This Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Recipe is rich, creamy, and bursting with fresh herbs. Forget the bottled stuff, you’ll never go back!
author’s note
The Ranch My Kids Think Is a Food Group!
I always grew up loving ranch. It was my go-to for salads, veggies, pizza, pretty much everything. But then I had kids and learned that ranch is not just a condiment. It is basically a full-blown food group.
My boys dip everything in ranch. Carrots, chicken, fries, pizza crusts, even random leftovers. And once that became our reality, I knew I wanted a version I could keep on hand all the time without a long list of questionable ingredients.
So I started testing. I wanted it creamy but not heavy, tangy but not sharp, and packed with real herb flavor. Batch after batch, I tweaked until I landed on the combo that finally nailed it.
This is now the ranch I keep in my fridge at all times for veggies, pizza night, quick salads, and every dip-happy kid moment in between.
Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Recipe Ingredients
| Ingredient | Swaps or Tips |
|---|---|
| Sour cream | Full-fat tastes best, but fat-free works in a pinch |
| Buttermilk | More for a pourable dressing, less for a thicker dip |
| Mayo | A good brand really does matter for flavor |
| Fresh herbs | Dill and chives are my must-haves if using fewer herbs |
| Garlic powder | Skip fresh garlic here so the flavor stays balanced |
| White wine vinegar or lemon juice | Lemon gives a fresher flavor |
| Olive oil | Use a good extra-virgin for best flavor |
How To Make This Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Recipe
- Mix all ingredients in a medium bowl.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Adjust with more buttermilk if you want it thinner or more lemon if you want extra tang.
- Chill for about 30 minutes to let the flavors blend.
- Stir and serve.
Recipe Tips
Here are a few tips to help you make the best Buttermilk Ranch Dressing recipe:
- Adjust thickness: Too thick? Add buttermilk. Too thin? Mix in sour cream or mayo.
- Taste and fix: Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
- Let it sit: Rest for 30 mins to boost flavor.
- Try new flavors: Mix in different herbs to find your favorite.
Storage
Keeping this buttermilk ranch dressing recipe fresh is simple! Here’s what to know:
- Container: Store in an airtight jar or container with a tight lid.
- Fridge life: Lasts 5-7 days in the refrigerator.
- Thinning: If it thickens, stir in a little extra buttermilk.
Use Homemade Ranch In:
Ranch Dressing Recipe
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup buttermilk plus more as desired
- 1/4 cup mayo see note 1
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill finely minced, see note 2
- 1 tablespoon Fresh chives finely minced
- 1 tablespoon parsley finely minced
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons white wine vinegar or lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients. Season to taste with salt and pepper (I add 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper).
- Taste dressing and adjust to preference. If you’d like a thinner dressing, add more buttermilk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it’s the desired consistency. Add more lemon juice for more acidity, more salt/pepper, etc. until flavors are vibrant!
- Cover and chill dressing (it tastes even better after about half an hour!). Use as desired, stirring before using, and returning leftovers to the fridge.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How To Use Ranch Dressing Recipe
I know people who put ranch on just about everything! Here are a few ways you can use it:
- Salad dressing: Toss with green, pasta, or potato salads.
- Dip: Serve with veggies, chips, or crackers.
- Condiment: Spread on sandwiches or wraps for creaminess.
- Marinade: Mix with oil and lemon juice for chicken or shrimp.
- Sauce: Drizzle over roasted vegetables or potatoes.
- Pizza: Perfect for dipping hot, cheesy slices.
- Buffalo wings: The ultimate dipping sauce.
- Rice bowls: Drizzle over rice or grain bowls.
