• You can make this recipe in a bowl or just shake it up in a mason jar.
• This recipe is quick and easy; you’ll never buy ranch dressing again.
• Make this salad dressing with dried or fresh herbs.

Recipe Notes

Restaurant ranch dressing is most commonly made with Hidden Valley Ranch mix. It’s sort of the signature ranch flavor. When I was recipe testing, I wanted this homemade ranch recipe to have that classic flavor and be easy enough to whip up on the fly.

I use dried herbs in this recipe, but I have made this ranch recipe using fresh herbs too, and it’s also fantastic. You’ll use a little bit more or each herb if you do make this dressing with fresh herbs. Check out the recipe card for more details.

What Goes Into Ranch?

• Mayonnaise. Use Hellman’s or Best Food mayo.
• Sour cream. Daisy sour cream is my favorite. It has the freshest sour cream flavor.
• Buttermilk. I like full-fat Bulgarian-style buttermilk. If you don’t have buttermilk you can use whole will and 2 teaspoons of lemon juice.
• Chives. Dried or fresh.
• Parsley. Dried or fresh.
• Dill. Dried or fresh.
• Garlic powder.
• Onion powder.
• Salt and pepper.

As a general rule, to convert dried herbs to fresh herbs, use 3 times the amount of fresh herbs. For every teaspoon of dried herbs, you would use a tablespoon of fresh herbs.

How to make this salad dressing

1. Simply add all the ingredients, except the buttermilk, to a bowl and whisk.
2. Add the buttermilk and whisk it in. You can adjust the amount of buttermilk to achieve the desired consistency.

Alternatively, you and all all of the ingredients to a mason jar and simply shake it up to blend it.

3 Recipe Variations

Ranch Dip

To make ranch dip, simply leave out the buttermilk. You will end up with a thicker ranch that is perfect for dipping crudites (sliced veggies.)

Buffalo Ranch

Add 1/2 teaspoon of paprika and 1/8-1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.

Chipotle Ranch

Add 2 teaspoons of dried chipotle pepper, 2 teaspoons of taco seasoning mix, and 2 tablespoons of hot sauce like Chipotle Cholula.

Storing Tips

Store ranch dressing in the fridge for up to two weeks in an airtight container.

What To Serve With Ranch Dressing

This traditional ranch dressing recipe is of course delicious on a salad. You can even add grilled chicken. Ranch dressing is also a winner with wings and of course, pizza.

I love this dressing on my Burger Bowl too.

More Salad Dressings That You’ll Love

Salads make great no-cook dinner recipes. Whether you’re in the mood for a crisp Greek Salad with Greek Salad Dressing or a Grilled Chicken Salad with Champagne Mustard Vinaigrette I’ve got you covered.

Plus, I’ve got Blue Cheese Dressing that is divine on a Classic Wedge Salad.

Find a new favorite Salad Dressing Recipe.