It's pretty hard to beat the cool creaminess of Buttermilk Ranch Dressing, if you ask me-especially when it's homemade! A combination of fresh herbs and garlic makes this the ultimate dressing for salads or a dip for fresh vegetables.
This recipe is so much better than any pre-made spice packet or store-bought ranch dressing that you can find on store shelves. All it takes is a few fresh ingredients and a couple minutes to throw together!
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Ingredients
Using fresh garlic and herbs is the key to maximizing the bright and tangy flavors of this dressing. You will need the following:
- Mayonnaise - Real mayonnaise is best - look for Hellman's, Duke's, or Avocado Oil Based Mayonnaise
- Buttermilk - For tang and acidity, as well as to thin the dressing
- Sour Cream - This adds creaminess as well as some body to the dressing
- Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice - Adds a pop of brightness
- Fresh Chives - Adds a touch of grassy/onion flavor
- Fresh Parsley - Adds a bit of freshness and color
- Fresh Dill - Gives a subtle earthy/herby flavor
- Garlic Cloves - Adds a garlicy punch
- Dry Mustard - Helps balance out some of the brighter flavors
- Onion Powder - Brings an underlying onion flavor that the other spices are built on.
- Cayenne - Adds a dash of heat for balance (don't worry, this ranch isn't spicy!)
- Kosher Salt - Brings out all of the other flavors
- Black Pepper - Gives just a little bit of bite to bring out all the other flavors
Just mix all of these ingredients together in a mixing bowl and allow it to sit for about 30 minutes before using, and that's it! I prefer to transfer it to a mason jar or a squeeze bottle for serving.
Substitutions
Here are a few substitutions for some of the ingredients in this recipe:
- Buttermilk - Mix ½ cup whole milk with ½ tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar, stir, and allow it to sit for 10 minutes to make a faux-buttermilk substitute.
- Mayonnaise - You can omit the mayonnaise entirely and increase the sour cream to ¾ cup. (You may need to add a touch more buttermilk to get the consistency right).
- Sour Cream - Substitute the sour cream for equal amounts of Greek yogurt.
- Fresh Herbs - Swap them out for dried herbs. Typically aim for half the amount of fresh ingredients. Keep in mind that the flavors won't be as bright or fresh.
Equipment
You don't need any fancy equipment to make this buttermilk ranch dressing, but the list below can make your life a little easier and can help avoid making a big mess in the kitchen.
- Mason Jars - These are prefect to store this ranch dressing in.
- Mason Jar Funnel Set - Optional, but recommended to keep things clean!
- OXO Squeeze Bottles - I use these squeeze bottles all the time. Just be sure to use the larger tip since this has fresh herbs and garlic in it that can clog up the smaller one.
Ranch Dressing Uses
This dressing has a ton of uses! It's perfect as a simple salad dressing, as a dip for hot wings, or as a dip for a vegetable appetizer tray.
I love serving this ranch with my recipes for Carolina Red Sauce Hot Wings and Dry Rubbed Chicken Wings. This is the perfect way to cool things down just a touch.
It's also great as a dip with my recipe for the Ultimate Homemade Pan Pizza or even my recipe for Homemade Cheesy Bread.
Storage
This dressing keeps in the fridge for up to a week in an airtight container. I like to use either a mason jar or transfer it to an OXO Squeeze Bottle to make serving easier!
Top tip
Allow this to sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes prior to serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
FAQs
No, but I do recommend it since it adds the perfect amount of tanginess and give the dressing a really nice, pourable texture. If you don't have buttermilk handy, you can substitute it for ½ cup whole milk mixed with ½ tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar.
Yes! In fact, it get's better the longer it sits. Keep it stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Yes, just increase the sour cream to ¾ cup. You may need to add a touch more buttermilk to get the consistency just right.
Yes! While fresh herbs and spices will give you the best flavor, dried will do in a pinch. Keep in mind the flavor won't be quite as fresh and bright as it is when using fresh ingredients.
Related
Check out a few of my other dressing, dipping sauces, and salad recipes below:
Pairing
These recipes below are my favorite dishes to serve this Buttermilk Ranch Dressing with. Go check them out and let me know what you think!
Did you make this recipe for Buttermilk Ranch Dressing?
Let me know how yours turned out in the comments below, and don't forget to leave a rating!
Recipe
Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
Equipment
- Medium Mixing Bowl
- Mason Jars Optional
- Oxo Squeeze Bottles Optional
Ingredients
- ½ Cup Sour Cream
- ½ Cup Mayonnaise
- ½ Cup Buttermilk
- 1 Tablespoon Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
- 1 ½ Tablespoon Fresh Chives Finely Minced
- 1 ½ Tablespoon Parsley Finely Minced
- 1 Tablespoon Fresh Dill Finely Minced
- 1 to 2 Clove(s) Garlic Grated or Finely Minced
- ½ teaspoon Dry Mustard
- ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 Pinch Cayenne
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ½ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a medium-sized mixing bowl, and stir to combine. Optionally, cover and allow to rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes prior to serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Transfer to a mason jar, or squeeze bottle for serving. Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Paula says
Great flavor. Freshness you wont get in a bottle or package!