Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

Making your own ranch dressing is a cinch with our easy recipe! Use it for salads, marinades, casseroles, or add sour cream to make a dip.

Course Condiment

Cuisine American

Keyword Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

Prep Time 5

Chill Time 30

Total Time 35

Servings cups

Author Ang Paris

Equipment

Ingredients

1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons dried parsley
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried chives
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon dried dill
kosher salt to taste
black pepper to taste

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

Combine the mayonnaise and buttermilk until smooth and creamy,
1 cup mayonnaise, 1 cup buttermilk
Stir in the seasonings and dried herbs.
2 teaspoons dried parsley, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried chives, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon dried dill, kosher salt
Transfer the ranch dressing mixture to a mason jar or other airtight container.
Chill for at least 30 minutes.

Notes

Homemade Ranch Dip: To make a yummy dip for fresh veggies, potato chips, French fries, chicken fingers, or buffalo wings, combine 1 cup sour cream or 1 cup fat-free Greek yogurt with 1 cup ranch dressing.

VARIATIONS

Add Freshness. Add a little bit of fresh garlic or fresh chives to the dressing for a brighter and more vibrant flavor.

Make Your Own. You can make your own buttermilk by combining regular milk with lemon juice or white vinegar. Check out our free ingredient substitutions printable for the exact measurements.

Customize your ranch. Try one of these variation

Spicy Ranch – Add hot sauce, cayenne, or chipotle powder
Cheesy Ranch – Stir in a little Parmesan or blue cheese
BBQ Ranch – Mix in a little BBQ sauce for a smoky twist

ANG'S RECIPE TIPS

Use Full-Fat Ingredients: For the richest, creamiest texture, use full-fat mayonnaise and buttermilk. Low-fat alternatives work but may result in a thinner consistency and less depth of flavor.

Fresh vs. Dried Herbs: For more freshness in your homemade dressing, use fresh herbs instead of dry herbs. Fresh parsley and fresh dill really add something special.

Balance the Tang: Buttermilk provides natural tanginess, but if you want to enhance it further, add a splash of fresh lemon juice or white vinegar. If it's too tart, balance it with a pinch of sugar.

Let It Rest. For the best flavor, let the dressing sit for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) before serving. This allows the herbs and seasonings to meld together, creating a deeper, more complex flavor.

Adjust Thickness as Needed: If your ranch is too thick, thin it out with a little more buttermilk. If it’s too runny, stir in extra mayonnaise or some sour cream until you reach the perfect consistency.

How to Use Leftover Buttermilk