buttermilk ranch dressing

This creamy buttermilk ranch dressing is full of fresh herbs, tangy buttermilk and sour cream, lemon, and the zippy bite of fresh garlic. This isn’t your average store-bought ranch: it’s bursting with freshness and herby flavor.

Use this recipe anywhere you would use ranch, and you’ll love the elevated touch of dressing from scratch.

Why I love it:

Homemade dressings and sauces are so fun, and more often than not, they’re easier than you think. I especially love to see how ranch gets its creamy texture and distinct herby, garlicky, lemon-y flavor.

The dried onion powder, the sharp garlic, the genius blend of buttermilk, sour cream, and mayo. It all clicks!

Best of all, once you master this base recipe, you can play with the herbs and dairy for a custom homemade ranch dip. Make a healthy ranch dressing by swapping plain greek yogurt in for the sour cream. Blend in a jalapeño and cilantro for a delicious spicy twist (jalapeno ranch). And while it’s tempting to nix the mayo-- don’t. It brings a richness and distinct flavor to the ranch that is tricky to replicate.

Keep reading for answers to all the ranch questions, plus a huge list of creative ways to use this delicious dip.

buttermilk ranch ingredients:

how to make buttermilk ranch:

1. Whisk together buttermilk, sour cream, mayonnaise, and lemon juice.
2. Mix in garlic paste, herbs, onion powder, salt and pepper.
3. Taste and add more lemon, salt, or pepper.
4. Enjoy!

FAQs about homemade ranch dressing:

How long does homemade ranch dressing last:

This dressing will last, refrigerated in an airtight container, for 5- 7 days.

How can I make this healthier?

Swap greek yogurt in for the sour cream for a tangier ranch with more protein, less fat, and some added probiotics! I wouldn’t drop the mayonnaise-- it adds richness, texture, and tang that is key to the distinct ranch flavor. You can try starting with half the mayo (¼ cup) and add more, if needed.

Can I freeze homemade ranch?

No! When you freeze and thaw this creamy ranch, the dairy will separate and become grainy and watery.

What herbs are best for ranch?

The classic herbs are parsley, dill and chives. That being said, I love to experiment with other soft herbs! Try cilantro, tarragon, or even basil for a unique twist.

Can I make ranch without buttermilk?

Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own. Add ½ tablespoon white vinegar to a measuring cup, then fill to the ½ cup mark with whole milk. Mix and let sit for 10 minutes until thickened. Use this in place of the buttermilk!

Note: you can also use lemon juice, but for this ranch specifically, the vinegar adds a delicious tang.

How to use ranch dressing:

• Dips for spicy chicken 
• Slathered on a fried chicken sandwich
• On salads (use it in mason jar salads!)
• Drizzle on pizza (try this calabrese pizza or sausage breakfast pizza!)
• Spread in wraps or on flatbreads
• With a crudite platter
• Dip for french fries, sweet potato fries, or roast potatoes
• Drizzle over grilled steak tacos, burrito bowls, or loaded nachos
• Sauce for salmon burger, salmon cakes, or maryland crab cakes

More dressing recipes to try:

best green goddess dressing

jalapeno ranch dressing

miso ginger dressing (super creamy!)

sesame ginger dressing

spicy cashew dressing

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