Homemade Ranch Dressing

Name: Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 1 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup buttermilk; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 tsp mounded onion powder; 1 large clove garlic, grated; 1 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed; 1 tbsp white distilled vinegar; 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tbsp green onion, chopped; kosher salt, to taste; black pepper, to taste; 1 pinch sugar

This homemade ranch dressing combines buttermilk, sour cream, and mayonnaise with fresh dill, parsley, and green onion for a creamy, herb-forward version that's fresher and cheaper than bottled versions.

🌍American 🏷️Ranch dressing 🏷️Homemade ranch 🏷️Salad dressing 🏷️Dip Creamy

🏷️

🏷️Buttermilk

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TikTok

Total

10 min

Servings

1

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$25–$41

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok

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Ingredients

3/4 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 tsp mounded onion powder
1 large clove garlic, grated
1 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
1 tbsp white distilled vinegar
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp green onion, chopped
kosher salt, to taste
black pepper, to taste
1 pinch sugaroptional

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Instructions

1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, mayonnaise, and sour cream.
2
Add the onion powder, grated garlic, lemon juice, and white distilled vinegar to the bowl.
3
Finely chop the fresh dill, fresh parsley, and green onion.
4
Add the chopped fresh herbs to the bowl.
5
Season with a good pinch of kosher salt and a smaller pinch of black pepper.
6
Whisk all ingredients together until the dressing is smooth and well combined.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Grate the garlic clove directly into the dressing rather than mincing; it distributes more evenly and prevents harsh chunks.
Chop fresh herbs just before mixing to preserve their flavor and green color—avoid over-chopping, which bruises delicate leaves.
Whisk all wet ingredients (buttermilk, mayo, sour cream, lemon juice, vinegar) together first, then fold in herbs at the end to prevent over-mixing.
Let the finished dressing chill for at least 30 minutes before serving; cold temperatures meld the herb flavors and improve taste.

Substitutions

buttermilk → milk + lemon juice or vinegar (1 tbsp acid per 3/4 cup milk, let sit 5 minutes)
sour cream → plain Greek yogurt (use full-fat for creamier texture)
fresh dill → 1 tsp dried dill (use half the amount of dried herbs)
mayonnaise → Greek yogurt (reduces richness; use 1/4 cup mayo + 1/4 cup yogurt for balance)

Storage & make-ahead

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. No reheating needed; serve chilled or at room temperature.

Common Questions

Can I make ranch dressing ahead of time?

Yes. Homemade ranch keeps refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The flavors actually deepen after 1–2 hours as the herbs infuse.

What can I substitute for buttermilk?

Mix 3/4 cup whole milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar and let sit 5 minutes until curdled.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, but use 1 teaspoon dried dill, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, and 1/2 teaspoon dried chives. Dried herbs are more concentrated, so use less.

How do I adjust the consistency?

Add more buttermilk to thin, or more sour cream and mayo to thicken. Start with small additions and whisk to combine.

Is this dressing dairy-free?

No. This recipe relies on buttermilk, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Use dairy-free sour cream and mayo alternatives for a similar result, though flavor will differ.