Homemade Ranch Dressing
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The BEST Homemade Ranch Dressing recipe! It’s perfectly creamy, full of flavor, and unbelievably easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. Plus, it only takes minutes to prepare!
Homemade Ranch Dressing
This is the dressing my family praises and requests again and again. And not just for salads, but for dipping chicken nuggets, pizza, fresh veggies, and more!
We are addicted to this stuff! It’s so much fresher and more flavorful than store-bought ranch dressing, and it’s incredibly easy to make at home.
Truly, this ranch dressing is such a breeze to prepare. You can whip it up in minutes when you need a quick addition to dinner. It’s perfect for drizzling over a simple green salad or serving alongside fresh vegetables.
It’s also one of my favorite ways to get my kids to eat more veggies. Add some to their lunchboxes for dipping, or serve it with a plate of crisp, chilled vegetables.
Homemade Ranch Dressing Ingredients
Only 6 ingredients needed (or 7 if you count salt and pepper separately)! I always keep fresh parsley on hand, and this dressing is one of the reasons why.
- Mayonnaise: This makes up the creamy, rich base of the dressing. I recommend using a good-quality mayonnaise for the best flavor and texture.
- Buttermilk: Adds a light tang and helps thin the dressing to the perfect consistency. Regular milk won’t give you quite the same results.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley adds flavor and freshness to the dressing. Using a generous amount really helps build up the flavor.
- Dried chives: I recommend freeze-dried chives for the best flavor.
- Garlic powder: Fresh garlic can be used as well, but garlic powder is a convenient shortcut that keeps this recipe quick and easy.
- Salt and pepper: Don’t skimp on these! They help bring out all the flavors, especially when serving the dressing over a salad.
Scroll down for the full recipe with ingredient amounts and print option.
How to Make Homemade Ranch Dressing
- Combine ingredients: Add mayonnaise, buttermilk, parsley, chives, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to a mixing bowl.
- Whisk together: Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. For the best flavor, allow the dressing to chill before serving.
How long does it keep?
Store homemade ranch dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Stir well before serving, as some separation may occur.
Is it gluten free?
Yes, homemade ranch dressing can be gluten-free! The ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check the labels on your mayonnaise, buttermilk, and seasonings to ensure they’re gluten-free.
Ranch Dressing Variations
- For spicy ranch: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to taste.
- For dill ranch: Mix in a little fresh or dried dill for extra herb flavor.
- For a thicker ranch dip: Reduce the amount of buttermilk until you reach your desired consistency. This makes it perfect for dipping fresh vegetables, chips, or chicken tenders.
Helpful Tips for the Best Homemade Ranch Dressing
- Use good-quality mayonnaise: Since mayonnaise makes up the base of this dressing, using a good-quality brand will give you the best flavor.
- Use real buttermilk: I highly recommend using real buttermilk rather than a milk and vinegar substitute. It gives the dressing a better flavor and consistency.
- Use fresh parsley: Fresh parsley adds the best flavor and freshness to this homemade ranch dressing. Be sure to mince it finely so it distributes evenly throughout the dressing.
- Adjust the consistency: For a thinner dressing, add a little more buttermilk. For a thicker dressing or dip, use less.
- Season to taste: Add additional salt and pepper as needed to bring out the flavors.
- Chill before serving: For the best flavor, refrigerate the ranch dressing for at least 30 minutes before serving. This gives the herbs and seasonings time to blend and the flavors to develop.
More Dressing and Sauce Recipes
- Caesar Dressing
- Chimichurri
- Creamy Pesto Dressing (Spaghetti Factory Copycat)
- Italian Dressing
- Pesto
Follow Cooking Classy
Homemade Ranch Dressing
Ingredients
- 1 cup good quality mayonnaise (such as Hellman's/Best Foods)
- 2/3 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
- 1 Tbsp (scant) freeze dried chives
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder, or 1 garlic clove minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, parsley, chives, and garlic powder.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and mix (I like it on the salty side since it's usually the only salt added to a salad so I use about 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper).
- If time allows let rest in the fridge 1 hour (I don't always do this, just when I've planned ahead. It just allows some extra time to bring out and meld flavors).