Ranch dressing is undoubtedly one of the most beloved condiments in the world, and for good reason! It’s creamy, tangy, and loaded with fresh herb flavors that can elevate any salad, sandwich, or dip. But nothing beats homemade ranch dressing. Making your own ranch at home ensures you’re getting the freshest, most flavorful version possible, without any artificial ingredients or preservatives. Whether you’re drizzling it on your favorite salad, dipping crispy veggies, or using it as a sauce for chicken wings, this best homemade ranch dressing will become your go-to for all things creamy and delicious.
This recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Plus, the homemade version can be customized to your exact taste, so you can make it as tangy, creamy, or garlicky as you like. Whether you prefer a thick dip or a more pourable dressing, this ranch recipe is versatile and a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients (Measured in Grams)
For the Ranch Dressing:
- 240g sour cream
- 240g mayonnaise
- 60ml whole milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (15ml)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (3g)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (3g)
- 1 teaspoon dried dill (1g)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (1g)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried chives (1g)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (1.5g), or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (1g), or to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine the sour cream and mayonnaise. Stir them together until smooth and well-combined. These two ingredients form the creamy base of your ranch dressing.
Step 2: Add the Milk and Lemon Juice
- Gradually stir in the milk to reach your desired consistency. If you prefer a thicker ranch, add less milk; for a more pourable dressing, add more milk.
- Add the fresh lemon juice to brighten up the flavor and add a touch of tang.
Step 3: Season the Dressing
- Add the garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, dried parsley, and dried chives to the bowl. Stir to combine all the herbs and spices evenly.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning according to your preferences.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
- For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the ranch dressing for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and intensify.
- Stir the dressing again before serving. You can enjoy it as a salad dressing, a dip for veggies, or as a topping for chicken wings, fries, or any dish that could use a creamy boost!
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 90 kcal (2 tablespoons)
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 9g
- Sugar: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
Note: Values may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Homemade Ranch Dressing
✅ Use Full-Fat Dairy – For the creamiest and most flavorful ranch dressing, use full-fat sour cream and mayonnaise. Low-fat versions can be substituted, but they may affect the texture and richness of the dressing.
✅ Customize the Herbs – Feel free to tweak the herb blend to your liking! Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives work great if you have them on hand. Just be sure to use more fresh herbs to compensate for dried ones.
✅ Adjust the Consistency – If you like your ranch a little thicker, reduce the amount of milk or add a little extra sour cream. For a thinner dressing, increase the milk or even add a little extra lemon juice or vinegar for added tang.
✅ Use a Blender – If you prefer a completely smooth ranch dressing, you can use a blender or food processor to combine the ingredients. This will give the ranch an ultra-creamy texture without any visible herbs.
✅ Make Ahead – Homemade ranch dressing can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The flavors continue to develop and improve the longer it sits!
Variations to Try
- Spicy Ranch Dressing – Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to give your ranch a spicy kick. This is perfect for serving with spicy wings or as a dip for spicy fries.
- Avocado Ranch Dressing – Blend in half an avocado for a creamy, green twist on the classic ranch dressing. This is perfect for topping tacos, salads, or using as a dip.
- Greek Yogurt Ranch Dressing – Substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream for a healthier version that still has a rich, creamy texture and tangy flavor. This also boosts the protein content.
- Buttermilk Ranch Dressing – For a more traditional buttermilk ranch dressing, swap out the milk with buttermilk for a tangier, slightly more liquid dressing.
What to Serve with The Best Homemade Ranch Dressing?
🥗 Salads – This ranch dressing is a classic salad topper. Whether you’re enjoying a simple garden salad or a heartier chicken Caesar salad, it’s the perfect creamy dressing.
🍟 Fries and Wedges – Dip crispy fries or baked potato wedges into the ranch for a savory, creamy treat.
🥒 Veggies – Serve it as a dip for fresh, crunchy veggies like carrot sticks, celery, cucumber, or bell peppers.
🍗 Chicken Wings – This ranch dressing is perfect as a dipping sauce for crispy chicken wings, whether they’re spicy or sweet.
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