The Best Homemade Ranch Salad Dressing Recipe

Introduction

This homemade ranch salad dressing is creamy, flavorful, and easy to make with simple ingredients you likely have on hand. It’s perfect for salads, dipping veggies, or adding a tasty touch to sandwiches. Enjoy the fresh, herby taste that beats store-bought versions any day.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup buttermilk or regular milk
• 3/4 – 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon dried chives
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/8 teaspoon finely cracked pepper
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice to taste (approximately 1-3 teaspoons)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk (or regular milk) until smooth and well combined.
2. Step 2: Add the dried dill weed, dried parsley, dried chives, onion powder, garlic powder, sea salt, and cracked pepper to the bowl. Whisk again until all the spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
3. Step 3: Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice a little at a time, tasting and adjusting to your preferred level of brightness.
4. Step 4: Transfer the dressing to a jar or airtight container. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

• Use buttermilk for a tangier, richer flavor; regular milk works fine for a milder dressing.
• For a fresher taste, substitute fresh herbs for dried if available—use about three times the amount.
• Add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar instead of lemon juice for a slightly different citrus note.
• If you prefer a thinner dressing, add a splash more milk until you reach your desired consistency.

Storage

Store the ranch dressing in a sealed jar or container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Stir well before each use, as some separation may occur. This dressing is delicious chilled and is best served fresh but will hold up well for several days.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make ranch dressing without sour cream?

Yes, you can substitute Greek yogurt or extra mayonnaise for sour cream, although the texture and tanginess might change slightly.

Is this dressing suitable for keto or low-carb diets?

Yes, this recipe uses ingredients low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for keto and low-carb diets.

The Best Homemade Ranch Salad Dressing Recipe

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4.9 from 167 reviews

This recipe for The Best Homemade Ranch Salad Dressing is a creamy, flavorful dressing made from mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk, blended with a blend of dried herbs and spices. Perfect for salads, dipping, or as a versatile condiment, this easy-to-make dressing offers a fresh, tangy taste with a hint of lemon juice.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: About 1 1/2 cups 1x
• Category: Salad Dressing
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Ingredients

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup buttermilk or regular milk

Herbs & Spices

• 3/4 – 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon dried chives
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/8 teaspoon finely cracked pepper

Additional Flavoring

• Freshly squeezed lemon juice to taste (approximately 1-3 teaspoons)

Instructions

1. Combine Base Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk (or regular milk) until the mixture is smooth and homogenous, forming the creamy base for your ranch dressing.
2. Add Herbs and Spices: Stir in the dried dill weed, dried parsley, dried chives, onion powder, garlic powder, fine sea salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Whisk thoroughly to evenly distribute the flavors throughout the dressing.
3. Incorporate Lemon Juice: Add freshly squeezed lemon juice to the mixture according to your taste preference, usually between 1 to 3 teaspoons, and whisk again to combine and add a fresh, tangy brightness.
4. Chill the Dressing: Transfer the dressing into a jar or covered container and refrigerate it for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Serve and Store: Use the ranch dressing as a salad dressing, dip, or condiment. Keep it refrigerated and consume within one week for the best freshness and flavor.

Notes

• For a thinner consistency, use buttermilk instead of regular milk.
• Adjust the amount of lemon juice to balance acidity according to your preference.
• This dressing keeps well in the refrigerator for up to one week.
• Fresh herbs can be substituted for dried herbs if available, but reduce the quantity since dried herbs are more concentrated.
• To make it vegan, substitute mayonnaise and sour cream with plant-based alternatives and use a dairy-free milk.

Keywords: homemade ranch dressing, ranch salad dressing, easy ranch recipe, creamy dressing, homemade salad dressing, herbs and spices dressing