Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade ranch dressing is the perfect balance of creamy, herby, and tangy flavors. By making it at home, you can control the quality of ingredients, the level of seasoning, and avoid preservatives. The freshness of the herbs, the tang of the buttermilk, and the richness of the mayo and sour cream create a perfect dressing that complements a variety of dishes. Plus, it’s quick to whip up and can be stored in the fridge for later use.

Ingredients

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup buttermilk (or regular milk for a thinner consistency)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried dill
1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped)
1/2 teaspoon dried chives (or fresh chives, finely chopped)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for added tang)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Combine the base ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk until smooth and creamy. This will be the base for your dressing.
Add the herbs and spices: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, dried parsley, chives, salt, and pepper. If you like a tangier ranch dressing, add the lemon juice and whisk again to combine.
Adjust consistency: If you want a thinner dressing, add more buttermilk or milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Chill the dressing: For the best flavor, cover and refrigerate the ranch dressing for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and intensify.
Serve: Once chilled, give the dressing a final stir and serve with your favorite salad, veggies, or as a dip.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Makes about 1 cup of ranch dressing
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes (optional, for flavor)
Total Time: 5 minutes (plus chill time)

Variations

Healthier version: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter, protein-packed option.
Spicy ranch: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a few dashes of hot sauce, or some chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Herb variations: Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a more vibrant flavor. Try fresh dill, parsley, or chives for a fresh twist.
Vegan ranch: Substitute the mayo and sour cream with vegan versions (like vegan mayo and plant-based sour cream), and use unsweetened plant milk for a dairy-free ranch dressing.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store homemade ranch dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Reheating: There’s no need to heat ranch dressing; it’s served chilled. However, if it thickens in the fridge, you can stir in a little extra buttermilk or milk to bring it back to the desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I make ranch dressing without buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with regular milk, or you can use a combination of milk and a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to create a tangier flavor that mimics buttermilk.

2. Can I make ranch dressing with only mayo and milk?

Yes, you can make a simpler version of ranch dressing by combining mayonnaise with milk and the spices. This will still give you a creamy, tangy dressing, though it won’t be as rich as the version with sour cream.

3. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs?

Yes, you can use dried herbs instead of fresh. However, keep in mind that dried herbs are more concentrated, so use a little less. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs, you would use 1 teaspoon of dried herbs.

4. How can I make this ranch dressing spicier?

To make your ranch dressing spicier, add cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce. You can also add finely chopped jalapeños or a bit of sriracha for extra heat.

5. Can I use ranch dressing as a dip?

Absolutely! This ranch dressing works perfectly as a dip for veggies, chips, fries, or even chicken wings. It’s thick enough to hold up as a dip but can easily be thinned out for use as a salad dressing.

6. Can I freeze ranch dressing?

Freezing ranch dressing is not recommended because the texture may change upon thawing. The mayonnaise and sour cream may separate, and the herbs may not maintain their flavor. It’s best enjoyed fresh and stored in the fridge.

7. Can I use this ranch dressing for pasta salad?

Yes, this ranch dressing is perfect for pasta salad. It’s creamy, flavorful, and adds a tangy twist to your salad. Simply toss it with cooked pasta and your favorite vegetables for a delicious dish.

8. How do I adjust the seasoning in ranch dressing?

Taste your ranch dressing and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Add more salt for flavor, a touch of lemon juice for tang, or extra herbs for a fresh taste. It’s all about balancing the flavors to suit your preferences.

9. Can I use this recipe for a larger batch?

Yes, you can easily scale up this recipe. Just double or triple the ingredients to make more dressing as needed.

10. How do I make ranch dressing thicker?

If you prefer a thicker ranch dressing, reduce the amount of milk or buttermilk in the recipe. You can also add a bit more sour cream or Greek yogurt to increase its thickness.

Conclusion

Homemade ranch dressing is a creamy, flavorful, and versatile condiment that can elevate any dish. Whether you’re using it as a salad dressing, dip, or topping for various dishes, this recipe is easy to make and packed with fresh flavors. With just a few ingredients, you can create a ranch dressing that’s far superior to store-bought versions. Enjoy it on your favorite foods and impress your guests with this homemade delight!

Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe

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This homemade marinara sauce is rich, flavorful, and easy to make. With simple ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs, it’s the perfect base for pasta, pizza, and more. Free from preservatives and packed with wholesome ingredients, it’s a much tastier option than store-bought sauces.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings
Category: Sauce
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Sauté the onions and garlic: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3-5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the tomatoes: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and mix with the onion and garlic.
Season the sauce: Add oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
Simmer the sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to meld and thicken.
Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or sugar as needed.
Serve: Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil if desired. Serve over pasta, as a pizza topping, or as a dip for breadsticks or mozzarella sticks.

Notes

Add finely diced carrots or celery for extra flavor.
For a meat sauce, brown ground beef, pork, or turkey before adding the onions and garlic.
For a thicker sauce, add 1-2 tablespoons of tomato paste after sautéing the garlic and onions.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe
Calories: 100
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg