Salads > Salad Dressings > Creamy Dressings > Ranch Dressing Recipe (Homemade)

Classic Homemade Ranch Dressing

A creamy, tangy, and herb-filled ranch dressing made from scratch. This recipe uses fresh herbs and simple ingredients for a flavor that's far superior to store-bought versions. Perfect for salads, dips, or as a condiment.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
0 minutes
Servings
About 2 cups
Ingredients
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream
  • 1/4 cup Buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Dill
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Chives
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Dried Mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice

Combine the Base Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps for a creamy texture.

Add the Herbs and Spices

Add the minced fresh parsley, dill, and chives to the bowl. Then, add the garlic powder, onion powder, and dried mustard. These ingredients provide the characteristic ranch flavor.

Season and Adjust

Season with salt and black pepper to taste. For a brighter flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon juice. Mix well to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.

Chill and Thicken

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dressing to thicken. The longer it chills, the better the flavor will be.

Serve

Before serving, stir the dressing again. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve with your favorite salads, vegetables, or as a dip.

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

Note: Nutrition information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

  • Calories: Approximately 350-400
  • Fat: 35-40g
  • Saturated Fat: 8-10g
  • Cholesterol: 30-40mg
  • Sodium: 200-300mg
  • Carbohydrates: 5-7g
  • Fiber: Less than 1g
  • Sugar: 2-3g
  • Protein: 2-3g

Other Considerations for Nutrition

For a lower-fat option, substitute some of the mayonnaise and sour cream with plain Greek yogurt. This will alter the flavor slightly but significantly reduce the fat content. Using low-fat or fat-free buttermilk will also reduce the fat content.

← Classic Homemade Caesar Dressing Classic Red Wine Vinaigrette →

FAQ

  • Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

    Yes, you can use dried herbs, but the flavor will be more concentrated. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried parsley, 1/2 teaspoon of dried dill, and 1/2 teaspoon of dried chives. Fresh herbs provide a brighter, fresher flavor.
  • How long does homemade ranch dressing last?

    Homemade ranch dressing will last in the refrigerator for up to 1 week when stored in an airtight container.
  • Can I make this dressing vegan?

    Yes, you can make this dressing vegan by using vegan mayonnaise, vegan sour cream, and unsweetened plant-based milk (like soy or almond milk) instead of buttermilk. Be sure to check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they are vegan.
  • Why is my ranch dressing too thick?

    If your ranch dressing is too thick, add a little more buttermilk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
  • Why is my ranch dressing too thin?

    If your ranch dressing is too thin, add a little more mayonnaise or sour cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.