Homemade Ranch Dressing

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There’s something incredibly satisfying about making your own dressing from scratch, especially when it comes to a creamy, zesty favorite like ranch. This Homemade Ranch Dressing delivers the perfect balance of herbs, garlic, and tang, creating a delicious drizzle or dip that far surpasses the store-bought versions.

Whether you’re tossing it over a crisp salad, dunking fresh veggies, or spreading it on sandwiches and wraps, this dressing adds a burst of flavor that transforms simple dishes into crave-worthy meals. It only takes a few minutes to stir together, and it keeps beautifully in the fridge, making it an easy go-to for busy weekdays.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Ranch Dressing

This ranch is everything you want in a dressing: creamy, tangy, herbaceous, and just garlicky enough. You control the ingredients, so it’s easy to adjust to your tastes—make it more garlicky, add some heat, or keep it classic. Plus, there are no preservatives or artificial flavors. It’s fresh, simple, and tastes amazing on everything.

What Kind of Mayo or Yogurt Should I Use?

You can go with classic mayo for a traditional rich flavor, or lighten it up by using Greek yogurt or a combination of both. Full-fat Greek yogurt brings a creamy tanginess that works beautifully in this recipe. If you’re after a vegan or dairy-free option, plant-based mayo and unsweetened dairy-free yogurt can be substituted with equally tasty results.

Ingredients for the Homemade Ranch Dressing

This dressing comes together with everyday ingredients that you might already have in your fridge and pantry. Each one brings something essential to the final creamy, herby blend.

Mayonnaise adds richness and a smooth base that gives the ranch its traditional creaminess.

Sour cream or Greek yogurt contributes tang and helps lighten the texture just a bit, adding depth to the flavor.

Buttermilk thins out the dressing to a pourable consistency and introduces a subtle tangy note.

Garlic powder infuses a mellow savoriness without overpowering the other ingredients.

Onion powder adds a soft sweetness that balances the tangy components.

Dried dill gives ranch its signature herby kick.

Chopped fresh parsley adds a burst of fresh, green flavor.

Chives offer a subtle oniony note that blends perfectly with the creamy base.

Salt and black pepper bring everything into balance.

Lemon juice or white vinegar provides brightness and boosts the tang.

How To Make the Homemade Ranch Dressing

Step 1: Create the Creamy Base

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and buttermilk until smooth and fully combined. You want a silky, even texture here.

Step 2: Add the Flavor

Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, dill, chopped parsley, and chives. Add a splash of lemon juice or white vinegar, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a good stir to evenly distribute the herbs and seasonings.

Step 3: Let It Chill

Transfer the dressing to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and intensify. It will taste even better the next day.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Before serving, give the dressing a taste. Add more salt, herbs, or a touch of lemon juice if you want it zestier.

How to Serve and Store Homemade Ranch Dressing

This recipe makes about 1 ½ cups of dressing, perfect for feeding a crowd or keeping in your fridge for a week of delicious meals. It serves about 6 to 8 people depending on how you use it. Pour it over fresh garden salads, drizzle on grain bowls, or use it as a dip for fries and veggie sticks.

Store it in a tightly sealed jar or bottle in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to one week. Be sure to give it a shake or stir before using, especially if it’s been sitting a few days.

What to Serve With Homemade Ranch Dressing?

Grilled Chicken Skewers

Juicy grilled chicken pairs beautifully with the tang of ranch for a fresh, protein-packed meal.

Roasted Veggie Bowls

A drizzle of ranch over warm, roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers is heaven.

Chicken Wings

Classic game-day food gets even better when dipped in cold ranch.

Wraps and Sandwiches

Use it as a creamy spread in turkey or veggie wraps to boost flavor and moisture.

Fresh Garden Salads

Simple greens come to life with a few spoonfuls of homemade ranch.

French Fries or Potato Wedges

Swap out ketchup for ranch next time you’re serving crispy potatoes.

Spicy Tacos

Cool down spicy fillings with a dollop of ranch in your favorite taco.

Want More Dressing & Sauce Ideas?

If you love this homemade ranch, you might enjoy experimenting with other dressing favorites too. Here are a few ideas from Luna Meals:

• Creamy Mushroom Sauce for Steak
• Skirt Steak Rice Bowls with Chimichurri
• Copycat Starbucks Spinach Egg White Feta Wraps
• Dirty Rice with Ground Beef
• Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Rounds

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest salad or sauce board so you can come back to it whenever you need a homemade classic.

Let me know how yours turned out. Did you add any extra herbs? Try a spicy twist? Share your version in the comments below.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dips and sauces on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your new favorite way to elevate every meal!

Conclusion

Once you try this Homemade Ranch Dressing, you’ll never look at the bottled kind the same way again. It’s fresh, full of flavor, and endlessly versatile. With just a few ingredients and a couple of minutes, you can whip up something that makes every bite more satisfying. So go ahead, dip in and enjoy!

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