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  3. Ranch Dressing Homemade
Creamy ranch dressing drizzled over a fresh garden salad

Creamy herb buttermilk dressing from scratch

Ranch Dressing Homemade

Ranch Dressing Homemade

10 minEasy

Prep Time

10 min

Cook Time

0 min

Total Time

10 min

Servings

12

1.5 cups

Difficulty

Easy

Cost

Budget

$

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Ranch Dressing Homemade

Creamy herb buttermilk dressing from scratch

A tangy, herby ranch dressing made with real buttermilk, fresh herbs, and garlic. This homemade version is fresher and more flavorful than anything from a bottle.

10m

Prep Time

0m

Cook Time

10m

Total Time

12

Servings

Easy

Difficulty

Budget $

Cost

Side DishVegetarianGluten-Free
Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen

January 15, 2024(Updated April 13, 2026)

Homemade ranch is a revelation—the fresh herbs and real buttermilk create a dressing that is tangy, herby, and infinitely better than packaged mixes. It takes just minutes to whisk together.

Why This Recipe Works

Real buttermilk provides the signature tang that powdered mixes can only imitate. Fresh herbs add brightness and complexity that dried herbs alone cannot achieve.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 2 tbsp fresh chives, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, minced
  • 1 clove garlic, finely minced

Instructions

  1. 1

    Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk until smooth.

  2. 2

    Stir in chives, dill, and garlic.

  3. 3

    Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice.

  4. 4

    Add more buttermilk for thinner dressing or less for a thicker dip consistency.

  5. 5

    Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors develop.

Serving Suggestions

Ways to Serve This Dish

  • Serve with a fresh side salad for a balanced meal

  • Pair with your favorite grain or bread on the side

  • Garnish with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation

Substitutions

Sour creamGreek yogurt

Tangier and lighter, equally creamy

ButtermilkMilk + lemon juice

Combine and let sit 5 minutes to curdle slightly

Tips & Storage

Pro Tips

  • The dressing thickens as it chills—make it slightly thinner than you want.

  • Let it rest overnight for the best flavor development.

Storage

Refrigerate in a sealed jar for up to 1 week.

Reheating

Serve cold. Shake or stir well before using.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (10mg) · 12 servings

Calories80
LowModerateHigh

A light, low-calorie option · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet

Protein1g
Carbohydrates8g
Fat1g
Fiber95mg
Sugar0g
Sodium1g

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried herbs?
Yes, use 1 tsp each dried chives and dill, but the flavor will be less vibrant.
No buttermilk on hand?
Mix 1/2 cup milk with 1 tsp lemon juice and let sit 5 minutes.

Explore More

More Side DishVegetarian RecipesGluten-Free RecipesNo-Cook Recipes
Sarah Chen

About Sarah Chen

Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.

View all recipes →

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