Homemade Ranch Dressing tastes way better than anything you’ll get from a bottle. It’s so incredibly easy anyone can master this recipe! A combination of fresh (or dried herbs) and spices in a creamy base of sour cream and just the right amount of tang!
Perfect for dipping veggies, dressing up a tossed salad, or for serving alongside CrockPot Chicken Wings, this simple dip and dressing mix is sure to become an addictive staple you won’t want to leave out!
What is Ranch Dressing?
Who invented this ranch dressing deliciousness anyhow? Ranch Dressing was invented in the 1950’s by a Nebraska cowboy named Steve Hensen, who perfected the recipe on his own dude ranch. It was so popular that before long he was shipping his ranch seasoning mix all over the country, and Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing was born.
Ranch dressing is an amazing combination of zesty herbs with onion or chive flavors in a creamy base usually consisting sour cream, mayo, or plain yogurt (and sometimes buttermilk). No matter what you use as the base, ranch dressing is always bound to be a favorite! This recipe uses sour cream and mayo, which is perfect for when you need a thicker, creamier dressing.
It became a staple in every American household. And who doesn’t love to use ranch dressing on everything from pizza crusts to buffalo wings? I know I do!
How to Make Ranch Dressing
This is pretty much the easiest thing you’ll ever make, short on time, but long on flavor!
- Mix the herbs and spices together. Tip: If using dry, you can make this dry mixture ahead and have it ready to go, like a sort of Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix.
- Add the seasoning to the lemon juice and other wet ingredients, and mix thoroughly until completely blended.
- Chill until cold and flavors have blended, at least 1 hour!
How Long Does it Last?
Homemade Ranch Dressing will keep in the refrigerator as long as your dairy is good. Check the dates on your sour cream and milk so you know how long you can keep the dressing. It must be store in the fridge because of the sour cream, mayo and milk mixture (and it doesn’t freeze well).
This dressing should be immediately refrigerated and kept for only 2-3 days.Ranch Dressing
Variations
You can easily change this recipe up to add in anything that strikes your fancy. Reduce the milk to make this a dip. Use your imagination to spice it up even more (unless you’re a Ranch Dressing purist, of course!)
- Try adding in bacon crumbles, because… bacon, my friends, bacon!
- Add in finely shredded parmesan or a mixture of different cheeses for Homemade Three Cheese Ranch!
- Crushed black peppercorns! Or, tricolor peppercorns.
- Jalapeno peppers for a perfect jalapeno ranch (I prefer pickled and finely diced).
- A splash of pickle juice for some zest!
Or, you could even add in crushed chilies if you are craving something spicy! And I love knowing I can quickly and easily put together everyone’s favorite ranch dressing whenever I need a last minute dip or a dressing for any occasion! Enjoy it with your family tonight!
More Delicious Dressing Recipes
- Sesame Ginger Dressing – we love this on Asian salads!
- Blue Cheese Dressing – perfect for chicken wings
- Italian Dressing – great on everything
- Honey Mustard Dressing – one of my favorites
- Thousand Island Dressing – perfect for burgers
Did you make this Homemade Ranch Dressing? Be sure to leave a comment and a rating below!
Homemade Ranch Dressing
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley or 2 teaspoons fresh
- 1 teaspoon dried chives or 2 teaspoons fresh
- ½ teaspoon dried dill weed or 1 teaspoon fresh
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder or 1 clove fresh
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- salt & black pepper to taste
- ⅓ cup milk or buttermilk
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except milk in a small bowl and mix well.
- Add milk to reach desired consistency.
- Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Dip, Dressing
Cuisine American© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
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Definitely a keeper!
I’m new here but glad I came across to your site . I must spend a hour a day looking through the recipes . I enjoy it very much and plan on making more of your recipes . This Ranch dressing is very best I have ever made and so simple. Thank you for welcoming me here and thank you for your site . And Oh’ , the article on air fryers … wow , you explained it very well . Thank you again .
Thank you so much for the kind words Peggy, this made my day! I am so glad you are enjoying all the recipes ❤️
Best ranch dressing ever!
I am so happy to hear you love this dressing as much as I do Marion!
This was amazing! I have an MSG sensitivity that’s put in most ranch dressings, so it is nice to find something that I can have. I used it as dip for a veggie tray yesterday and everyone loved it. Super easy to make, I will continue to use this recipe.
Very good
Best ranch dressing ever! I don’t even like the store made ranch dressing, but this one is perfect! I add a little extra dill and herbs for extra punch. Simply devine!
So glad you loved it Amanda, it’s my all time favorite dressing too!
Hi. You mentioned lemon juice but not how much. Does lemon curdle milk based products?
Thanks!
I add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice if I am adding it. I would use it to make a make shift buttermilk and then add it and have had no issues with it curdling. Enjoy!
How long can this be refrigerated?
Hi Margaret, this dressing should be immediately refrigerated and kept for only 2-3 days.
I want to make this dressing, but I’m the only one in my house that uses Ranch dressing, so I’m wondering how long I can keep it in the fridge. Thanks!
As mentioned in the post, Homemade Ranch Dressing will keep in the refrigerator as long as your dairy is good. Check the dates on your sour cream and milk so you know how long you can keep the dressing. It must be store in the fridge because of the sour cream, mayo and milk mixture (and it doesn’t freeze well). If using fresh garlic, this dressing will only last 2-3 days and must be stored in the refrigerator.
Love all your recipes. Simple and delicious. Good food doesn’t need to be complicated.
It’s great to hear you enjoy our recipes!
Absolutely love this dressing, never lasts long in my house. Use for salad, wings, baked potatoes, steak fries, hamburgers, I’m a huge fan of ranch. Made this numerous times. Thanks AGAIN Holly for all of your amazing recipes.
Thank you so much, Traci! ♥️ So happy you enjoyed it.
can you use this for wings or do you have to thin it down.
It’s perfect for chicken wings Diane!
We love homemade dressings and whiskey looks delicious!
Glad you enjoyed it Lisa!
This is delicious! The ONLY negative I can say is that I might cut back to just 1 T of lemon juice. I could kind of get the twang from it a tad more than I like but other than that this is the best homemade I’ve had! I prefer it over the packet mixes because of the sodium content. Will def make again!