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Best Homemade Ranch Dressing

Best Homemade Ranch Dressing


  • Author: OliviaBennett
  • Total Time: About 35 minutes

Description

Hey there, kitchen friend! Olivia here, apron dusted with parsley flakes and a whisk in hand. Can we talk about ranch dressing for a hot second? That cool, creamy, herb-kissed wonder that turns carrot sticks into magic wands and pizza crusts into edible spoons. Store-bought often disappoints—too sweet, too thin, or full of mystery ingredients. But in just 5 minutes, you can whip up a ranch so gloriously tangy, rich, and full of personality that your taste buds will throw a confetti parade.


Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup buttermilk* (see tip)

  • ½ cup mayonnaise (full-fat for best texture)

  • ½ cup sour cream

  • ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper

  • ¼ tsp sea salt

  • ¾ tsp garlic powder

  • ¼ tsp onion powder

  • ¾ tsp dried parsley

  • Tip: No buttermilk? Mix ½ cup milk + 1½ tsp lemon juice or vinegar; let sit 5 minutes.


Instructions

  • Mix the Base: In a medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, mayonnaise, and sour cream until smooth and creamy. (Tip: If mayo or sour cream is cold, let sit 10 minutes before whisking.)

  • Add the Flavor: Sprinkle in black pepper, sea salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley all at once. Stir gently to combine — you’ll see pretty green flecks forming.

  • Taste & Adjust: Give it a taste! Want more garlic? Add a pinch. Salt too low? Add a little more. Remember, flavors mellow after chilling.

  • Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the herbs rehydrate and flavors meld. Overnight chill = next-level ranch magic.

  • Store: Transfer to an airtight container or mason jar. Keeps well in the fridge for up to 1 week. Stir before serving if separation occurs.

Notes

  • Spicy Southwest: Stir in 1 tsp chipotle powder + 2 tbsp chopped cilantro.

  • Green Goddess Ranch: Blend in ¼ cup fresh basil + 2 tbsp fresh chives + 1 tbsp lemon juice.

  • Avocado Lime Ranch: Mash 1 ripe avocado into the base + zest of 1 lime.

  • Everything Bagel Ranch: Fold in 1 tbsp everything bagel seasoning after chilling.

  • Vegan Version: Use plant-based mayo, sour cream, and almond milk + lemon juice for buttermilk.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: 120 cal Per Serving
  • Fat: 12g
  • Carbohydrates: 1g
  • Protein: 1g