Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

A creamy, tangy, and herb-packed dressing that’s perfect for salads, dipping veggies, drizzling over pizza, or as a sauce for wraps and sandwiches. This fresh version is far superior to store-bought and comes together in minutes.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1/2 cup buttermilk (more or less to adjust consistency)

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried)

• 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried)

• 1 tsp fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1/3 tsp dried)

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp onion powder

• 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)

• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

• 1–2 tsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Instructions

1. Mix the Base: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk until smooth.

2. Add Herbs & Spices: Stir in parsley, chives, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thinner dressing, add more buttermilk a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.

4. Taste & Adjust: Add lemon juice for extra tang if desired and adjust seasoning to taste.

5. Chill: For best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Equipment

• Medium mixing bowl

• Whisk or spoon

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Airtight container or jar for storage

Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 0 minutes

• Total Time: 10 minutes

Serving Size
Makes about 1 1/2 cups (8–10 servings)

Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

A creamy, tangy, and herb-packed dressing that’s perfect for salads, dipping veggies, drizzling over pizza, or as a sauce for wraps and sandwiches. This fresh version is far superior to store-bought and comes together in minutes.

Print Recipe

Prep Time:10 minutes mins

Total Time:10 minutes mins

Equipment

• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk or spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Airtight container or jar for storage

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup buttermilk more or less to adjust consistency
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
• 1 tbsp fresh chives finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
• 1 tsp fresh dill finely chopped (or 1/3 tsp dried)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp salt or to taste
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 –2 tsp lemon juice optional, for brightness

Instructions

• Mix the Base: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk until smooth.
• Add Herbs & Spices: Stir in parsley, chives, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
• Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thinner dressing, add more buttermilk a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
• Taste & Adjust: Add lemon juice for extra tang if desired, and adjust seasoning to taste.
• Chill: For best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Servings: 10 servings

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes. Use one-third the amount of dried herbs in place of fresh, as dried herbs are more concentrated.

Can I make this without buttermilk?
Yes. Mix 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes, then use in place of buttermilk.

Can I make it thicker?
Yes. Use less buttermilk or add more sour cream to create a creamier, thicker consistency.

Can I make it thinner?
Yes. Add extra buttermilk, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes. All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels to confirm.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Use dairy-free mayonnaise, dairy-free sour cream, and unsweetened plant-based milk mixed with lemon juice for the buttermilk substitute.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes. Greek yogurt works well and adds extra protein with a slightly tangier taste.

How long should I chill it before serving?
At least 30 minutes is recommended so the flavors meld, but it can be served immediately if needed.

Can I use this as a dip?
Yes. Use less buttermilk to keep it thick for dipping vegetables, wings, or chips.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just double all ingredients and store in multiple jars or containers.

How To Store Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container or jar for up to 1 week. Shake or stir before using as herbs may settle.

Freezer:
Not recommended, as the dairy base may separate and change texture when thawed.

Reheating:
Not applicable serve cold or at room temperature.