The Best Homemade Ranch Salad Dressing tastes better than anything store-bought and only takes a few minutes to make. Ranch dressing is delicious on salads and as a dip for fresh vegetables.
We love dipping pizza in ranch and these spicy chicken bites are awesome with ranch on the side too.
There aren’t all that many recipes here on the blog that I label as “the best.” With nearly 1,500 recipes here, there are less than 20 that have truly earned that label.
I figure that everyone’s tastes are different and who knows if someone else’s opinion on the “best recipe ever” is going to match mine? These recipes though? They really are the best of the best.
And this ranch salad dressing? It is hands down the BEST Ranch Salad Dressing that I have ever tasted.
Without fail, the people who try it, have all agreed. Just scroll through the comments to see how everyone raves over it.
Homemade Ranch Dressing
Plenty of garlic, dill, and other spices make this a memorable ranch dressing. Just thin enough to pour smoothly, without becoming too liquid or watered down: the creaminess of the dressing is well balanced by the tang of the fresh lemon.
This dressing has had a permanent place in my refrigerator for almost five years now.
My kids reach for this Ranch Salad Dressing or our Homemade Ranch Dip at least once, if not twice, a day to eat with fresh vegetables.
Most nights, I set out our produce boxes and a bowl of this ranch dressing each day as I am getting ready to make dinner. The kids happily snack on vegetables for half an hour or more while we chat and cook dinner.
This is easily the most popular salad dressing I make. We have friends that insist I bring this Homemade Ranch Salad Dressing along every time we get together for a meal.
Everyone who has tasted this dressing has been convinced at first bite that they need to make it for themselves. This recipe has become not only the most popular salad dressing on this website but one of the most popular recipes overall.
After all, what’s not to love about the BEST ranch dressing you’ll ever taste?
How To Make Ranch Dressing
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream and milk until smooth.
- Add the dill, parsley, chives, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk to combine.
- Add the lemon and whisk again. Pour into a jar and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Salad Dressing Recipes
For more great dressing recipes to try, Honey Lime Jalapeno Vinaigrette, Creamy Poppyseed Dressing, and these Balsamic Vinaigrettes are a few more of my go-to homemade dressings.
If you love ranch but want to bump it up, Pepper Dill Ranch is packed full of crushed pepper and loaded with fresh dill, this dressing is a great addition to our usual dressings and dips for our raw vegetables.
I have this Avocado Lime Salad Dressing by Inside BruCrew Life and this Green Goddess Salad Dressing by Kalyn’s Kitchen on my future recipes to try list.
The Best Homemade Ranch Salad Dressing
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup buttermilk or regular milk
- 3/4 – 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried chives
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/8 teaspoon finely cracked pepper
- freshly squeezed lemon juice to taste approximately 1-3 teaspoons, adjust to taste
Instructions
- Whisk together the mayo, sour cream and milk until smooth. Add the spices and whisk until combined. Add the lemon and whisk again. Pour into a jar and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This dressing will keep nicely in the refrigerator for up to a week. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
{originally published 9/15/11 – recipe notes and photographs updated 7/15/21}
Jackie says
I literally make this weekly! I made it first with white vinegar instead of lemon juice, but the vinegar didn’t give us the same zing that we like. Lemon juice was the key! Thank you!
Mary Younkin says
Jackie – Lemon juice is definitely that secret ingredient.
Sue says
Best I’ve ever tasted. Thank you
Mary Younkin says
Sue – YES it is!! I am glad you love it.
Mom Of One/ Gammy Of says
Absolutely delicious! Amount of ingredients posted are perfect! Thank you so much for sharing !!
Raggedy says
Put half the amount of buttermilk so it won’t be too runny. Then add more until you get desired thickness. We loved it!!
Kimberley J. says
This is SO good!! Definitely like restaurant ranch. I used milk & a little apple cider vinegar in it to make “buttermilk”. Thanks for sharing your wonderful recipe! Will for sure be my go to for ranch!
Lou Myrtle Clarke says
This homemade ranch dressing is delicious❤
It’s one of my favorite dressings. Thanks for sharing.
Mary Younkin says
YEAH! Another homemade ranch fan. It is just so darn good.
Nae Wittman says
I’ve been looking for a homemade ranch recipe and this exceeded my expectations!! My husband and I had wing night with this recipe for a dipper. Let’s just say wing night with homemade Ranch is now a weekly thing in my house. If you are on the brink about trying it. Trust me when I say you will not be disappointed
Mary Younkin says
YES! Wings are one of our favorite ways to enjoy this ranch dressing, too.
Margie D says
Our “go to” recipe for wing night Ranch dip! Thank you so much! It looks too runny after pouring in the milk, but as it marries with the lemon juice, it turns out nice and creamy (dreamy, even)!
Mary Younkin says
Margie – It is so good on wings. For dipping, I like to use this version that is a bit thicker https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/quick-and-easy-homemade-ranch-dressing/#wprm-recipe-container-24866
Nicole says
I had no idea homemade ranch could be this delicious and easy. Never buying store bought again! Thanks for the recipe!!
Mary Younkin says
Nicole – Homemade ranch is a game changer! I don’t even know when the last time was that I bought it from the store.
Jill says
This is seriously THE BEST ranch recipe ever. I have tried so many but none come even close. Thank you so much for sharing!
Mary Younkin says
Awe thanks, Jill. I am not going to lie it is one of my all-time best recipes according to my kids.
Derek Dudley says
Haven’t tried it yet but I like the idea that I can leave out the garlic! Not a garlic fan because I like to taste the food not cover it up! Will rate it again with and without the garlic!
Mary Younkin says
Derek – Feel free to customize to your heart’s content.
Kendra burnett says
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream
Mary Younkin says
You sure can, Kendra.
CAROL says
perfect name for this recipe. it is The BEST !
Mary Younkin says
“Best” is not used lightly in this case but it really is so good. I am glad you discovered this recipe, Carol.