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    Home » Recipes » Sauces and Dressing » Ranch Dressing Recipe

    Ranch Dressing Recipe

    Published: Feb 24, 2022 · Modified: Jul 27, 2023 by Tonia Larson

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    ↓ JUMP TO RECIPE ↓ JUMP TO VIDEO

    This homemade Ranch Dressing recipe is easy to make and better than store-bought! Your family will love using it as a salad dressing and dip.

    mason jar of ranch dressing with a spoon in it

    Although we like many different salad dressings, ranch dressing remains our favorite! Besides being delicious on a large variety of salads, it can be used as a dip for anything from pizza to chicken tenders.

    What’s Included In This Post

    • Ingredients and Substitutions
    • How To Make Ranch Dressing
    • Variations
      • Salsa Ranch
      • Spicy Ranch Dressing
    • Storage Tips
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Try It On These Salads
    ingredients in bowls

    Ingredients and Substitutions

    The ingredients needed for this ranch dressing recipe are actually pretty basic, and you probably have them in your kitchen already. So you can easily whip it up anytime you want!

    • Milk: This recipe uses whole milk to thin the dressing while maintaining the creaminess. You can use lighter milk if you prefer, but the dressing will be thinner.
    • Vinegar: We added vinegar to the milk to make buttermilk. You could also use lemon juice if you prefer.
    • Mayonnaise: We used full-fat, original mayonnaise because it adds flavor and creaminess. Other alternatives include a light mayo or Miracle Whip but keep in mind that any substitutions may change the flavor and creaminess of the dressing.
    • Sour Cream: We also added sour cream for extra creaminess and a little tanginess. Again, you can try using light sour cream or even Greek yogurt, but it may change the flavor and texture.
    • Herbs: We used dried chives, parsley, and dill weed to make this ranch dressing. You can substitute the dried herbs with fresh ones if you prefer, but you will need two to three times as much fresh as dried.
    • Garlic Powder: We chose garlic powder, but minced garlic would also work in this recipe. Also, you can add more or less garlic powder, depending on your preferences.
    • Onion Powder: The onion powder adds flavor to the dressing.
    • Black Pepper: A little black pepper adds a spicy flavor and flecks of color.
    • Salt: We added a little salt to help bring out the flavors of the dressing.
    drizzling ranch dressing from a spoon into a jar

    How To Make Ranch Dressing

    There are only three easy steps in this recipe! Make the buttermilk, whisk everything together, and refrigerate to thicken. Kids would love to help make this dressing.

    a hand using a spoon to stir buttermilk in a small glass pitcher

    Prep: Mix together the milk and vinegar to make buttermilk. You can also use lemon juice instead of vinegar if you prefer.

    whisking ranch dressing in a bowl

    Whisk: Add the buttermilk to the remaining ingredients and whisk until combined.

    hands pouring ranch salad dressing from a mixing bowl into a glass jar

    Chill: Transfer the ranch dressing to a mason jar and add the cover. Place it in the refrigerator to allow the flavor to combine and the dressing to thicken.

    Variations

    Salsa Ranch

    To make salsa ranch, skip the buttermilk (milk and vinegar in this recipe) and add one cup of salsa instead. This dressing is perfect for taco salad and chicken fajita salad.

    Spicy Ranch Dressing

    If you want to make the dressing spicy, add a little hot sauce and some dried peppers such as cayenne, ancho chili, or crushed red peppers. Start with only a 1/8 or 1/4 teaspoon and add more as needed.

    broccoli dipped in homemade ranch dressing

    Storage Tips

    Store homemade ranch dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. It does not freeze well, so only make as much as you plan to use within a week.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How can I make light ranch dressing?

    You can use skim milk, light mayonnaise, and light sour cream, but the dressing won’t be as creamy or thick. Try adding less skim milk to start and only add more as needed.

    Why is restaurant ranch dressing so good?

    Restaurant ranch dressing is so good because it is freshly made with full-fat ingredients, just like this recipe!

    What gives ranch dressing its flavor?

    The flavor is a combination of tangy creaminess (buttermilk, mayo, and sour cream), herbs (chives, parsley, and dill), and a little bite/spice (garlic, onion, and black pepper).

    ranch dressing on a cobb salad

    Try It On These Salads

    • This Apple Cranberry Salad is a combination of sweet and tart!
    • Our Taco Salad can be served for lunch or dinner.
    • Corn Salad is a summer favorite!
    • This Cobb Salad recipe is a classic.

    Similar Recipes

    • This creamy Lemon Vinaigrette tastes like dressing from a restaurant!
    • Poppy Seed Dressing is perfect for strawberry spinach salad.
    • Use homemade Italian Dressing on an Olive Garden Italian salad!
    • Chipotle Ranch Dressing adds a little heat and a lot of flavor!
    drizzling ranch dressing from a spoon into a jar

    Ranch Dressing Recipe

    This homemade Ranch Dressing recipe is easy to make and better than store-bought! Your family will love using it as a salad dressing and dip.
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    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Servings: 16
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    Equipment

    2-Cup Glass Measuring Cup
    Piano Wire Whip
    Flute Jars

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup whole milk
    • 1 teaspoon vinegar
    • 1 cup mayonnaise
    • ½ cup sour cream
    • 1 teaspoon dried chives
    • ½ teaspoon dried parsley
    • ½ teaspoon dried dill weed
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • ¼ teaspoon salt

    Instructions

    • Whisk together the whole milk and vinegar. Set aside for 5 minutes.
    • Add the mayonnaise, sour cream, dried chives dried parsley, dried dill weed, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Whisk to combine.
    • Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

    Video

    Notes

    One: Salsa Ranch

    Skip the buttermilk (milk and vinegar in this recipe) and add one cup of salsa instead.

    Two: Spicy Ranch Dressing

    Add a little hot sauce and some dried peppers such as cayenne, ancho chili, or crushed red peppers. Start with only a 1/8 or 1/4 teaspoon and add more as needed.

    Three: Storage

    Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 2tablespoon | Calories: 116kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 131mg | Potassium: 35mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 279IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 0.1mg
    Course: Sauces and Condiments
    Cuisine: American
    Author: Tonia Larson

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    About Tonia Larson

    Hi! I’m Tonia, the owner and recipe creator at The Gunny Sack, where I’ve shared easy recipes for busy people for 12+ years! My family-friendly meals, easy side dishes, and delicious desserts include mouthwatering photos, dynamic videos, and step-by-step instructions to help you cook at home.

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    Comments

    1. Ronald says

      August 8, 2022 at 1:49 pm

      Most of the goodies I’ve seen you present sound delicious, & are added to my recipe collection. The name of your site attracted me. (Not many folk know gunny stack.) When new-to-me recipes loom on the horizon, investigation is required. There in so far, 2 excellent recipes for dry ranch dressing mix are constantly in use here. Making it nearly fills a 2 cup container that resides top shelf of my reefer, ready to use dry or mix with salad dressing, the proper spread to smear on sandwiches. Mere mayo goes down the road with folks who tolerate drinking 2% milk. Tasting a new grocery chain’s housebrand 2 years ago has me watching for potato salad recipes. They showed me potato salad can be flavorful, instead of bland. Hates bland food. Likes eating well. I often say eating should be a celebration for the tastebuds. Until Zuckerberg killed it after 7 years, I had an F’book page named No Excuse for Bad Cookin’. Seeya.

      Reply

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    Tonia Larson and Brian LarsonHi, We are Brian and Tonia Larson! We hope you enjoy our family-friendly meals, easy side dishes, and tasty desserts!
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