The Best Homemade Ranch Dressing

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Get ready to elevate everything you dip or drizzle with The Best Homemade Ranch Dressing—a creamy, herb-packed masterpiece bursting with bold, tangy flavor. Once you try this easy, fresh take on ranch, you’ll never want store-bought again!

As a Ranch snob, I created this recipe because I wanted a fresh, flavorful alternative to the overly processed versions or the expensive healthier versions of Ranch you find in the grocery store. I love that this recipe uses basic pantry staples and dried herbs to create something truly delicious. It’s quick to whip up, made with ingredients I always have on hand, and it’s so easy that even busy days don’t stop me from making it. Plus, knowing exactly what’s in it makes it a healthier option I feel good about serving to my family.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

Control Over Ingredients: When you make ranch dressing from scratch, you know exactly what’s going into it. No preservatives or any unwanted ingredients in this recipe.

Versatile and Customizable: You can adjust this recipe to your taste. You can make the dressing thinner or thicker consistency. You are in control and can make it exactly how you choose.

Multipurpose: This ranch dressing has endless uses. It is great for salads, a dip for your vegetables, a sauce for wings, and even spread on your favorite sandwich. This is a staple condiment in our house for so many purposes.

Ingredients Breakdown

Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the dressing, providing richness and a smooth texture. Choose a high-quality or homemade mayo for the best flavor.

Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Adds tanginess and a thicker consistency.

Milk: Helps thin the dressing to your desired consistency.

Dried Dill: The star of the show! Dill adds a refreshing and slightly tangy flavor.

Dried Parsley: Brings an earthy, fresh taste to the dressing.

Dried Chives: Provides a mild onion-like flavor.

Onion Powder: Adds depth and a sweet, savory kick.

Garlic Powder: Elevates the savory profile, giving the dressing a warm, garlicky essence.

Salt: Beneficial in enhancing the taste.

Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth.

Lemon Juice: Brightens the dressing with a touch of acidity, making the flavors pop and adding a bit more tang.

Tools

• Whisk
• Mixing Bowl
• Glass Container with a Lid

How to Make the Best Homemade Ranch Dressing

1. Gather Your Ingredients

Before you start, make sure you have all your ingredients ready and measured. This includes mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, milk, dried herbs, spices, and lemon juice. Having everything on hand will make the process fast and easy.

2. Combine the Creamy Base

Add the mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and milk to your mixing bowl. These ingredients form the creamy base of your ranch dressing. Use a whisk to blend them together until smooth.

3. Mix in the Herbs, Spices, and Lemon Juice

Add the dried dill, parsley, chives, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice to the bowl. These dried herbs, spices, and lemon juice are what give the dressing its signature flavor. Whisk well to make sure they are distributed well.

4. Taste and Adjust

Taste your ranch dressing and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more salt if you like it a bit saltier or more lemon juice for a bit more tang. I always end up adding a bit more garlic powder to mine! This step makes the Ranch exactly how you please.

5. Chill for the Best Flavor

Make sure your dressing is in an container and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend together, making the dressing even more delicious.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Once chilled, your homemade ranch dressing is ready to use! Serve however you choose.

Tips for Perfect Ranch Dressing

• Use fresh, high quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
• Adjust the milk to your desired consistency. More milk will result in thinner Ranch dressing.
• Letting your Ranch chill will help blend the flavors together and help thicken the dressing.
• Make sure to use your Ranch dressing within a week for best taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does homemade ranch dressing last?
This dressing lasts about 5-7 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Always check for signs of spoilage, like an off smell or separation, before using.

Can I make this ranch dressing dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute the sour cream or Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt or a plant-based sour cream. Use a dairy-free milk, such as almond or oat milk, to adjust the consistency.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs?
Yes you can! Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, and chives add a vibrant flavor to the dressing. You will want to use three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried because fresh herbs are a less potent flavor.

Why is my ranch dressing too thick?
The thickness of the dressing can vary based on the type of sour cream or Greek yogurt used. To thin it out, simply add a bit more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Use this dressing on your favorite salad, dip your raw veggies or pretzels into it, or add it to your sandwich at lunch time. My favorite way to use this Ranch is with my favorite buffalo wings.

If you enjoyed this recipe, I’d be so grateful if you could take a moment to leave a 5-star rating below! Be sure to tag me @simplychelseahome on Instagram so I can see your delicious results!