This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This Homemade Ranch Dressing recipe is fast, flavorful, and very easy! With options to use light mayo and yogurt, it is healthier than store-bought and packed with protein. It’s a refreshing way to enjoy salads, fresh veggies, and more!
It only takes a few minutes to make this flavorful Homemade Ranch Dressing recipe in your own kitchen! Chopped herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice give it a bright, fresh flavor for salads, veggies, and dips. It has the perfect pourable consistency and tastes better than any store-bought brand.
Try the dressing on our Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad, or use it as a dip with our healthy Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders and Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Wedges.
Recipe Overview
Before you get started
What to know before you make this ranch dressing.
- Sour Cream or Full-Fat Yogurt: For a more protein-rich dressing, use full-fat or Greek yogurt.
- Buttermilk or Regular Milk: Buttermilk will add a slight tang and a thicker consistency. However, regular milk is a good substitute.
- Dill: Fresh dill adds significantly more vibrant flavor, but dried can definitely be used in a pinch.
- Parsley: Cut off the long, stalky ends and just chop the leaves. Or substitute dried.
- Lemon Juice: I recommend using fresh lemon juice rather than store-bought lemon juice.
- Chop the herbs very finely for even distribution and a smooth texture.
- The dressing will be thin but will thicken as it chills in the refrigerator.
Ingredients you’ll need
Below is a list of the ingredients you will need to make this ranch dressing from scratch. Full measurements are listed further down in the recipe card.
- Mayonnaise: I like to use light or Miracle Whip. If opposed to using only yogurt, you can use a mix of yogurt and sour cream.
- Sour Cream or Full-Fat Yogurt: Either one you use is fine. If you aren’t using mayo, then use a combination of yogurt and sour cream.
- Buttermilk or Regular Milk: I have used milk to make this before, and it turned out just fine.
- Herbs: If you use fresh herbs, this flavor will turn out so good as opposed to using dried herbs. Herbs you will need are Fresh Dill (or dried), Fresh Parsley (or dried), and Chives (fresh or dried)
- Seasonings: Onion Powder (or grated onion), Garlic Powder (or minced garlic), Sea Salt, ground Pepper
- Lemon Juice: Use fresh lemon juice if possible.
How to make homemade Ranch Dressing
Below is a step-by-step process on how to make ranch dressing at home.
1️⃣ Chop the herbs
If using fresh herbs, finely chop them using a sharp chef’s knife.
✏️ If possible, use fresh herbs, unless in a pinch and you do not want to make a trip to the store.
2️⃣ Add the ingredients to the bowl
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, and seasonings.
✏️ You can use a combination of yogurt and sour cream if you do not want to use mayo.
3️⃣ Mix to combine and Store
Add herbs and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir gently until fully incorporated. Transfer to an air-tight container and chill for a couple of hours before serving.
✏️ I like to store the dressing in a mason jar. If you do not have mason jars, use any jars you have on hand or a container.
Common Questions
Ranch dressing lasts for up to 1 week in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. Mix it well each time before using it.
When you use regular milk, the consistency will be thinner. But it will thicken when refrigerated. If you prefer a thinner dressing, add 1-2 tbsp of milk before serving.
Yes. You can replace the mayo with plain yogurt or sour cream.
No. I do not recommend freezing.
You may also like
- Healthy Ranch Chicken Salad
- Lemon Garlic Chicken Skillet with Asparagus
- Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
- How to Make Homemade Hummus
- Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
- Healthy Steak Salad Recipe
- Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
With fresh herbsโฆand new to dillโฆTHIS is my favorite dressing!!! Iโve told sooo many people about it!!! Iโm trying to eat more healthy; this fresh dressing makes me feel like Iโm doing something good for my body!!!
Awesome!
I have tried countless homemade ranch dressing recipes and this one is what will make me stop looking. I used regular avocado oil mayonnaise, 2% Greek yogurt, and the dried herbs. Instead of making buttermilk I just added a splash of apple cider vinegar. I love it!
Sounds awesome with those substitutes. Glad you loved it