Creamy, tangy, and perfectly seasoned, this Best Ranch Dressing is the homemade staple you didn’t know you were missing. It’s everything a good ranch should be: herby, zesty, and ultra-smooth. Whether you’re using it to dress salads, dip veggies, drizzle over pizza, or spoon onto a burger, this ranch hits all the right notes.
Forget store-bought bottles—this version is fresher, customizable, and takes just minutes to make. With simple ingredients and no preservatives, it tastes better and lets you tweak it exactly to your liking. Once you try this homemade version, you may never go back.
What Makes This the Best Ranch Dressing?
The balance of flavors in this dressing is what makes it stand out. The combination of tangy buttermilk, creamy mayo and sour cream, fresh herbs, and just the right amount of garlic and onion make it both bold and familiar. You can keep it thick for dipping or thin it out with more buttermilk for drizzling. Either way, it outshines anything on the shelf.
Ingredients for the Best Ranch Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (plus more for desired consistency)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice or white vinegar (optional, for extra tang)
How To Make the Best Ranch Dressing
Step 1: Mix the Base
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk until smooth. This creates the creamy foundation of the dressing.
Step 2: Add the Flavor
Stir in the parsley, chives, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to distribute the herbs and spices evenly.
Step 3: Adjust the Tang
If you want a bit more brightness, add the lemon juice or vinegar. Start with a teaspoon and adjust to taste.
Step 4: Chill and Let Flavors Marry
Transfer the dressing to a jar or airtight container. Chill for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. It tastes even better after a few hours!
Step 5: Serve or Store
Use immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to one week. Give it a shake or stir before using.
Serving and Storing the Best Ranch Dressing
This ranch dressing is incredibly versatile. Use it as a dip for fresh vegetables, fries, or wings. It’s perfect drizzled over wedge salads, grain bowls, or grilled meats. You can also use it as a spread for wraps and sandwiches.
Keep it stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days. The flavors only get better with time, but be sure to stir before each use as natural separation can occur.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, but use less. Dried herbs are more concentrated. Swap with 1 teaspoon dried parsley and chives each.
Is there a dairy-free version?
Absolutely! Use vegan mayo and dairy-free sour cream and buttermilk substitutes. It still comes out delicious.
Can I freeze ranch dressing?
It’s not recommended. The texture changes when thawed. Stick to refrigerating for best results.
How do I make it thicker?
Reduce the amount of buttermilk or add more sour cream until you reach the desired thickness.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can make a quick substitute: mix 1/2 cup milk with 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Want More Dressing Ideas?
If ranch is your thing, you’ll want to explore these equally tasty options on Nina Dishes:
- Try this tangy and cheesy twist in the Cheesy Ranch Oven Roasted Potatoes for a hearty side.
- Keep it vibrant with a Blueberry Peach Feta Salad that pairs beautifully with a drizzle of ranch.
- Craving creamy comfort? The Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Chicken is a must-try.
- For a light meal, the Healthy Mediterranean Salmon Dinner goes well with a ranch dollop.
- Or elevate your veggie platter with a side of ranch next to the Fresh Pickled Cucumber Salad.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board for dips and dressings so it’s always within reach.
And when you make it, leave a comment or tag me! Did you add a spicy kick or keep it classic? Try it with fresh garlic or play with herbs?
I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Got questions? Ask away—we’re building flavor together!
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Best Ranch Dressing
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 1/2 cups
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Best Ranch Dressing is creamy, tangy, and bursting with fresh herbs. Perfect for salads, dipping, or drizzling, it’s a homemade classic that beats any store-bought bottle. Easy to make and customizable to your taste.
Ingredients
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon lemon juice or white vinegar (optional)
Instructions
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk until smooth.
2. Stir in parsley, chives, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Add lemon juice or vinegar if you want extra tang; start with a teaspoon and adjust to taste.
4. Transfer to an airtight container and chill for at least 30 minutes.
5. Stir before serving and store in the fridge for up to one week.
Notes
For a thicker dip-style ranch, reduce the buttermilk or add more sour cream.
This dressing tastes even better after a few hours of chilling.
Use dried herbs if you don’t have fresh, but reduce the quantity by half.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dressing
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: ranch, salad dressing, dip
