This homemade buttermilk ranch dressing is bursting with fresh and bright flavors and is super easy to make. Plus, you can customize it to your liking by adding your favorite herbs and spices. So, give this recipe a try and start enjoying delicious ranch dressing made fresh at home.

Homemade buttermilk ranch dressing is one of my favorite go-to salad dressings. I have to have some on almost every salad I eat, the way some people need to have ketchup on their fries.

But this homemade version is nothing like the overly sweet bottles of ranch you’d find at the supermarket. With a brilliant mix of tangy buttermilk, fresh herbs and spices, thick Greek yogurt, and a solid hit of lemon juice, this is the best ranch dressing you’ll ever try! Plus, it’s delicious as a dipping sauce for veggies or dressing for salads, as well as other dishes.

Those tangy flavors make this the perfect dip or rich and savory Bacon Wrapped Tots or Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders. You can even use it as a marinade for my Ranch Chicken and Casserole.

INGREDIENT NOTES AND SUBSTITUTIONS 

• Buttermilk – This adds a nice tang and creaminess to ranch dressings. If you don’t have any on hand, you can make your own! Add 1 ½ tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a measuring cup, then fill to the 1 ½ cup line with regular milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, then use as directed.
• Sour Cream – You can use regular, low-fat, or even fat-free sour cream, or you can substitute this with plain Greek yogurt. 
• Mayonnaise – This recipe will work with your favorite variety, even those made with avocado or olive oil! Just skip the Miracle Whip as it has extra sugar and seasonings.
• Fresh dill, parsley,  and/or chives – Fresh herbs really add a ton of flavor, but the recipe will still be good with dried herbs. To substitute with dried herbs, reduce the amounts to about ¾ teaspoon each.
• Garlic powder – Garlic is a popular ingredient in ranch dressing because it gives it that distinct kick. If you run out of garlic powder, simply replace it with a clove of pressed garlic.
• Dijon mustard – A bit earthier than yellow mustard, this helps to mellow out the tartness of the dressing
• Lemon zest – This adds some brightness to the buttermilk ranch dressing without overpowering it with citrus flavor.
• Tabasco sauce – Just a dash for a little heat. Substitute with another hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper, or leave it out entirely.

HOW TO MAKE BUTTERMILK RANCH DRESSING

1. Combine the ingredients together. In a mason jar or bowl,  shake or whisk together the ingredients until emulsified and thoroughly combined. You could also use an immersion blender to get it really smooth.
2. Chill. For the best ranch dressing, chill for at least 15 minutes and up to four hours to give the flavors plenty of time to meld.
3. Serve. Use as a salad dressing, as a dip, or as a marinade for chicken.

How do you make homemade buttermilk ranch dressing?

While homemade buttermilk ranch dressing is packed with flavors, the recipe is actually pretty straightforward. Simply combine the ingredients together, then chill to let the flavors meld together.

How long does homemade buttermilk ranch last?

If you keep your buttermilk ranch dressing in a tightly-sealed container in the fridge, it should stay fresh for up to two weeks.

How do you make the best ranch dressing?

The best ranch dressing starts with quality ingredients from buttermilk, sour cream and mayo down to fresh herbs and additional seasonings. 

Why is my ranch not thickening?

Give your ranch dressing time to thicken. You can let it sit in the fridge for a day or more. But don’t worry if it takes longer than that — the length of time to let it set will depend on many factors, including your climate. 

If you need a quick solution, adding more mayonnaise can help you fix the consistency problem. Just be careful not to overdo it! You have to get the right balance between solid and liquid ingredients for the best consistency. Try adding a little mayo, taste to check if the flavors are still well-balanced, and add more if needed.

What if my ranch is too thick?

Thin out your dressing by adding a little extra buttermilk. Start with a teaspoon and add more only if needed; too much liquid will weaken the flavor. If you’re concerned about making your dressing too tangy, thin it out with a little oil instead. Choose something with a neutral flavor like canola or avocado oil.