Homemade Ranch Dressing

Get ready for the tastiest salad dressing ever! Our Homemade Ranch Dressing is super creamy and only takes 5 minutes to make. It's perfect for pouring over salads or dipping veggies and chicken tenders.

Jump to:

• Homemade Ranch Dressing
• Why You Will Love Ranch Without Buttermilk
• What is Ranch Dressing?
• Main Ingredients
• How To Make Ranch Dressing
• Storage Recommendations
• Serving Suggestions
• Tips and Tricks
• FAQs
• More Homemade Salad Dressing Recipes
• Recipe

Homemade Ranch Dressing

Ranch dressing is a staple in our household, as it is in most homes in the US. We use it for everything from macaroni salad to buffalo chicken sliders.

I understand purchasing a bottle of dressing from the store is the most convenient option. But once you taste this homemade version, you'll know why I prefer making an easy homemade ranch dressing.

I used to buy salad dressing without giving it much thought. However, I recently discovered how simple it is to make it from scratch. It only took me 5 minutes to make a batch using dried herbs from our pantry. The best part was that it tasted 100 times better than any store-bought version from the grocery store.

Recently, I've been enjoying these mini bell pepper nachos for lunch, topped with a drizzle of dressing. Our youngest son also loves to make buffalo chicken dip. So, I now keep a big jar of this easy ranch in our fridge for every snacking adventure.

Why You Will Love Ranch Without Buttermilk

• You control the ingredients. Most store-bought dressings contain preservatives, additives, and unnecessary added sugar. When you make your dressing, you have control over what goes into it.
• It's budget-friendly. Instead of buying expensive salad dressings, make your own using dried spices and a few simple ingredients.
• Better than store-bought. This homemade ranch recipe tastes great on any salad and is perfect for dipping veggies, fries, and pizza.

What is Ranch Dressing?

Ranch dressing is a creamy salad condiment popular in the United States. It is commonly used for salads and as a dipping sauce.

The first ranch dressing was created by a plumber from California who owned Hidden Valley Ranch, which is where they got the name.

Main Ingredients

A jar of homemade dressing comes together in less than 5 minutes with simple ingredients.

• Mayonnaise - You can use any type or brand of mayonnaise. However, I recommend using one that you enjoy the flavor of.
• Sour Cream - Adds a tangy flavor to the base of the dressing. To cut some calories and add protein, you can also substitute plain Greek yogurt.
• Milk - I recommend using 2% or whole milk for the best flavor, but you can use any milk for this recipe. It just helps to thin down the creamy base.
• Fresh Lemon Juice - Traditional ranch calls for buttermilk, but I don't always have that. The citrus juice gives it a fresh and tangy flavor that mimics buttermilk. White vinegar or apple cider vinegar can also be used in a pinch.
• Dried Herbs - I love using dried herbs because they are so convenient, and I always have them on hand. Mix parsley, dill, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt and pepper for a classic ranch dressing flavor.

How To Make Ranch Dressing

Making homemade salad dressing is simple. You can adjust the amounts of herbs and spices to suit your taste. These ratios create what we believe is the best ranch dressing, but I understand that some people may not enjoy the amount of dill.

1. Whisk the milk and lemon juice in a bowl, then let it stand for a few minutes to thicken. This creates a buttermilk substitute.
2. Stir in the sour cream and mayonnaise.
3. Add the dried herbs and spices and whisk until smooth and creamy.
4. Pour the sauce into a mason jar and then cover with a lid. Refrigerate for a few hours to allow the flavors to deepen.

Storage Recommendations

Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. Make sure to stir it well before serving because it thickens as it sits in the fridge.

I do not recommend freezing it because it will have a strange texture when it thaws. It's best to make a fresh batch for every occasion.

Serving Suggestions

Keep a jar of creamy ranch sauce in your fridge for every salad you make. It is a delicious addition to just about any lettuce or pasta. Here are a few other ways we enjoy it.

• Veggie Dip - It's excellent with fresh vegetables, French fries, and potato wedges. I love adding fresh chives to the bowl when I serve it this way.
• Sandwiches and Wraps - A few of our favorites are buffalo chicken wraps and spicy chicken salad.
• Chicken - Serve little dip bowls with chicken wings, nuggets, or parmesan chicken tenders.
• Salads - Drizzle it over a fresh garden salad or stir it in a bacon ranch pasta salad.
• Pizza - It's fantastic with chicken ranch pizza and pepperoni bites.

Tips and Tricks

• Before starting, check the expiration dates on all your herbs and spices. Dried herbs lose their potency the longer they sit in the pantry.
• Use your favorite mayonnaise. The other ingredients will mellow its flavor, but you will still taste it in the background.
• Let it chill in the fridge. This allows the ingredients time to soften and the flavors to deepen.
• This ranch dressing recipe will thicken as it sits in the fridge. If desired, add a little milk to thin it out.
• Use fat-free Greek yogurt, low-fat milk, and light mayo for a lighter version. But trust me, it will not taste as good because full fat equals flavor.
• Add smoked paprika, taco seasoning, or cayenne pepper to change the flavor.

FAQs

More Homemade Salad Dressing Recipes

• Honey Balsamic Dressing
• Avocado Lime Dressing
• Orange Ginger Vinaigrette
• Strawberry Poppy Seed Salad Dressing
• Blueberry Vinaigrette

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