Homemade Ranch Dressing: The Creamiest, Freshest Ranch You’ll Ever Taste

Ranch dressing is one of those universal favorites that goes with almost everything—salads, wings, vegetables, fries, sandwiches, and even pizza. But if you’ve only ever used the bottled stuff, you’re missing out on something truly incredible. Homemade Ranch Dressing is richer, fresher, creamier, and so full of flavor that it instantly becomes your new go-to.

This recipe combines buttermilk, sour cream, mayonnaise, dried herbs, garlic, and seasoning to create the perfect balance of tangy, creamy, herby goodness. It takes only 5 minutes to make and tastes better than anything you find in a store. Once you try it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start making ranch from scratch sooner.

Whether you’re dipping carrot sticks, tossing a salad, making a veggie platter, or preparing homemade chicken tenders, this ranch transforms every bite. It’s cool, smooth, savory, and bright—with just enough tang from buttermilk and enough body from mayo and sour cream.

Why Homemade Ranch Is So Much Better

Store-bought ranch is convenient, but nothing compares to making it fresh. Here’s why this recipe shines:

• Creamier texture with perfect pourability
• Real herbs for deeper flavor
• No preservatives
• Customizable thickness
• Fresh garlic and lemon add brightness
• Ready in minutes with pantry staples

Once you taste the difference, you’ll never go back.

The Flavor Profile

This homemade ranch hits all the right notes:

• Creamy from mayo and sour cream
• Tangy from buttermilk
• Savory from garlic and onion powder
• Herby with dill, chives, and parsley
• Balanced with just a touch of lemon

It’s versatile, refreshing, and incredibly addictive.

Ranch Dressing Origins

Ranch was created in the 1950s by Steve Henson, who mixed herbs and seasonings with buttermilk to create a dressing guests loved. It eventually became America’s most popular dressing—and homemade versions still honor the simplicity and flavor of the original recipe.

Ingredients Breakdown

Mayonnaise
Creates the creamy base. Choose a good-quality mayo for the best flavor.

Sour Cream
Adds tanginess and smooth texture. Greek yogurt can substitute for a lighter version.

Buttermilk
Essential for that classic ranch tang. Adjust the amount to make the dressing thicker or thinner.

Garlic
A small amount of fresh garlic or garlic powder adds savory depth.

Herbs
Dried dill, parsley, and chives provide classic ranch flavor. Fresh herbs can be used for extra brightness.

Seasonings
Salt, pepper, onion powder, and optional lemon juice round out the flavor.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup buttermilk (more or less for thickness)
• 1 teaspoon dried dill
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried chives
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional but recommended)

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and sour cream.
2. Add buttermilk gradually until desired consistency is reached.
3. Stir in dill, parsley, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Add lemon juice for brightness (optional).
5. Mix until smooth and fully combined.
6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop.

Tips for the Best Homemade Ranch

• Chill before serving for deeper flavor.
• Use fresh herbs if you want stronger aroma and color.
• Adjust thickness by adding more buttermilk (thinner) or sour cream (thicker).
• Taste and season as needed after chilling.
• Add minced fresh garlic for extra savoriness.

Homemade Ranch Dressing

A creamy, tangy, herb-filled ranch dressing made with buttermilk, mayo, sour cream, and classic seasonings. Ready in minutes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Servings: 8 people

Course: Condiment, Dressing, Sauce

Cuisine: American

Calories: 120

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Ranch Dressing

• 0.5 cup mayonnaise
• 0.5 cup sour cream
• 0.5 cup buttermilk more for thinner consistency
• 1 tsp dried dill
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp dried chives
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp onion powder
• 0.25 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp lemon juice optional

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups

Method

 

1. Whisk mayonnaise and sour cream in a bowl.
2. Add buttermilk gradually until dressing reaches desired thickness.
3. Add herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
4. Mix until smooth and combined. Chill 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Adjust buttermilk to make the dressing thinner or thicker. Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried.

Variations

Customize your ranch to fit your meals:

• Spicy Ranch: add hot sauce or cayenne pepper
• Avocado Ranch: blend in half an avocado
• Chipotle Ranch: add minced chipotle in adobo
• Green Goddess Ranch: mix in basil, tarragon, and chives
• Greek Yogurt Ranch: substitute yogurt for sour cream

How to Use This Ranch Dressing

This ranch is incredibly versatile:

• Drizzle on salads
• Dip for vegetables
• Serve with chicken tenders or wings
• Spread on wraps and sandwiches
• Use as a pizza or fry dip
• Spoon over baked potatoes
• Mix into pasta salad

It brings creamy, herby flavor to anything you pair it with.

Storage

Homemade ranch lasts:

• Refrigerator: 5–7 days in an airtight container
• Shake or stir before each use to redistribute herbs

Do not freeze—dairy will separate.

Simple, Fresh, and Always Better Homemade

This Homemade Ranch Dressing is quick, delicious, and endlessly versatile. With simple ingredients and only a few minutes of prep, you can enjoy ranch that tastes fresher and more vibrant than anything from the store. Whether you’re serving it with salads, snacks, or full meals, this dressing elevates everything you pair it with.