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This Homemade Ranch Dressing has a secret ingredient that literally pairs perfectly with any type of summer dish. I’ve been using this recipe for years and people always ask for the recipe. The best part?
This ranch dressing recipe is easy to make and tastes so much better than anything you’re going to buy at the store.
Not only that but it pairs up nicely with my grilled chicken cobb salad, my smoked chicken wings & grilled chicken wings recipe, too.
I’ve been using this dressing recipe ever since I’ve started grilling because it’s just the right consistency for salads. I like that it’s not too thick for lettuce and just think enough to dip in chicken wings or other types of meat.
In fact, this simple ranch dressing recipe is so good, it just might be my favorite dressing of all times.
Can you use milk instead of buttermilk in ranch dressing?
You can but why? The buttermilk adds so a creaminess and flavor that it’s what makes this ranch dressing recipe over the top good.
How to make ranch dressing from scratch
You just need a few ingredients to make this easy ranch dressing recipe.
- mayonnaise
- sour cream
- lemon juice
- fresh dill
- fresh chives
- fresh parsley
- onion powder
- buttermilk
Scroll down to get the full recipe and directions. In less than 5 minutes of time, you’ll have a homemade ranch dressing for your salad and grilled meats needs.
How to make buttermilk
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make your own. All you need to do is add either 1 T of vinegar OR 1 T of lemon juice to every 1 cup of milk. You stir that and let it set for about 10 minutes or so, and you’ve just create a homemade buttermilk for this recipe.
How to store homemade ranch dressing
Once you make this dressing, you need to be certain that you keep it stored in the fridge where it’s nice and cool. Due to the ingredients, it has to be kept cold.
I suggest putting it into a mason jar with a lid, or if you have another empty condiment jar just clean that really well and add in the mayonnaise to that.
Homemade ranch dressing typically stays fresh for 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator.
Tips for Making Ranch Dressing with Buttermilk
While this ranch dressing recipe is very straightforward, don’t forget that there are a few ways that you can add a little spice and heat.
Add in a dash of cayenne pepper to take this dressing from smooth and cool to fiery hot. You can also mix in fresh cilantro as well as add in extra dill for more pops of flavor, too.
Ranch dressing is great for salads but don’t forget that it’s a great dips for veggies trays and crackers as well.
I’ve had this in a dish on the table as a dipping option for people during BBQs and it’s always a hit.
Are you ready to learn how to make this simple ranch dressing from scratch recipe? Let me know what you pair it up with so I can get some other tasty ideas.
Ranch Dressing with Buttermilk
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons fresh dill, minced or ½ teaspoon dried
- 2 teaspoons fresh chives, minced or ½ teaspoon dried
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, minced or 1 teaspoon dried
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ to ½ cup buttermilk or milk, as needed for consistency
Instructions
- Chop herbs finely. Squeeze lemon juice In a medium bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and sour cream.
- Add the herbs, seasonings and lemon juice. Mix together until well combined.
- Slowly add milk and mix until desired consistency. Transfer to jar with lid and store in refrigerator.
