Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe

Whipping up this creamy, dreamy dressing is like crafting a love letter to my taste buds; the blend of fresh dill and parsley fills me with a nostalgic warmth. Letting it chill in the fridge for just half an hour truly feels like an exercise in patience, but that first drizzly bite makes the wait so blissfully worth it.

I love to make ranch dressing because it is a combination of fresh flavors and good-for-you ingredients. Mayo, sour cream, and buttermilk are the top three ingredients in ranch, and I think they taste much better—more like ranch!—when you use the homemade version.

Instead, when I use a store-bought version, I feel like I’m being tricked into thinking I am eating something that tastes as good as the real thing.

Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe Ingredients

• Mayonnaise: A creamy base that adds richness and a subtle tang, mainly providing fats.
• Sour Cream: Offers a rich, tangy flavor and creamy texture; contains calcium and fats.
• Buttermilk: Adds a slight tanginess and creaminess; source of calcium and probiotics.
• Lemon Juice: Provides a fresh, zesty brightness; rich in vitamin C.
• Fresh Parsley: Delivers a bright, herby flavor; source of vitamins A and C.
• Dill: Adds a fresh, slightly sweet and tangy taste, offering antioxidants.
• Garlic Powder: Contributes a savory depth and richness, contains beneficial compounds.

Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon dried chives

How to Make this Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe

1. In a mixing bowl of medium size, mix together 1 cup of mayonnaise and 1/2 cup of sour cream. Stir until everything is blended smoothly.

2. Gradually add 1/2 cup of buttermilk and whisk until smooth.

3. Stir in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to the mixture until it’s all even.

4. Add to the mixture 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh dill.

5. Combine 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder for flavorful depth.

6. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste.

7. Add 1/4 teaspoon of paprika to achieve a slight smoky flavor.

8. Put in 1/4 teaspoon of dried chives for a delicate onion-like taste.

9. Combine all the ingredients and mix them well until the dressing reaches a smooth and creamy consistency.

10. Refrigerate the bowl for at least 30 minutes, covering it beforehand, in order to let the flavors meld together before serving.

Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Medium-sized mixing bowl
2. Measuring cups
3. Measuring spoons
4. Whisk
5. Stirring spoon
6. Cutting board (for chopping fresh herbs)
7. Knife (for chopping fresh herbs)
8. Mixing spatula or spoon
9. Plastic wrap or a cover for the bowl
10. Refrigerator

FAQ

• Q: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?A: Yes, you can swap Greek yogurt for sour cream to make the dressing healthier and add a bit of zest. It’s an easy way to cut some calories and fat without sacrificing flavor.
• Q: How long can I store homemade ranch dressing?A: Dressing may be kept in the refrigerator for up to one week, stored in an airtight container.
• Q: What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk?A. A buttermilk substitute can be created by combining half a cup of milk with half a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and allowing it to sit for five minutes.
• Q: Is it possible to use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?A: Yes, dried herbs can be used. Substitute 1 teaspoon of dried parsley and dill for fresh.
• Q: How can I make the dressing thicker?A: To thicken the dressing, you can use less buttermilk or add more sour cream or mayonnaise.
• Q: Can I freeze this ranch dressing?A: It is not advisable to freeze the dressing, as the act of freezing can cause the dressing to separate and change in texture.

Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Greek Yogurt: Substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter version of mayonnaise.
Sour Cream: Replace with plain yogurt for a similar taste that’s rich and zesty.
Thicken milk with vinegar or lemon juice: Measure out 1/2 cup milk and 1/2 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice. Stir together. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to thicken and sour.
Fresh Parsley: Use 1 teaspoon dried parsley to take the place of fresh parsley.
Dried Dill: If you don’t have fresh dill on hand, it is possible to use dried dill as a substitute. You may use up to 1 dried dill for every sprig of fresh dill called for in a recipe.

Pro Tips

1. Chill Your Ingredients Before you start mixing, chill your buttermilk, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Starting with cold ingredients helps the dressing maintain a thicker consistency and improves the melding of flavors.

2. Use Fresh Herbs Although dried herbs can be convenient, using fresh parsley and dill enhances the flavor significantly. Make sure to finely chop them to release their full essence. Consider adding fresh chives if available for an even fresher taste.

3. Adjust for Consistency If you prefer a thicker dressing, reduce the amount of buttermilk or use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream. For a thinner consistency, increase the buttermilk slightly or add a splash more lemon juice.

4. Infuse Additional Flavors Consider adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for an extra layer of flavor. This can add a subtle tanginess and complexity to your dressing.

5. Let It Sit Longer If time permits, let the dressing sit in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. The flavors will develop more fully the longer it sits, leading to a more flavorful dressing. Stir before serving to re-incorporate any settled ingredients.