Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe

Our homemade ranch dressing recipe is simple and features fresh (or dried) herbs. Enjoy delicious ranch dressing from scratch. You’ll love the flavor!

Ranch dressing is typically a favorite of kids. Mine have used it for years to dip vegetables and french fries. Making your own homemade dressings helps save money and gives you control over the ingredients.

You can also use fresh ranch dressing in a number of other recipes. Learn how to make homemade ranch so you can have it on hand anytime.

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If you love the flavor of ranch dressing but need a non-dairy recipe, you can use coconut milk like in this dairy-free homemade ranch dressing.

What you need to make homemade ranch dressing

This is such a simple recipe! This recipe for ranch dressing tastes so much better than the processed bottles. Plus, there’s no preservatives or unwanted ingredients.

• mayonnaise
• sour cream
• lemon juice
• fresh or dried dill
• fresh or dried chives
• fresh or dried parsley
• minced garlic (or garlic powder)
• milk

If you prefer the flavor of buttermilk ranch dressing, you can substitute fresh buttermilk for the milk in this recipe.

Fresh herbs or dried herbs?

If you can, make this recipe for ranch dressing using fresh herbs. It’s easier in the summer when you may have a small garden going.

The rest of the year, just use dried herbs that you keep in your pantry. Dried herbs are more concentrated, so you only need 1 teaspoon of dried to match 1 Tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs.

How to make homemade ranch dressing

If using fresh herbs, chop them finely. Squeeze fresh lemon juice or use prepared juice.

In a medium bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and sour cream.

Add the herbs and lemon juice to taste (1-3 teaspoons). Mix together until well combined.

Slowly add milk and mix until thinned to desired consistency. Transfer to jar with lid and store in refrigerator until use.

How to store homemade ranch dressing

You can store this delicious dressing in many kinds of containers, from plastic to glass.

If you have kids and want to control how much they pour, I like these pour toppers that go on top of mason jars.

How long does homemade ranch last?

Generally, homemade ranch dressing can last for about 1 to 2 weeks when stored properly in the refrigerator. To maximize the shelf life of homemade ranch dressing, be sure to:

• Store in an airtight container: This prevents absorption of odors and flavors from other foods in the fridge.
• Keep refrigerated: Because of the dairy products, this homemade dressing will spoil if left at room temperature.
• Check for spoilage: Before using the dressing, look for any discoloration, off odors or unusual texture. If you find any, it is best to discard it.

Remember, these guidelines are for homemade ranch, because it doesn’t have preservatives like store-bought dressings.

More recipes with ranch flavors

Once you’ve made our recipe for homemade ranch dressing, you can use it for more than salads! It’s perfect for our cold bacon and ranch pasta salad.

We also have an amazing recipe for potatoes with ranch dressing (and bacon, of course!). Try our cold 5-ingredient red potato salad. All of these would go great in a white serving bowl with lid.