✅ Creamy, tangy & fresh
✅ Ready in 5 minutes
✅ Better than store-bought, every time
Introduction
If you’ve ever wished ranch dressing tasted fresher, creamier, and more flavorful, this Homemade Ranch Dressing is the answer. Store-bought ranch can taste dull or artificial — but when you make it at home with real herbs, creamy buttermilk, and tangy sour cream, the flavor is on an entirely different level.
This dressing is:
- Smooth and silky
- Bright and herby
- Lightly tangy
- Balanced and addictive
It’s perfect for salads, chicken wings, pizza dipping (yes!), veggie trays, sandwiches, and more. Once you try this version, you’ll never want to go back to bottled ranch again.
Ingredients List
Core Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (adjust for thickness preference)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Fresh Herbs (Key for Flavor!)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
(If using dried herbs: use 1/3 the amount.)
Timing
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Chill Time (Optional) | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | ~5–35 minutes |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Base
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream
- Buttermilk
Whisk until completely smooth.
Step 2: Season
Add:
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Lemon juice
Stir to combine.
Step 3: Add Herbs
Fold in chopped dill, chives, and parsley.
Step 4: Adjust Consistency
- Add more buttermilk to thin
- Add more sour cream to thicken
Step 5: Chill (Optional but Recommended)
Refrigerate 30 minutes to let flavors deepen.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per 2 tablespoons)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~90 kcal |
| Fat | 8g |
| Carbs | 1g |
| Protein | 1g |
Healthier & Dietary Alternatives
| Goal | Swap |
|---|---|
| Lower Calorie | Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream |
| Dairy-Free | Use vegan mayo + coconut milk + dried herbs |
| Extra Tangy | Add extra lemon juice or white vinegar |
| Extra Creamy | Add 1 tablespoon cream cheese |
Serving Suggestions
This homemade ranch is perfect with:
- Salads
- Chicken tenders or wings
- Vegetable platters
- Pizza dipping (iconic!)
- Baked potatoes
- Sandwiches & wraps
- Burgers
- Fries
It also makes an amazing chicken marinade.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Solution |
|---|---|
| Dressing tastes flat | Add more lemon juice and salt |
| Too thick | Whisk in a splash of buttermilk |
| Too thin | Add extra mayo or sour cream |
| Flavor feels dull | Use fresh herbs whenever possible |
Storing Tips
- Refrigerator: Up to 1 week in an airtight jar
- Do not freeze: Dairy will separate and texture will change
The flavor improves after a few hours in the fridge.
Conclusion
This Homemade Ranch Dressing is creamy, tangy, herby, and absolutely full of fresh flavor. With just a few simple ingredients and five minutes of prep, you’ll have a dressing (and dip!) that tastes better than anything bottled — every single time.
Make it once — and it will become a staple in your kitchen.
FAQs
1. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes — use 1/3 the amount and let the dressing chill longer.
2. My dressing is too thin — what do I do?
Stir in more sour cream or mayo a spoonful at a time.
3. Can I make this ahead?
Yes — flavor only gets better after chilling.
4. What if I don’t have buttermilk?
Mix 1/2 cup milk + 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Let sit 5 minutes.
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