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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!

Spoon of homemade ranch dressing in jar
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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

Skill Level
Beginner
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins

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.

Ingredients to make homemade ranch.
  • 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.

process shot chopping herbs, and adding the dressing ingredients to a bowl.

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.

process shot of mixing the dressing ingredients in a bowl.

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

How long does homemade ranch last?

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.

What if the dressing is runny and not thick?

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.

Can I skip the mayo?

Yes. You can replace the mayo with plain yogurt or sour cream.

Can I freeze it?

No. I do not recommend freezing.

Homemade Ranch Dressing in a jar on the counter.
5 from 9 votes

Homemade Ranch Dressing

By: Rena
Servings: 24 1 tbsp servings (makes about 1 1/2 cups total)
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 5 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
How to make ranch dressing
Homemade Ranch Dressing is fast, flavorful, and very easy! It's healthier than store-bought, packed with protein, and a refreshing way to enjoy salads, fresh veggies, and more!

Ingredients

  • ½ cup light or homemade mayonnaise
  • ½ cup sour cream or full-fat yogurt
  • cup buttermilk or regular milk
  • 1 tablespoon freshly chopped dill , (or ¾ tsp dried dill)
  • 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley, (or ¾ tsp dried parsley)
  • 2 tablespoons freshly chopped chives, (or 1 tsp dried chives)
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder, (or 1 tbsp grated onion)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder, (or 1-2 garlic cloves, minced)
  • ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt, or to taste
  • teaspoon finely cracked pepper, or to taste
  • 2-3 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice, adjust to taste

Instructions

  • If using fresh herbs, finely chop them using a sharp chef's knife. (1 tablespoon freshly chopped dill , 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley, and 2 tablespoons freshly chopped chives)
    Chop fresh herbs using a sharp knife.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine ½ cup light or homemade mayonnaise, ½ cup sour cream or full-fat yogurt, ⅓ cup buttermilk or regular milk, and 2-3 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice.
    In a large bowl, add mayo, sour cream, and fresh herbs.
  • Add ¼ teaspoon onion powder and ½ teaspoon garlic powder, whisking until well incorporated.
    Add lemon juice to bowl.
  • Stir in chopped/dried herbs and season with ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt and ⅛ teaspoon finely cracked pepper, gently mix.
    Stir gently until well incorporated.
  • Transfer the dressing to an air-tight container and chill for a couple of hours before serving. You can keep this in the fridge for up to 1 week.
    Homemade Ranch Dressing in a jar on the counter.

Notes

  • Sour Cream or Full-Fat Yogurt: For a more protein-rich dressing, use full-fat or Greek yogurt.
  • Mayo: For those who aren’t fond of mayonnaise, can use Cool Whip or plain/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 be used in a pinch.
  • Parsley: Cut off the long, stalky ends and just chop the leaves. Or substitute dried.
  • Sea Salt: Sea salt brings out the flavors in the dressing, but kosher salt can be used as well.
  • 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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tbspCalories: 23kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 1gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 66mgPotassium: 11mgSugar: 1gVitamin A: 63IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 9mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: condiment
Cuisine: American
Tried this recipe?Mention @healthyfitnessmeals or tag #healthyfitnessmeals!

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About Rena Awada

Hi, Iโ€™m Rena! Welcome to my blog. I am here to help you prepare delicious, light, fresh meals that your whole family will love!

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5 from 9 votes (7 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




4 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    With fresh herbsโ€ฆand new to dillโ€ฆTHIS is my favorite dressing!!! Iโ€™ve told sooo many people about it!!! Iโ€™m trying to eat more healthy; this fresh dressing makes me feel like Iโ€™m doing something good for my body!!!

  2. 5 stars
    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!