I love ranch dressing. There, I said it. As a kid, I adored Hidden Valley, but as an adult, I only get excited about made-from-scratch, real-deal ranch dressing. This recipe is exactly that.
Earlier this year, as I navigated my first trimester, I found myself craving my favorite comfort foods. Naturally, I made my own ranch dressing and happily drizzled it over my salads, and my pizzas, and even my quesadillas (why not?).
This ranch dressing recipe is the end result of my experimentation. It features fresh herbs, real buttermilk, and a creamy sour cream base. It tastes gourmet, and it’s certainly not too heavy. I hope you love it as much as I do!
Watch How to Make Ranch Dressing
Ranch Dressing Ingredients
This dressing is super fresh and made entirely from scratch. Here’s what you’ll need:
Sour Cream
Sour cream forms the base of this ranch dressing. It’s creamy, tangy and delicious.
Buttermilk
Buttermilk offers some additional tang and thins out the sour cream and mayonnaise to yield a drizzly texture. You’ll see that the recipe offers a range for the buttermilk, so you can make this dressing thicker or thinner as desired.
For the best flavor in dressings, I recommend using real buttermilk rather than DIY buttermilk substitute, which is better suited for baked goods. In a pinch, though, you can get by with milk instead. You’ll likely want to use the full amount of lemon juice to make up for the buttermilk’s sour flavor.
Mayonnaise
This ranch dressing needs just a little bit of mayonnaise to achieve the perfect rich and creamy texture.
Fresh Herbs
Fresh herbs make this classic dressing taste gourmet! Dried spices just don’t compare. Use a combination of fresh parsley, cilantro or dill (ideally, use a combination of the two) and chives.
Garlic and Lemon Juice
One clove of garlic sends this dressing over the top. It’s just right. Add a teaspoon or two of lemon juice to ramp up the tang.
Salt and Pepper
Salt enhances the other flavors. Please be generous with the freshly ground black pepper. It’s another key element in classic ranch dressing flavor.
More Homemade Salad Dressings to Try
Here are just a few more salad dressings on Cookie and Kate:
- Creamy Tahini Dressing
- Easy Caesar Dressing
- Easy Green Goddess Dressing
- Greek Salad Dressing
- Sunshine Salad Dressing (Creamy Honey Mustard)
Please let me know how you like this ranch dressing in the comments! I love hearing from you.
Homemade Ranch Dressing
- Author:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
- Category: Salad dressing
- Method: By hand
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Make ranch dressing from scratch with this simple recipe! This creamy ranch dressing recipe calls for fresh herbs and tastes amazing. Recipe yields about 1 cup dressing.
Ingredients
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ to ½ cup buttermilk, depending on your desired consistency
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro or dill, or a combination of the two
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh chives
- 1 garlic clove, pressed or minced
- 1 to 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice, to taste
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the sour cream, ¼ cup buttermilk, mayonnaise, fresh herbs, garlic, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, salt, and about 5 twists of black pepper. Whisk to combine.
- Taste, and add up to ¼ cup more buttermilk if you desire a thinner, more drizzly consistency. Add up to 1 teaspoon more lemon juice if you would like more zing, and/or more pepper to kick it up a notch.
- This dressing tastes great immediately and even better after a 10-minute rest. Use as desired, and store leftovers in the refrigerator, covered, for 5 to 7 days.
Notes
Change it up: Like spicy ranch? Add sriracha, to taste, or a finely chopped seeded jalapeño.
Vegetable enthusiast. Dog lover. I'm probably making a big mess in my Kansas City kitchen right now. 
Virginia
Hello Cookieandkatie… I Pray this message fine you all well…Katie I’m so happy you put this recipe together because I love Ranch Dressing to. Thx
Kate
I hope you love it!
Sherry L.L.
Thank You Kate & Cookie
Haven’t tried your Ranch Dressing yet but look forward to doing so.
It may be awhile but once I do, I will comment. Looks DELICIOUS
★★★★★
Kandy
Literally so delicious! Thank you so much for this recipe! I think I’ll just make home style ranch from now on and avoid the store ones
Lisa
I know this kind of negates the whole succulent Ranch Dressing experience, but I’m trying to do WW and would LOVE a modified recipe for your dressing! Do you happen to have one or can point me to one? Thanks so much! I LOVE your blog!!!!
Kate
Hi Lisa, I love this as is. Sorry!
4waystoyummy
My son loves ranch dressing and because he’s living with us for a short while I am going to surprise him with this dressing tonight. I was wondering since I make kefir(and need to find ways to use it as it multiplies quickly) you think I can substitute it for the buttermilk? I guess I will find out!
Congratulations on your making the Top Ten Beginners Vegetarian Cookbook list, I heard it on the Vegetarian Zen podcast. So cool!
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you!!
Dana
Hi! Is there a way to make this without Mayo?
Kate
Hi Dana, you could try adding more of the sour cream, but you will be missing the authentic tang.
Susan
Do you have a plant based version?
Kate
I don’t sorry!
Tiffany Chang
Hi Kate! Can’t wait to try this recipe! Is the sour cream substitutable with greek yogurt?
Kate
Hi Tiffany, sure! You can try it, although I love sour cream here.
Isabela
I made this Ranch dressing today because prep time was short and the description and reviews were appealing. I am so glad I did! I doubt that I will go back to purchasing commercial Ranch dressing. I used all the ingredients listed and the fresh herbs were minced green onion and cilantro.
★★★★★
Kate
I’m so glad you did too! Thank you for taking the time to comment. It will be hard to go back, I know!
Heather
You posted this a couple months ago, so you probably already tried it, but I did make this recipe today using plain Greek yogurt, and it turned out great!
★★★★
Vicki
Any plain Greek yogurt works as a terrific and healthier substitute for sour cream. It can be used for any dressing or dip or even any baked good that calls for sour cream. I use it each time I make this dressing and the result is so so good.
★★★★★
Jaci
Thank you for this! I haven’t even tried it yet, but have yet to try a recipe of yours that I don’t like. Anyways, I live in France and Ranch dressing is one of many things that I am always missing!
Kate
I hope you love it, Jaci!
Marthe
Hi there! This recipe seems so nice. I was wondering what kind of mayonnaise to use because here in my country its not the same as in America. Perhaps is there a brand you recommend that I could use? Thank you in advance!
Kate
Hi Marthe! I used Whole Foods 365 or Sir Kensington. I hope you can try it!
ANN HALE
Homemade mayonnaise is not difficult to make. I would suspect that all the ingredients are available in the country in which you live (egg, mustard, vinegar/lemon juice, and oil). It would be fresh and compliment your homemade ranch dressing.
Robin
This sounds like a great recipe! Could you use Greek Yogurt instead of Sour Cream, in this recipe?
Thanks
Kate
Sure, Robin. I prefer sour cream here, but that may work too.
J. J
Very nice recipe chef . Thank you for your effort
★★★★★
Virat Sharma
I’m not sure if I’ve ever left a comment before, but I’ve always like your blog and find myself returning to it time and time again for inspiration. Beautiful cuisine, and even more beautiful photographs. Continue to do excellent work and to post regularly. Wishing you the best!
★★★★
Kate
Thank you, Virat! I’m glad you are enjoying my blog and recipes.
Kim Lambert
Do you know how long this dressing would last in the refrigerator?
Kate
See the final step. It will last 5-7 days.
Madeline
Congrats on the baby (!!!!! and the lovely recipe) thanks for all you do :)
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you, Madeline!
Jennifer Rucker
Kate, can you use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream? Do you recommend whole or nonfat buttermilk? And, hope you’re feeling well!
Thanks.
Kate
Hi, I recommend the recipe as written. But, you could try it! Regular buttermilk. Let me know what you think!
Sarah
First trimester?! You’re pregnant!! How did I miss this announcement?
tracy a harrington
Made this today….just didn’t have fresh dill. One of the best ranch recipes ever! Thanks!
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome, Tracy! I’m glad you loved it.
Koni Royval
So funny to see these types of salad dressings. My mom thought store bought dressing were a waste of money, THAT she refused to do. Tho with a new built 5 bedroom home with a master suite that is as large as some homeowners entire house. She did not need to save that small amount back in the late 60’s early 1970s. I have been making my own since then. Always had buttermilk and on hand—along with all the herbs and spices I could use. Guess we where just ahead of time!
Megan Miller
I am a ranch fanatic but dislike bottled ranch. I just made this and already ate a quarter of it with some cucumbers! It’s absolutely delicious, easy and now my new favorite. Thanks so much!
Kate
You’re welcome, Megan! Thank you for your review.
Amelia
This recipe looks great! I’m wondering if I could make a large batch and freeze some? Any idea if it would freeze well?
Kate
Hi Amelia, I’m not sure about freezing this recipe. Sorry!
Jan G.
Could I substitute plain nonfat Greek yogurt for the sour cream?
Kate
I recommend it as written, but you can try it! Let me know what you think.
Jan G.
Thanks, Kate. I will let you know. I rarely buy sour cream anymore because I’ve started replacing it with yogurt.
Jan G.
Well, I don’t know how it tastes with the sour cream, but I just made it (very easy!) and I think it’s pretty delicious with the nonfat plain Greek yogurt. (I used Chobani.) Next time I make it I’m going to spice it up with a bit of sriracha, but we’ll have it as a regular ranch this time. Thanks, Kate!
★★★★★
Susan
Kate…this is great! Of course, due to the lack of several of the ingredients, I substituted.
* NO sour cream, so I used plain yogurt for that.
* used regular milk
* Mayo
* dried herbs: basil, garlic, S & P, smokey paprika
* left out lemon juice, because the yogurt is tangy enough
When I DO have all those ingredients in your recipe, I will def try it that way. Thank you!
★★★★★
Emily
I have been looking for a great ranch recipe for years and it’s finally here — delicious, flavorful, and restaurant quality. Yum!
★★★★★
Barbara Larkey
I am enjoying your recipes but, can’t find the print icon next to any of them.
Kate
Hi Barbara, jump down to the recipe card below the body of the post. It will be next to the save button. I hope that helps!
Alysha
Thank you for this recipe! It sounds delicious and I can’t wait to try it. I was curious if there’s a way to freeze or substitute ingredients to make shelf life last longer? Thank you.
★★★★★
Kate
Hi, I don’t recommend freezing most dairy or creamy based recipes. Sorry!
Kath Knudson
Once again, thanks Kate for such a great recipe! I love Ranch dressing and this hits all the notes. As I’m a garlic lover, I’ve added an additional clove of garlic to the mix. Love your recipes!!
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you for sharing, Kath! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Lilyw
This is easy and terrific. My husband loves ranch, but I only make homemade salad dressing (store-bought is hyper processed and so bad for you), and he absolutely loved this. Thanks for the recipe.
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome, Lily! I’m happy it was a hit.
Val
Made your ranch dressing today. Yummy…. So glad I tried it. It far surpasses the one I was using that was only dried herbs, mayo and buttermilk. Love the tang and fresh herbs. Did have to use dried dill but that was the only substitution I made. Goodbye old recipe, hello new one. Thank you!
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome, Val! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Denise
Your dressing is delicious, thank you. I count on your beautiful recipes and you always exceed expectations. Plus your site is pretty and easy on the eyes.
★★★★★
Lori
I can always trust you. This dressing is perfect. Delicious as is, didn’t change a thing!! Thank you!!
★★★★★
Kate
I’m glad you like it, Lori! Thank you for your review.
Melissa Wilson
I love ranch dressing so much I eat it on almost everything and now I can make it with it recipe with what I have on hand of the ingredients I would not have to buy when I low on funds thanks so much again!
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome, Melissa! I’m glad you love it.
seyed
excellent recipeh
★★★★★
Leilani Montez
How long is it good for?
Kate
This dressing tastes great immediately and even better after a 10-minute rest. Use as desired, and store leftovers in the refrigerator, covered, for 5 to 7 days.
Marianne Mancuso
Can’t wait to make this! So many artificial ingredients in pre made ranch dressing and powders! Thanks for sharing!!
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome, Marianne! I’m happy you enjoyed it.
HS
I liked it. At first it was too runny. After a couple days in the fridge it did thicken up. I guess it can last for a week. Knowing you have to eat it quicker than store-bought you’ll be eating more salads.
★★★★★
Kate
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for sharing.
Steph Z.
I didn’t have parsley or cilantro. I only had dried dill. It still turned out really well! So much better than your typical bottled dressing.
★★★★★
Kate
I’m glad it worked with what you had! I appreciate your review, Steph.
Rob
Have just been trawling though history of ranch and numerous recipes. This seems closest to original as it uses *shock, horror!* all fresh ingredients, rather than dried herbs etc. This is the way I love to cook. Can’t wait to try. Thank you so much
Rob
★★★★★
Kristie Kulp
Made this today. I used fresh dill, parsley and chives as my herbs. I used Duke’s mayo, a touch more lemon juice, and a touch more salt and pepper, as per my taste. This was an amazing dressing and definitely will make it again. Thanks for sharing!
Kate
You’re welcome, Kristie!
LHilton
This recipe is amazing! I’m using it for my lunches this week. Doing my version of the Chick Fil A Southwest salad. Thanks for sharing.
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome! I’m happy you enjoyed it.
Wendy
Never tried making homemade dressing before, but thought I’d give it a try. Loved how easy this was. My question….I doubled the recipe, but I could still taste the mayonnaise (I used Helmans). What would you suggest to add more of, for it to blend together well with the other ingredients?
★★★★
Kate
Hi! It could be the mayo. Or, you can add more buttermilk if you like. Thank you for your review!
dani
SO GOOD! Thank you from the US midwest for another great one!
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome, Dani! I’m glad you loved it.
Katie
This is THE ranch dressing recipe I’ve been looking for! I used only cilantro because it’s what I had and it was great.
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you for your review, Katie! I’m happy you enjoyed it.
Ashley G
Wow! Somehow I stumbled upon your recipe- I am in my first trimester of pregnancy and having strong food aversions…. I since a young child have ALWAYS had a special place in my heart for Ranch dressing. Never knew how simple it was to make until now. I went on a long streak of never buying store bought dressings because of all the funky ingredients… This dressing is the perfect version so fresh! I can’t wait to add it to pizza. So far I’ve made this twice this week for our family because we gobbled it up in 3 days. Such a great dip to carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, broccoli!!! Its so divine during summer with crisp cool veggies! Thanks for sharing such a simple straightforward recipe, and now I can enjoy this more guilt free!! <3
★★★★★
Kate
Congratulations! I’m glad you came to this recipe, Ashley and it’s been a hit.
Sierra
Very bland. I added dill, as well as lemon juice, which helped somewhat.
★★
Kate
Hi Sierra, I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy this recipe. I appreciate your review.
Philip Hall
I’ve tried several ranch dressing recipes and I think this is one of the best. I took the liberty of using 1/2 cup buttermilk because I try to use it up before it expires. I’m looking forward to trying it with the spicy additions for a southwestern salad.
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you for your review, Philip!
Christie
Hands down the best ranch recipe I’ve tried!!! I am also very finicky and rate resturants based on their ranch quality. Thanks for speaking my love language and posting this recipe! It’s a keeper!!!
★★★★★
Leslie Burum
I have made this several times. It’s easy and it’s very good. I add celery seed to it and increase the dill, when using. Sometimes I use cream cheese with chives. Very flexible recipe. Very good. Making it again this evening for company with fresh vegetables and fresh herbs from my garden. Thanks!!!
★★★★★
Kate
Love to hear you have made this so many times already! I appreciate your review.
Sonya
This was just perfect. Many recipes use too much mayonnaise and I love this sour cream and buttermilk forward version.
★★★★
Kate
I’m glad you found like one and enjoy it, Sonya! I appreciate your review.
L.N.
I just made your Ranch Dressing and it is delicious! I did have to make a few adjustments because I did not have all of the fresh herbs – I used dried dill and parsley and finely minced green onion instead of the chives. I will be sure to have the fresh herbs the next time. I am sure it will be even more delicious!
★★★★★
Kate
Great to hear, L.N! I appreciate you taking the time to review.
Pat
Why does every recipe I look at says a whopping tablespoon of dill. I’ve tried a couple, the dill is so pronounced that the dressing doesn’t taste that great and tastes nothing like the dressing you purchase in the market. I wanted to make fresh and control the ingredients yet every one says dill! Yours is the first one I saw that gave an option of dill or cilantro. Going to try the cilantro and see if it tastes more like Ranch to me. Thanks
Patricia Bentley
I love your recipes and I find they always work really well. And congratulations – so nice to know you’re expecting!
I made créma tonight with sour cream, kefir, salt and lime juice; I’m turning it into your ranch dressing tomorrow.
Caleb
Made this with my girlfriend and was disappointed. Not very flavorful at all.
★★
Kate
I’m sorry to hear that, Caleb. Did you use fresh herbs?
Lisa
What if you are using dried herbs?
Kate
Hi Lisa, see my 50 Pantry-Friendly Recipes & Substitutions That Work on substituting dried herbs for fresh.
alicen
beautiful ranch, thank you!
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome, Alicen!
Ricardo
Easy ranch
I will tray soon
Thank you
Lisa
Made this last night for friends and couldn’t be happier. Flawless recipe. My salad had butter lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber and avocado and chives on top. Simple and perfect.
★★★★★
H
Looks delicious. Does plain Greek yogurt work in place of sour cream?
Kate
Others have tried it and didn’t mind the results. I hope you enjoy it, H!