This quick and easy homemade ranch dressing recipe is created without buttermilk but still has that trademark sour flavor. It tastes considerably better than the store-bought version.
Try my Chipotle Cilantro Lime Ranch Dressing or my Italian Sub Dressing.
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Why you’ll love it
You most likely already have the materials and equipment needed for this 10-minute ranch dressing recipe in your cupboard and refrigerator. There's no need to buy buttermilk right now. The best ranch dressing, you'll agree, just doesn't require it.
Additionally, knowing exactly what ingredients went into this simple ranch dressing gives you peace of mind. It shines thanks to the addition of fresh herbs, garlic, and a little lemon juice.
What you’ll need
This basic dish calls for only a few ingredients. Here are the major items you'll need:
- Mayonnaise and sour cream form the creamy, tart basis.
- Fresh parsley and chives—these herbs give a flash of contrast and freshness.
- Dried dill is a pantry staple that I usually keep on hand for ranch dressing. The amount I use is fairly mild/not overbearing.
- Garlic provides more flavorful goodness.
- Worcestershire sauce - this versatile condiment offers a layer of rich, deep flavor. It's a unique component that sets my ranch dressing apart!
- Lemon juice adds a bit of acidity, balance, and brightness.
Tips
- Yes, even without buttermilk, it still has the traditional tangy ranch flavor! It has a strong flavor from the combination of the sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh lemon juice.
- Since buttermilk is typically sold in higher quantities, I created this ranch dressing without buttermilk. Only a small amount is ever needed for dressing, and I grew weary of throwing away so much.
How to make ranch dressing
Making this recipe is quick and simple!
- Put the dressing ingredients in a jar and give it a good shake. If preferred, whisk in a small bowl instead. Taste it and make any necessary adjustments (e.g., extra salt & pepper). Serve immediately or refrigerate if desired.
Substitutions and variations
- I suggest experimenting with the amounts and ratios to fit your personal preferences, just like with any homemade dressing!
- Feel free to substitute fresh dill from your garden or if it looks good in the store for dried dill.
- Greek yogurt can be used in place of the sour cream, but I don't like it for this one because it can be a bit thinner.
- Complete milk sour cream Greek yogurt works well as an alternative.
- If you don't have fresh chives and dill on hand, feel free to omit them. A little parsley is a good substitute if you still want to add something new.
How to Use Ranch Dressing
I assume you already have a favorite way to utilize ranch salad dressing if you're cooking this dish.
However, they are a great choice if you're searching for other ideas:
- As a dressing for salads. Try it with your next taco or green salad.
- As a dip. Use it as a dipping sauce for air fryer French fries or buffalo cauliflower wings, or scoop it up with fresh veggies like bell peppers and carrots.
- On roasted vegetables. I adore this dressing on crispy smashed potatoes and roasted broccoli.
- On a pizza. Drizzle it over vegetarian or sheet pan pizza slices if you're a ranch-on-pizza type.
Leftovers and storage
- Keep any leftovers of this creamy ranch dressing in the refrigerator for up to a week in a firmly sealed container. In a few days, however, the fresh herbs will be at their peak.
- I don't advise freezing this salad dressing, as I do with most of others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Aim for one or two cloves, though this will vary on your particular preference and clove size. On one occasion, I made it with just one clove and wished I had added more, and on another occasion, I made it with two and regretted it. Simply modify to your personal preferences by tasting as you go.
It's simple! To ensure that the garlic is well distributed in the dressing, I begin by chopping and mashing it with coarse salt. After that, I cut up a bunch of fresh herbs and combine them with sour cream and mayonnaise.
No, homemade ranch should not be frozen. The texture and flavor change when it's frozen. Once thawed, it won't be nearly as creamy and tasty. Using up ranch dressing has never been an issue for me. You may drizzle it over a variety of dishes or immerse anything you want in it. If you have leftover ranch, try adding taco seasoning and drizzling it over taco preparations or these chicken tostadas.
Store homemade ranch in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to two weeks. However, be mindful of how long the components you use to prepare it will last. You might want to use up the sour cream sooner rather than later if it is getting close to its expiration date. I take the challenge!
If you tried this Homemade Ranch Dressing or any other recipe on my website, please feel free to leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. And remember to tag me on Instagram!
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Recipe
Homemade Ranch Dressing
INGREDIENTS
- ½ cup mayo
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 clove garlic
- ¼ teaspoon dried dill
- 2 tablespoon fresh parsley
- ½ tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt & pepper to taste
- ½ tablespoon chopped fresh chives optional
INSTRUCTIONS
- Put everything in a jar and give it a good shake. Or, in a small basin, mix them together.
- You can either use this dressing right away or let it sit in the refrigerator for a few hours to give it a thicker consistency.
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