Skip the bottle and create a creamy Homemade Ranch Dressing that your family will love!
I stopped ordering ranch dressing in restaurants years ago when I realized that many restaurants buy the same chemical-laden products I avoid at the grocery store. I recently looked at the ingredient label of a famous brand of ranch dressing, which listed soybean or canola oil as the first ingredient, both of which I avoid. It also contains modified food starch, phosphoric acid, MSG, xanthan gum, disodium phosphate, EDTA, and other chemical ingredients and natural flavors (what are these?) that I don’t want in my food. Thankfully, I have this delicious, easy recipe for homemade ranch dressing that lets me enjoy it at home. When you look at the ingredient list, I’m sure you’ll agree this sounds much better.
As busy moms, we all want to provide the best possible food for our families, often on a budget or with limited time. While it may seem easy to pick up a bottle of dressing at the grocery store, I think you will find it even easier to mix it up in five minutes with ingredients you likely have at home. Jars of spices last for years in your pantry, so once you buy them, you can use them over and over.
The other four ingredients needed are mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, and lemon juice. Mayonnaise is another ingredient most people have in their refrigerator. That leaves us with only three other items, and chances are pretty good you have them or potential substitutes on hand. I try to keep a few fresh lemons in my fruit basket, as they come in handy for all types of recipes, including flavoring iced or hot tea.
While you may not have sour cream in your fridge, you might have some plain yogurt. I prefer using Greek yogurt for most recipes that call for sour cream, and I always have a large container on hand. It makes an excellent substitute in this recipe. The last ingredient is buttermilk, and if you don’t know, you can make it from scratch using any regular milk—including plant-based ones—that you use. All you need to do is mix one-half cup of your chosen milk with one and a half teaspoons of lemon juice or distilled white vinegar. Leave it at room temperature for five to 10 minutes, and then it will be ready to combine with the mayo and sour cream (or yogurt). *Note: If using plant-based milk, aim for thicker varieties, as thinner, more watery ones may not work as well.
Flavor enhancements for ranch dressing
As good as this homemade ranch dressing is, you might want to change the flavor profile now and then. The easiest way to do that is to increase the amount of any of the seasonings already used, such as dill, chives, or garlic. You can also add some smoked paprika, my favorite spice. Go for a cheesy version by adding some freshly grated Parmesan, crumbled blue cheese, feta, goat cheese, or shredded cheddar.
If you like extra tang, consider mixing in some chopped pickles, relish, a little pickle juice, or lemon or lime zest. Those who enjoy some heat in their dressings can add a few drops of hot sauce, harissa, or finely chopped jalapeño or chipotle peppers. Other great additions include finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled cooked bacon, or roasted red peppers. You can even blend in some mashed avocado to make a delicious avocado ranch dressing.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate homemade ranch dressing in an airtight glass jar for up to 2 weeks. Do not leave it at room temperature for longer than 2 hours. Ranch dressing is not freezable, as the ingredients will separate and change texture upon thawing.
Serving suggestions
Although the first thoughts that come to mind for homemade ranch dressing are to serve it over salad greens or use it as a veggie dip, don’t let your imagination hold you back from trying other great ways to incorporate it into your meals. It makes an excellent marinade for chicken, fish, pork, and veggies, such as Grilled Asparagus. Serve the dip with carrots, celery, and Buffalo Wings, drizzle it over Buffalo Chicken, or add it to your Buffalo Ranch Chicken Dip. It makes a delicious dip for Cajun Shrimp or Air-Fryer French Fries. If you discover any unique uses for this dressing, let us know in the comments.
Homemade Ranch Dressing
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
- 3/4 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/8 teaspoon dried tarragon optional
- 1/2 teaspoon dried chives
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice more to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk until smooth.
- Stir in the dried dill, parsley, tarragon, chives, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix in the lemon juice, taste, and adjust seasonings if needed. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
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