This homemade buttermilk ranch dressing is rich and creamy with a bright blend of zesty fresh herbs and dried spices. It’s so quick and easy to make this restaurant-worthy ranch dressing. You’ll never want to buy bottled store-bought dressing again!

I grew up eating Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing. Sometimes my mom would buy the dry seasoning and use that to make her “homemade” version.

As a kid, I loved it. But once I tried real homemade ranch dressing, I couldn’t go back to the store-bought bottled or dry mix packets. It just tastes too artificial in my opinion.

My family loves serving this ranch dressing as a dip for fresh vegetables. Just scale back on the buttermilk to make it thicker.

Table of Contents

Homemade Ranch Dressing ingredients

Mayonnaise: This is one of the primary ingredients in classic ranch dressing. It gives it that creamy base and rich flavor.

Sour cream: I like to add sour cream to help cut some of the richness of the mayonnaise. If you don’t have sour cream, you can use plain Greek yogurt instead to make it healthier.

Buttermilk: This is the secret to getting that restaurant-quality taste at home and make it a pourable consistency.

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can substitute with regular milk.

Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the dressing a sharp kick. It’s important to finely mince, press or grate the garlic and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to blend the flavors.

Chives: This adds a mild onion flavor and bright color to the dressing. Chop the chives as small as possible so they blend nicely into the ranch dressing.

Fresh dill: This adds a bright and herbaceous flavor to the dressing. Chop the leaves finely so they mix evenly into the dressing.

Dried parsley: This adds a mild earthly flavor to the dressing.

Onion powder: This is a staple ingredient in classic ranch dressing. It gives it that sweet and savory taste.

Salt and black pepper: This helps to enhance all the flavors in the dressing.

Fresh lemon juice: This helps to brighten the flavors and cut through the heavy creaminess of the mayo and sour cream.

How to make homemade buttermilk ranch dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt if using), ¼ cup of buttermilk, garlic, fresh chives, fresh dill, parsley, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and fresh lemon juice.

Taste and add up to ¼ cup buttermilk if you want a thinner, pourable consistency. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This helps to mellow the garlic and allow the flavors to meld together.

Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Serving Suggestions

Below are the best foods that pair well with homemade buttermilk ranch dressing:

Enjoy as a dip for fresh vegetables: Cucumbers, carrots, celery, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, cauliflower, bell peppers, radish, or snap peas.

Enjoy as a dip for chicken tenders or wings: I love serving this dip with my air fryer buffalo wings.

Enjoy as a dip for French fries, baked potato wedges, or pizza.

Enjoy on salads, burgers, sandwiches, wraps, or baked potatoes.

Make Ahead and Storage Suggestions

While you can enjoy this buttermilk ranch dressing immediately, it tastes best after resting in the fridge for 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld together.

How long does homemade ranch last? It keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for 5 to 7 days.

Tips for making homemade buttermilk ranch dressing

How can I make ranch taste like a restaurant? The key is to use real buttermilk, add fresh chives and dill, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and to let the ranch rest in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving.

If you taste this ranch dressing and feel like something is still missing, you can add a drop or two of Worcestershire sauce.

Most store-bought and restaurant ranch dressing contain MSG, which adds a savory and umami depth to food. Worcestershire sauce can replicate a similar depth of flavor.

Can I make ranch healthier? Yes, you can use light mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt, or low-fat sour cream. The dressing will thicken as it rests in the fridge.

Why is my ranch dressing too thick? Add more buttermilk to thin out the dressing and make it easier to drizzle. Add 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Why is my ranch dressing too thin? You can thicken it up by adding more mayonnaise, sour cream, or Greek yogurt. Letting it rest in the fridge can help to naturally thicken the dressing.

Can I make ranch without buttermilk? Yes, you can use regular milk.

Can ranch be used a both a dressing and dip? Yes. To make it a dip, use less buttermilk. To make it a dressing, add more buttermilk.

Please let me know how you like this homemade ranch dressing recipe in the comments below! Your feedback and review encourages me to keep creating new and yummy recipes. I hope you love this ranch dressing as much as I do.