This Homemade Ranch Dressing is creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor! Made with simple ingredients in minutes, it's perfect for salads, dips, and more. Ditch the store-bought bottle and try this easy ranch recipe today!
Before You Mix, Read This!
💬The Vibe: Thick, creamy, and restaurant-style ranch that clings to veggies and wings like it was made to be there because it was.
🔑What You Gotta Know: This is a thicker dressing, just like the kind served at your favorite steakhouse. If you prefer it thinner, add a splash of buttermilk until it's just right.
🍴Best Bite Alert: Let it chill first. After 30 minutes (or even better, overnight), the flavors really come through—and every bite tastes like it came from the back of house.
There’s nothing quite like the cool, creamy taste of homemade ranch dressing. With its rich blend of herbs, tangy buttermilk, and smooth, creamy texture, this classic dressing is a staple in any kitchen.
Whether you're drizzling it over a crisp salad, dipping fresh veggies, or using it as a sauce for wings and sandwiches, homemade ranch is fresher and more flavorful than anything store-bought.
Best of all, it takes just a few simple ingredients and minutes to make! Once you try this easy, from-scratch ranch dressing, you'll never go back to the bottled version again. Let’s get mixing!
Why Make Ranch Dressing at Home?
Sure, you can grab a bottle of ranch from the store, but homemade ranch is fresher, more flavorful, and free from unnecessary preservatives. Plus, you get to make it your way. Extra garlicky, more tangy, or with a little kick of heat. Customize it to fit your taste, and keep it on hand for everything from dipping to drizzling.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This creamy ranch dressing comes together with just a few everyday staples:
- Mayonnaise – The rich and creamy base
- Sour Cream – Adds tang and body
- Buttermilk – Thins the dressing while giving it that signature ranch tang (see substitutions below!)
- Garlic Powder – Adds savory depth
- Onion Powder – Boosts flavor
- Fresh Parsley & Dill – Classic ranch herbs
- Salt – For balance
- Mustard Powder & Celery Salt – Adds extra depth
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient quantities and instructions.
Don’t Have Buttermilk? Try This:
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily substitute it by mixing ¼ cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes, and you’ve got a great alternative!
How to Make Ranch Dressing
Making ranch dressing at home is quick and easy:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk until smooth.
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, dill, salt, mustard powder, and celery salt. Mix well until everything is combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to come together.
- Enjoy!
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Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Make it thicker: For a dip-style ranch, reduce or omit the buttermilk.
- Let it chill: Give it at least 30 minutes in the fridge before serving, Longer is even better.
- Taste and adjust: Want more tang? Add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar.
- Add heat: A pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce gives it a spicy twist.
Ways to Use Ranch Dressing
This dressing isn’t just for salads—here are a few ways to use it:
Storage Tips
Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Separation: If the dressing separates, just stir or shake it before using.
Freezer? Nope. Dairy-based dressings don’t freeze well—they tend to separate when thawed.
Clean spoon, always: Keep it fresh longer by not dipping directly into the container.
Batch tip: Make a double batch and store it in smaller containers for grab-and-go use.
More Easy & Delicious Recipes
Love making your own sauces and dressings? Try these next:
Have any questions or favorite ways to use homemade ranch dressing? Share them in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! It’s naturally low in carbs. Just double-check your mayo and buttermilk labels for hidden sugars or starches.
Yes! Just make sure your mayo and seasonings are certified gluten-free if you're avoiding gluten.
Absolutely. Mix ¼ cup heavy cream with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for a few minutes.
It keeps well in the fridge for up to 1 week in an airtight container. Stir before each use.
Freezing is not recommended. The texture will change once thawed and may become watery.
📖 Recipe
Homemade Ranch Dressing
Equipment
- 1 large bowl
- 1 airtight container or jar with lid
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup sour cream
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
- ½ teaspoon fresh dill
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon celery salt
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup mayonnaise, 1 cup sour cream, and ¼ cup buttermilk until smooth.
- Stir in 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon parsley, ½ teaspoon dill, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon mustard powder, and ¼ teaspoon celery salt (if using). Mix well until everything is combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Enjoy!
Video
Original post date 11/11/2019. Updated 03/17/2025.
Aline says
ooohhh never made ranch dressing at home, and this looks so easy and yummy!
Jazz says
This is so on time, LaKita! All of my coworkers are doing keto and I need to help them out.
SHANIKA says
I've never tried making Homemade Ranch Sauce! This is one of my favorite dressings!
LaKita says
Thank you! Mine as well and it is so easy to make!
Katrina Adams says
I have never made homemade salad dressing but would love to try it!!
LaKita says
It is so worth it, try making it!
Adri Ruff says
I agree, it’s so much better to make homemade and you can control exactly what’s in it!
LaKita says
Exactly! I love knowing what is in my dressings and dips!
Marisa says
Yum! This would be good on so many things! Love a good dip!
LaKita says
Yes!! It is very nice!!
Tamara J.! says
I’m so happy I found this recipe! It taste just as delicious with half the calories and it’s keto friendly, win-win!
LaKita says
Thank you Tamara!!
Calysta Watson says
This looks delicious! I can’t wait to mix this up to go with my crispy buffalo wings! Yum!
LaKita says
Thank you! Yes with all the crispy buffalo wings!!
Marta says
This is going to be great to serve with crudite as a Thanksgiving appetizer! Thanks so much for making it keto to fit all diets.
LaKita says
Thank you! Yes, that is a perfect way to use it!!