If you’ve only had ranch dressing from a bottle, you’re in for a treat. Homemade ranch is creamier, fresher, and far more flavorful than anything you’ll find on store shelves. Made with a base of mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk, this dressing is elevated with fresh herbs, garlic, and a hint of lemon for brightness. It’s perfect for salads, dipping vegetables, drizzling over baked potatoes, or even serving alongside crispy chicken tenders.

In this recipe, we’ll walk through exactly how to make it at home, share tips to ensure a silky-smooth texture, and give you substitution ideas so you can adjust it to your taste and dietary needs.

Why You’ll Love This Ranch Dressing

✅ Fresh Flavor – Real herbs, fresh garlic, and lemon juice make this ranch vibrant and bright.
✅ Versatile – Use it as a salad dressing, dipping sauce, or sandwich spread.
✅ Make Ahead Friendly – Stays fresh for up to a week in the fridge.
✅ Customizable – Easily adapt for dairy-free or low-fat diets.

Ingredients (Yields about 1 ½ cups / 360 ml)

½ cup (120 g) mayonnaise (preferably full-fat for creaminess)
½ cup (120 g) sour cream
½ cup (120 ml) buttermilk (see substitutions below)
2 tablespoons (8 g) fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tablespoon (3 g) fresh chives, finely chopped
1 tablespoon (3 g) fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon / 1 g dried dill)
1 clove garlic, finely minced or grated (about 4 g)
1 teaspoon (5 ml) lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
½ teaspoon (1 g) onion powder
½ teaspoon (3 g) salt (or to taste)
¼ teaspoon (0.5 g) freshly ground black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Combine the Base

In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and sour cream until smooth and fully blended. This creates the rich, creamy texture ranch dressing is known for.

2. Add the Buttermilk

Slowly whisk in the buttermilk until the mixture reaches your desired consistency. For a thicker ranch (perfect for dipping), start with less buttermilk and adjust as needed.

3. Mix in Fresh Herbs

Add parsley, chives, and dill to the bowl. Stir until evenly distributed. Fresh herbs make all the difference, so use them if possible.

4. Season and Brighten

Stir in the garlic, lemon juice, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well, then taste and adjust seasoning.

5. Chill Before Serving

Transfer to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together for maximum taste.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Ranch

Use fresh herbs – Dried herbs work in a pinch, but fresh gives you the best flavor.
Adjust thickness – For a dip, reduce buttermilk. For a salad dressing, add more until pourable.
Mince garlic finely – A microplane works well to avoid large chunks.
Make it tangier – Increase lemon juice or add a splash of white vinegar.
Let it rest – The flavor improves significantly after a short rest in the fridge.

If you love creamy sauces, you might also enjoy my Homemade Tartare Sauce Recipe or my tangy Creamy Roquefort Sauce, both perfect for pairing with meats, fish, or fried foods.

Substitutions

No buttermilk? – Use regular milk plus 1 teaspoon (5 ml) lemon juice or white vinegar; let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Dairy-free – Replace mayonnaise and sour cream with vegan versions, and use unsweetened almond or oat milk instead of buttermilk.
Low-fat – Use light mayo, low-fat sour cream, and skim milk.
Herb swap – Try basil, tarragon, or cilantro for a unique twist.
Garlic-sensitive – Replace fresh garlic with a pinch of garlic powder.

For another salad-friendly dressing without mayo, check out my Caesar Salad Dressing Without Mayonnaise – it’s light but still packed with flavor.

Serving Ideas

Drizzle over crisp romaine or mixed greens.
Serve as a dip for carrot sticks, celery, and bell peppers.
Pair with Crispy Honey Garlic Fried Chicken or Homemade Garlic Croutons.
Use as a sauce for wraps, burgers, or even pizza.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does homemade ranch last?
Up to 1 week in the fridge in an airtight container. Stir before using.

Can I freeze ranch dressing?
Not recommended — dairy-based dressings tend to separate when thawed.

Why is my ranch dressing too thin?
You may have added too much buttermilk. Whisk in more mayonnaise or sour cream to thicken.

Can I make it spicy?
Yes! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or minced jalapeño for a kick.

Storage Tips

Store in a mason jar or sealed container in the refrigerator. Label with the date so you remember when you made it. Shake or stir before each use.

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