Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe (2024)

Jessica Randhawa
June 6, 2022

4.85 from 63 votes

Last Updated June 6, 2022 | 13 Comments

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This Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe is quick and easy to make with simple, affordable, and delicious ingredients and without preservatives or MSG. Perfect for salads or served as a dip, it’s so good you’ll never want to buy store-bought again.

The Best Ranch Dressing Recipe

I am a big-time ranch dressing lover. At my house, it’s one of many must-have condiments, but definitely a favorite (if not the favorite). I will literally put ranch on everything.

Perfectly creamy, smooth, salty, and tangy, I love this all-American condiment on more than just salads. It’s the perfect dip for pizza, chicken nuggets, French fries, or (one of my personal favorites) sauteed zucchini. Unfortunately, not all ranch dressings taste amazing, or even good. Store-bought, shelf-stable bottles in particular.

So today I’m going to show you how to make your own. It’s so easy to make and so delicious you’ll never want to buy those plastic bottles of grocery store ranch dressing ever again.

Who Invented Ranch Dressing?

Ranch dressing was developed by Steve Hensen in the early 1950s while he worked as a plumbing contractor in Alaska. In 1956 Hensen and his wife purchased Sweetwater Ranch in the San Ynez Mountains in Southern California and renamed it Hidden Valley Ranch.

What’s in Ranch Dressing?

Mayonnaise
Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
Half-and-Half (or whole milk, buttermilk, or Kiefer)
White vinegar (or fresh lemon juice)
Garlic
Onion powder
Salt and Pepper
Fresh herbs (fresh chives, fresh parsley, fresh dill – optional)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to add buttermilk? No. It is not necessary to purchase a big thing of buttermilk just for this recipe. Instead, add a little white vinegar. The white vinegar, when mixed with the half and half (or regular milk), creates buttermilk. If you prefer to use buttermilk in place of the half and half, that will also work.
Is ranch dressing keto? This recipe, as written, is keto.
Is ranch dressing gluten-free? This recipe, as written, is gluten free. To be on the safe side, confirm that the mayonnaise and any dried seasonings (onion powder in this case) are certified gluten-free.

How to Make Homemade Ranch Dressing

To make homemade ranch dressing, simply place all of the ingredients in a mixing bowl and whisk well to combine.

Recipe Tip

Just because youcan make exact measurements doesn’t mean you have to.One of the many beautiful things about this recipe is that exact measurements are not necessary. Instead, use the measuring cups as a guide, starting with the amount listed in the recipe and adding more as needed. Some people may prefer more mayo, while others may prefer more Greek yogurt. Others may prefer a thick ranch dressing dip, while others may prefer a thinner dressing more suitable for salads.

How to Serve Homemade Ranch Dressing

Veggies! One of the best ways to enjoy this delicious recipe is by dunking super healthy vegetables (carrots, radish, celery, cucumber, tomatoes, broccoli) into a big bowl of this yummy dressing. It’s also an easy way to get kiddos who hate vegetables to eat more greens.

Of course, there are the other classic ranch dressing dunkers- chicken tenders and chicken wings. And buffalo chicken dip just would be the same without a little ranch dressing.

And let’s not forget ranch-covered iceberg lettuce. American diners everywhere would not be the same without them.

Storage and Leftovers

Store leftovers in a container with a tight-fitting lid. Mason jars with twist on lids work really well here. Since this recipe is made without any preservatives, keep refrigerated and enjoy within 5 days.

Freezing is not recommended.

More Delicious Dip Recipes,

Velveeta Cheese Dip with Sausage
The Best Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
Hot Crab Artichoke Dip Recipe
Tzatziki
Classic Hummus Recipe
Beet Hummus

Have you tried making this Ranch Dressing Recipe?

Homemade Ranch Dressing

4.85 from 63 votes

AuthorAuthor: Jessica Randhawa

This creamy Ranch Dressing Recipe is quick and easy to make with simple, affordable, and delicious ingredients. Perfect for salads or served as a dip, it's so good you'll never want to buy store-bought again.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Condiment, Sauce

Cuisine American

Servings 12 servings (2 tbsps)

Calories 80 kcal

Ingredients

▢ ½ cup mayonnaise
▢ ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
▢ ⅓ cup half-and-half - (or whole milk)
▢ 3 tablespoon white vinegar
▢ 1 teaspoon onion powder
▢ 1 tablespoon fresh dill - minced
▢ 1 tablespoon fresh parsley - minced
▢ 2 tablespoon chives - finely chopped
▢ 3 cloves garlic - minced
▢ ½ teaspoon salt
▢ ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Add all of the ingredients to a medium bowl and mix well to combine. Season with additional salt, pepper, and fresh herbs to suit your own personal preference. If the dressing is too thick, simply add additional half-and-half, milk, or water to the bowl, one tablespoon at a time, until the desiredconsistency is reached.
Transfer your homemade ranch dressing to a mason jar or storage container with a tight-fitting lid. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Jessica’s Notes

For best results, use full-fat mayo and Greek yogurt. However, you may substitute with low-fat versions of both or just one.
You may substitute the fresh garlic for 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
Serving size is approximately 2 tablespoons.

Nutritional Information

(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and specific brands of ingredients used.)

Keyword Homemade Ranch Dressing, How to make ranch dressing, Ranch Dressing Recipe

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