5-Minute Ranch Dressing
Buttermilk ranch dressing from scratch only takes 5 minutes to make and is better than any store-bought dressing. It’s cool, creamy, rich, and flavorful with herbs and seasonings. Make a batch and keep it in the fridge for up to two weeks!
Some people like healthy salads, and some like salad with a decadent dressing. Friends, I am in the pro creamy salad dressing camp. I firmly believe life is short, so treating yourself is always in order, especially when eating salad. It’s all about balance. So, let’s make ranch dressing!
- I love this homemade ranch dressing because it’s not too thick or thin. It’s just right for pouring and tossing with lettuce but thick enough to serve as a dip.
- It’s made with pantry seasonings and dried herbs. I’ve tried versions with fresh herbs, scallions, and garlic, but the flavors get almost overwhelming after a day or so in the fridge. Using dried herbs and seasonings makes it all a little more mellow.
- It’s so easy to make – no chopping required. Just mix up all the ingredients. It only takes about five minutes!
- It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. This recipe makes two cups, but you can halve or double it.
- It’s ten thousand times better than shelf-stable bottled ranch. So, go ahead and retire whatever sad bottle of ranch you have in the fridge. This homemade version is so much better.
Ingredients
- Mayonnaise
- Plain Greek yogurt
- Buttermilk
- Apple cider vinegar
- Dried dill
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Dried chives
- Kosher salt and black pepper
I haven’t tried it, but you could substitute low-fat yogurt and buttermilk if you want something lighter. I am partial to full-fat because tossing it all with veggies makes up for it.
I love the balance of flavors, but it is a bit dill-forward. Feel free to reduce the amount if you like it a little less dill-y. You can always add more.
How to Make Ranch Dressing
☑️ Mix
Put all of the ingredients in a bowl. Whisk until smooth. That’s it!
You can serve the dressing immediately, but chilling it for a few hours is better. The flavors will mix and mingle, so it’s even more delicious.
☑️ Storage
Store it in an airtight container (a mason jar works great), and it will keep for two weeks in the refrigerator. If it lasts that long – with this homemade ranch on hand, you’ll want a salad every day.
Ways to Use It
- Drizzle it over all the salads, of course!
- Serve it with mozzarella sticks, buffalo chicken wings, and fried pickles.
- Make bacon ranch chicken quesadillas.
- Serve it as a dip with lots of colorful veggies like carrots, bell peppers, broccoli florets, and celery sticks.
More Salad Dressing Recipes
5-Minute Ranch Dressing
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried dill see note
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried chives
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Whisk all of the ingredients in a small bowl until smooth.
- Store in an airtight container and chill the dressing for at least 30 minutes before serving it.
Notes
Nutrition Estimate
Salad Recipe Ideas
- Roasted Sweet Potato Arugula Salad
- Taco Salad with Homemade Catalina Dressing
- Chicken Cobb Salad
- Santa Fe Salad
If you need motivation to eat more salads, cool and creamy buttermilk ranch dressing is the way to do it. Let’s face it—a plate of veggies with a delicious dressing is always going to be more appealing. The fact that it only takes 5 minutes to make? Well, that’s just a bonus.
Happy ranch-making,
This the best homemade ranch I’ve ever had. It’s just thick enough and the flavors are perfect, thank you for sharing this recipe it’s so good!