The Best Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe (No Buttermilk)

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This creamy homemade ranch dressing recipe is made with fresh herbs and simple ingredients. It is perfect for salads, veggies, and fries.

There’s something nostalgic about ranch dressing. That tangy, creamy base with flecks of fresh herbs calls to mind picnics, backyard dinners, and weeknight meals around the table. For many, Hidden Valley Ranch or Red Robin ranch dressing were the gold standards. But once you make your own homemade version, the store-bought stuff and your favorite restaurant ranch dressing just won’t cut it.

As a huge ranch lover, I’ve tried dozens of the best recipes for ranch over the years. Some were better than others. Many required items I don’t tend to keep on hand, like buttermilk or lemon juice. This homemade ranch dressing recipe is made with everyday kitchen staples. You can use dried herbs, but it’s definitely best when fresh herbs are used. We make this all the time in the summer – it puts our herb garden to good use! You don’t need real buttermilk or any special equipment. Just a bowl, a whisk, and about five minutes of your time.

If this is your first time making ranch, glad you found me. And you’re welcome. *wink* 

This recipe uses regular milk, along with mayonnaise and sour cream, to create the creamy base. Add in fresh garlic, fresh dill, fresh parsley, and fresh chives for a ranch that bursts with flavor.

This ranch tastes better than any bottled stuff. And it’s customizable. Want more garlic flavor? Add another clove of fresh garlic or a pinch of garlic powder. Prefer it thicker? Reduce the milk a little. It’s a home cook’s dream.

Ingredients for the Best Ranch Dressing

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (homemade French mayonnaise works wonderfully!)
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon regular milk (or more for thinner consistency)
• 1/2 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/2 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh dill, finely chopped
• 1 clove fresh garlic, finely minced
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

That’s it. Just simple ingredients you probably have on hand. Fresh herbs make a huge difference here. You can substitute dried herbs if needed (you’d only need 1/3 the amount), but try to use fresh dill, parsley, and chives if possible.

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to a small bowl and whisk together until smooth. 
2. Taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you want more tang, add a tiny splash of white vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
3. Add more milk for a thinner consistency.
4. Once mixed, transfer your ranch to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.

Note: Although you can serve this ranch dressing right away, it becomes thicker and even more flavorful when refrigerated. If it gets too thick, thin it out by whisking in more milk, a little at a time. 

Serving Suggestions

This dressing is great as a ranch dip or as a homemade salad dressing. Serve it alongside french fries, fresh vegetables, or even drizzle over grilled chicken. It’s also delicious spooned onto a baked potato or used to season meats before roasting.

Hosting game day? Use this ranch for dipping chicken wings. It also pairs wonderfully with potato chips or as a side for pizza.

Make It Your Own

Here’s the cool thing about homemade dressings: they’re easy to adjust. If you want a lighter version, swap in plain Greek yogurt for the sour cream. Want more heat? Add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. Love the flavor of garlic? Use a little more fresh garlic or garlic powder. Making this a couple times helps you figure out your favorite way to balance the flavors.

Storing Homemade Ranch

Always keep your ranch in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I like to use a mason jar for storing in the refrigerator. (I just found these mason jar pour spout lids and they’re incredible! Just shake and pour!) It stays fresh for up to one week. Be sure to give it a good stir before each use.

This homemade ranch recipe makes about one cup, which is a great serving size for small families or parties. If you need more, just double or triple the recipe. 

Fun Fact

Did you know ranch is the most popular salad dressing in America? Its versatility makes it a favorite dipping sauce, salad topper, and flavor booster for home cooks everywhere.

FAQs: Homemade Ranch Dressing (No Buttermilk)

• Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh? Yes, but use less. Dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor, so use 1/3 of the amount of dried herbs as compared to fresh herbs.
• What if I want it thicker? Use less milk. This will keep the dressing on the thicker side, great for dipping sauce use.
• How long does it last? Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it’s best within 7 days.
• Can I make this dairy-free? You could technically use a dairy-free sour cream and mayo with plant milk, but it will undoubtedly change the flavor and texture, so I don’t recommend it. 
• What gives this dressing its tangy flavor? Worcestershire sauce and fresh garlic bring that bold flavor. A splash of white vinegar adds extra tang if needed.
• Is this like Hidden Valley Ranch? In my opinion, it’s even better. This homemade ranch has a fresh herb taste and no store-bought bottles needed.
• Can I use this as a ranch salad dressing? Absolutely. Just thin it with a bit more milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Do I need to use a small bowl or can I mix in a jar? Although you could probably shake the ingredients together in a jar, it would be difficult to get it smooth. I like to whisk the ingredients together well in a small bowl and then transfer it to a glass jar for serving and storage in the refrigerator. (Try these mason jar pour spout lids – they’re awesome!)
• What makes this the best ranch dressing? The combination of sour cream, mayo, fresh herbs, and Worcestershire creates the best flavor without needing buttermilk.
• Can I use this on more than salads? Yes! Use it for chicken wings, french fries, fresh vegetables, and more.

Next time you’re tempted to grab the store-bought ranch dressing, remember this recipe. It’s fresher, bolder, and made with love. Whether you’re planning dinner for the family or prepping snacks for a party, this easy ranch will become a new family favorite. You’ll never go back to the bottled stuff again.

The Best Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe (No Buttermilk)

5 from 1 vote

This creamy homemade ranch dressing recipe made with fresh herbs and simple ingredients is perfect for salads, veggies, or fries.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 1 cup

Course: Appetizer, Salad

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (homemade French mayonnaise works wonderfully!)
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon regular milk or more for thinner consistency
• 1/2 tablespoon fresh parsley finely chopped
• 1/2 tablespoon fresh chives finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh dill finely chopped
• 1 clove fresh garlic finely minced
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Method

 

1. Add all ingredients to a small bowl and whisk together until smooth.
2. Taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you want more tang, add a tiny splash of white vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
3. Add more milk for a thinner consistency.
4. Once mixed, transfer your ranch to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.

Notes

Although you can serve this ranch dressing right away, it becomes thicker and even more flavorful when refrigerated. If it gets too thick, thin it out by whisking in more milk, a little at a time.