Homemade Ranch Dressing
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Homemade Ranch Dressing is creamy, tangy, and packed with fresh herbs—so much better than anything store-bought. Perfect for salads, dipping veggies, or drizzling over pizza and sandwiches, this easy recipe comes together in minutes and can be customized just the way you like it.
ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
mayonnaisesour cream or Greek yogurmbuttermilkfresh parsleyfresh dillfresh chivesgarlic powderonion powderlemon juice or white vinegarsea saltsblack pepper
directions
In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and sour cream until smooth.
Slowly whisk in buttermilk until you reach your desired consistency.
Add chopped parsley, dill, and chives.
Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend.
Stir before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 1 ½ cups.Preparation time: 10 minutesChilling time: 30 minutesTotal time: 40 minutes
Variations

Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for extra tang.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick.
Stir in grated Parmesan for a cheesy twist.
Swap in dried herbs if fresh aren’t available (use about ⅓ the amount).
storage/reheating
Store Homemade Ranch Dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.Stir well before each use.
FAQs
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use vegan mayo, non-dairy yogurt, and plant-based milk with a splash of vinegar.
How do I make it thicker?
Use less buttermilk or add extra mayo.
Can I freeze ranch dressing?
No, it doesn’t freeze well—enjoy it fresh!
Why does it taste bland?
Add more herbs, garlic powder, or a splash of extra lemon juice.
Can I use dried herbs?
Yes, use about ⅓ the amount and let it sit longer for flavors to develop.
Is this good as a dip?
Absolutely! Perfect for veggies, wings, or fries.
Can kids help make it?
Yes! They can whisk and taste-test.
What’s the best way to thin it?
Add extra buttermilk or regular milk until you reach the right consistency.
Can I use all mayo?
Yes, but the sour cream or yogurt adds tang and balance.
How long does it keep?
Up to 1 week in the fridge.
Conclusion
Homemade Ranch Dressing is a quick, delicious way to upgrade salads, snacks, and more. With fresh herbs and a creamy base, it’s the perfect go-to recipe that’s simple, versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser. Try it once, and you’ll never go back to the bottled stuff!
Print
Homemade Ranch Dressing
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 1 1/2 cups 1x
Description
Homemade Ranch Dressing is creamy, tangy, and packed with fresh herbs — far better than any store-bought version. It’s perfect for salads, dipping veggies, or drizzling on pizza and sandwiches, and comes together in minutes.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (more or less to adjust consistency)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice or white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) until smooth and creamy.
- Slowly whisk in buttermilk until you reach your desired consistency.
- Stir in chopped parsley, dill, and chives.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice or vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend.
- Stir well before serving. Enjoy as a dressing, dip, or drizzle!
Notes
- Use Greek yogurt for extra tang and protein.
- Add a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.
- Stir in grated Parmesan for a cheesy twist.
- Use dried herbs if fresh aren’t available (about 1/3 the amount) — allow to sit longer to develop flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Category: Sauce, Dressing
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg