Creamy Ranch Dressing

This Creamy Ranch Dressing is a quick, easy, and delicious way to elevate salads, sandwiches, or fresh veggie platters. Made with everyday pantry staples and no buttermilk required, this homemade version is rich, tangy, and loaded with herbs. In just 5 minutes, you’ll have a fresh and flavorful dressing that puts bottled ranch to shame.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No buttermilk needed: Uses simple ingredients you likely already have.

• Fast and easy: Ready in just 5 minutes with zero cooking required.

• Customizable thickness: Add more or less milk to get the consistency you love.

• Tastes better than store-bought: Fresh, creamy, and perfectly balanced.

• Versatile: Use it as a dressing, dip, or sandwich spread.

• Herb-packed flavor: Dried herbs make it super convenient without sacrificing taste.

• Budget-friendly: No need to buy expensive bottles of ranch again.

• Great for meal prep: Makes a full pint and lasts up to a week in the fridge.

• Family favorite: Mild enough for kids and loved by adults.

• Gluten-free: Naturally gluten-free with no weird fillers or preservatives.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

¾ cup mayonnaise
¾ cup milk
½ cup sour cream
2 to 3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried chives
½ teaspoon dried dill weed
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, milk, and sour cream. Whisk until smooth and well blended.

2. Add the lemon juice, parsley, chives, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk again until everything is fully incorporated and the dressing is creamy.

3. Adjust consistency with more milk if you prefer a thinner dressing.

4. Transfer the dressing to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use. The flavors will intensify as it chills.

Servings and timing

Servings: 16 (makes about 1 pint)
Serving size: 2 tablespoons
Prep time: 5 minutes
Total time: 5 minutes

Variations

• Use Greek yogurt: Replace sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a protein boost.

• Make it spicy: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.

• Fresh herbs option: Use fresh parsley, chives, and dill if you have them—just double the quantity.

• Add cheese: Stir in a little grated Parmesan or crumbled blue cheese.

• Avocado ranch: Blend in half an avocado for a thicker, green version.

• Vegan version: Use plant-based mayo, milk, and sour cream alternatives.

• Low-fat option: Use low-fat mayo and sour cream if desired.

• Tangier flavor: Swap lemon juice with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.

• Add mustard: A tiny spoon of Dijon can add depth to the flavor.

• Zesty ranch: Add a squeeze of lime and a pinch of taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex flair.

Storage/Reheating

Store the ranch dressing in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Stir before using, especially if it has been sitting for a few days. Do not freeze, as the texture will change.

FAQs

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Yes! Fresh parsley, chives, and dill work beautifully. Just double the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.

What type of milk should I use?

Any kind of milk works—whole, 2%, skim, or even unsweetened non-dairy milks like almond or oat milk.

Can I make this dressing thicker?

Yes, simply reduce the amount of milk or add more mayo or sour cream.

Is this dressing suitable for dipping?

Absolutely. Use less milk for a thicker consistency and pair with veggies, chips, or wings.

How long does homemade ranch dressing last?

It lasts up to 1 week in the fridge when stored in an airtight container.

Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, plain yogurt or Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream in this recipe.

What if I don’t have lemon juice?

You can use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar as a substitute.

Can I freeze ranch dressing?

No, freezing is not recommended as it will separate and lose its creamy texture.

Is this ranch dressing gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free. Always check labels to be sure.

What else can I use this dressing for?

Use it as a dip for veggies, a sauce for burgers, wraps, or chicken tenders, or a drizzle over baked potatoes or grain bowls.

Conclusion

This Creamy Ranch Dressing is a kitchen staple you’ll want to make again and again. It’s quick, flexible, and packed with flavor—ideal for dressing salads, dunking veggies, or spooning over everything from pizza to roasted potatoes. Once you try this homemade version, you may never go back to store-bought again.

Print