This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
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.
Homemade Ranch Dressing
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.
Ranch Dressing Recipe
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 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.
Ranch Dressing
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
Combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, and milk in a small bowl or jar, and whisk until smooth. Add the dill, parsley, chives, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and fresh lemon juice. Whisk again to combine.
Taste the ranch, I recommend dipping fresh vegetables into it for the perfect taste test. Adjust the spices or add more lemon juice for extra tang. Pour into a jar and refrigerate until ready to serve. This will keep well in the fridge for as long as the dairy ingredients are good, usually at least a week.
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
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
{originally published 9/15/11 – recipe notes and photographs updated 7/15/21}
Wonderful! I used fresh herbs and added a bit of lemon zest. Perfect as a dip for veggies.
Agreed! We’ve been using this ranch as a veggie dip for years and years, Alicia. It’s a great snack. Enjoy!
I have made this for several years now and love it. My sister-in-law loves it and I told her our website. It is very versatile, my favorite is adding sriracha to it for avocados and to add to tacos etc. thank you for sharing this with others.
I’m glad you love it so much, Mary!
How did I not come across this sooner? This was so easy to put together and it was nice having everything on hand. Dressing and a dip….deliciously perfect!
I’m thrilled that you like it, Kathy.
Very good. Just as I was hoping to dip my gluten free onion rings in!
That sounds delicious, Annie. Enjoy!
My son (just graduated from high school & does NOT cook of any kind) made this dressing while his father and I were out of the house. He bought the ingredients and followed your directions and I have to say, it IS the best homemade ranch salad dressing. I reminded him when you find a recipe you like and is easy to follow, print it and make any notes for next time. When he showed me it was your recipe, I said “of course, I’ve been following Mary on Facebook for years”. Hopefully he’ll trust me and try the Cranberry Christmas Cake in December-knowing it’s your recipe. Thank you for sharing such wonderful recipes and including easy to follow directions ❤️
I’m glad to hear that your son was able to prep the ranch dressing so easily, and that it was a hit for the whole family! Enjoy, and I hope he enjoys the Cranberry Christmas Cake, too.
Hi, made this today for our garden salad dinner tonight. I used vegan mayo and lactase milk and it is delicious. Will this keep about 5 days like my other ranch (that uses real mayo)?
Hi, Lorie. In the refrigerator, this ranch should keep for at least a few days whether you used vegan or real mayo. I’m glad you liked the ranch dressing. Happy cooking!
Easy, reliable, delicious. My go to!!
Glad to hear it, Jan. Enjoy the ranch dressing!
By far my fave ranch!!
I’m so glad it’s a hit!
Very good and easy. I used fresh herbs. Serving it with buffalo wings. Thank you.
That sounds delicious. Using fresh herbs really does make a difference. I hope the ranch and wings are a hit; enjoy!
Lovely.
Faster than going to the supermarket and much cheaper. I only used 2 table spoons of larger ingredients, an a pinch of herbs, pepper and vinegar and that was enough for my dinner. Nothing is going to waste. Delicious!!! Thanks.
Glad to hear you were able to scale the recipe to fit your dinner plan, Liliana. It’s a versatile recipe for sure (which is why we love it!). Enjoy, and happy cooking!
This recipe is my preference to use becauseit tastes so much better than commercial brands of ranch dressing. Thank you for uploading it.
You are welcome! I’m so glad you enjoyed the ranch dressing.
I used full fat greek yogurt and avocado mayonnaise. Delicious!
Glad you were able to make the dressing work for you, Christen. That sounds like a tasty alternative.
This is my everyday, go-to recipe! Absolutely love it!
Happy to hear it, Sharron. Enjoy the ranch dressing!
I absolutely love the taste of this, but is is very watery. We followed the recipe exactly, using milk instead of buttermilk. Do you think we whisked it too much, or would using buttermilk help?
It should thicken a bit after resting in the refrigerator. Otherwise, a bit less milk next time will deliver a thicker result, Stacey.
I usually buy the packet of ranch dressing but didn’t have any so I found this recipe and had everything to make it so I
Shook it all up in a jar and it was delicious, I did add a bit more garlic powder as I love garlic. I will make again.
Happy to hear you’re loving the ranch dressing, Patricia.
Home run! My first taste after mixing it up was “Yup, that’s ranch dressing!”. So so good. I’ll be passing this one around and will be making this as my go-to dressing. Thank you!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the ranch dressing recipe. It’s a family favorite.
Absolutely amazing!! Thank you for posting this recipe. My family, friends and co-workers fight over this dressing when I bring it! I also add a touch of Cajun seasoning for a bit of kick.
You are welcome, Shanna! I’m glad to hear that you’ve been enjoying the ranch dressing.
What kind of mayonnaise do y’all use
Hi, Trisha! I typically use Best Foods mayonnaise, but any brand should work.
Delicious!!!!! So easy to make.
I’m glad you loved the ranch dressing, Diana.
We were having blt’s for dinner and wanted a salad with it.
This dressing is so delicious and perfect with the sandwiches!
I’m so glad to hear the dressing was a hit, Melissa.
Followed the recipe to the letter. I could not believe these ingredients could taste like ranch! So delicious! I will not be buying ranch in the future!
I’m thrilled you like the ranch, Judy.