Tangy, flavorful ranch dip can be made from scratch in just 5 minutes!
Whether we are snacking on fresh vegetables, dipping roasted potatoes or Southwest Chicken Bites into this ranch, or tossing it with a salad, this quick and easy homemade ranch dip is a staple in our lives.
In my quest to eliminate many processed foods from our lives, I began playing with ranch dressing recipes about 10 years ago.
We’ve been making this dip for a number of years now and after a bit of tweaking, we’ve declared it absolutely perfect. And as it turns out, many of you agree!
There is always a container of ranch dip in our refrigerator along with a box of ready to eat vegetables for snacking. (Check out this post for tips on storing all your fresh produce to keep it fresh for as long as possible!)
If you happen to need a dairy-free option, you can make your own Dairy Free Sour Cream! (It really works!)
If you have an abundance of fresh herbs on hand, here’s a recipe for Ranch Dip made with fresh herbs.
The extra dill in this dip really kicks the flavor up a notch and the squeeze of lemon provides plenty of tang. My older boys can stir together a batch of this dip in just a few minutes.
Keeping our refrigerator stocked with ranch dip is one of their jobs. The dip will keep nicely in the refrigerator for up to a week, but it rarely lasts that long in our house.
I often pair this ranch dip with some grilled chicken and vegetables for an easy dinner.
Homemade Dip Recipes
We love having fresh dips in the house for snacking. This Southwest Ranch Dipping Sauce is a fun, spicy twist on the original Ranch Dip.
Homemade Tzatziki Sauce by Kalyn’s Kitchen is next on my list to try. I love tzatziki with cucumbers or Laffa Bread.
Dill Pickle Dip is a tasty snack with pretzels, crackers, or vegetables.
Fresh Corn Dip with Bacon, Avocados, and Tomatoes disappears lightning fast any time we make it.
Spicy Hot Jalapeno Ranch Dip is a favorite with Sean and Sam both. (My oldest son would happily dip everything he eats in a spicy sauce.)
Homemade French Onion Dip by Rachel Cooks is also on my list to try. I’m betting it’s going to be a hit with my whole family.
Ingredient Substitutions for Ranch Dip
Lemon juice is my first choice when making this dip. However, if you happen to be out of lemons, vinegar works as well.
We use the full tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar for this recipe, feel free to adjust it for your tastes if you don’t care for as tangy a ranch dip.
We like the full 3/4 teaspoon of dried dill in this recipe, feel free to adjust that to taste as well. if you would rather not have such a strong dill flavor.
Ranch Dip Recipe
- Whisk together the mayo and sour cream until smooth.
- Add the spices and whisk until combined.
- Add the lemon and whisk again.
- Pour into an airtight container and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
{originally published 8/10/11 – recipe notes and photos updated 11/18/20}
Christine's Pantry says
I love ranch dressing. Great recipe. Recipe a keeper. Thanks for sharing.
BarefootBride says
I shall have to give this a try for sure. Thanks for sharing, too.
Sonia (Nasi Lemak Lover) says
Simple recipe but look great!
Lizzy says
Your ranch sounds yummy…but it's that gorgeous salad that has me drooling!!!
Cathy at Wives with Knives says
We go through a lot of ranch dressing at my house but I'm not crazy about most brands on the market. Your recipe looks like it has lots of flavor and homemade is always better.
Erin @ Cooking on Whim says
Yum! I, also, am trying to do as many things as possible "from scratch". I will try this recipe soon! Thanks for sharing!
Melissa @IWasBornToCook says
This looks really good. Glad I found your blog…looking forward to more great recipes!
FOODILICIOUS says
wow..this ranch sounds yum!!..gud i found your blog..i was so looking for a dip recipe..i also like 2 try homemade dips..they r so much better n healthier thn the store bought ones.u have lovely recipes..i am gonna follow you!!:D
Becki - Becki's Whole Life says
This looks. Great – I have to have dill in my ranch dressing and whenever I see one without it, I think – what???? This looks great. Ranch is the key to getting my girls to eat salads and carrots so always good to have a good recipe for it!
Amy J. and Tiffanie A. says
GREAT RECIPE!!!!! I love garlic ranch you think this would taste good with some garlic??? OH I can't wait to make this! I hate store bought ranch. My favorite is Taco Mac's because it has the garlic in it! Yum yum! I love that yours is creamy and not watery either!!
Chris says
I love fresh ranch dressing, it is so flexible for using as dressing, dipping sauce, or as an ingredient.
Apron Appeal says
Pinned! I especially like that this uses dried herbs. Wouldn't I LOVE to have a green thumb and use fresh but out of fear of failure…I don't garden.
Anonymous says
I only had 1/2 c. of mayo left so I subbed the other 1/2 c. with Fage greek yogurt.
I like my ranch just a little bit thinner so I whisked in about 1/2 c. of buttermilk (or you could use milk) and about 1/4 tsp. sugar.
WOW! It was great! This recipe is definitely a keeper!!!
Barefeet In The Kitchen says
Anon – I add a bit of milk as well, to get the desired consistency when I want a thinner dressing. Sometimes I need to adjust the seasonings a bit, but it still tastes great. I am so glad that you liked it. Thanks for coming back to tell me!
Mike Tobin says
Does anyone have a copycat recipe for Taco Mac's version?
meesmeesh says
This was a great recipe, thank you! I didn't have garlic salt, so I substituted with fresh garlic. It was a hit 🙂
Mi Ka says
Delicioso, me ha encantado la receta! Un abrazo!
Anonymous says
I have to do dairy free..any suggestions on what to trade out the sour cream with?
Mary says
Yes! Here's a how-to I wrote a couple years ago for making dairy free sour cream. I make it whenever I have dairy free guests and it works beautifully in this dip! https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/2012/03/homemade-dairy-free-sour-cream.html
Jody says
You can also sub out for Greek yogurt
Cindie says
Try IMO a non dairy sour cream substitute. Our whole family enjoyed it
Anonymous says
do you use real mayonnaise or the Miracle Whip type
dreesing?
Mary says
I use real mayonnaise. Enjoy!
Evelyn says
This is so much better than what you buy… AND I cut the dill in half and it is PERFECT for me….
Anonymous says
Super yummy and easy, thanks!!
Jody says
I’ve made this dressing several times & it is very good. After making the first time as written, I made the following change. Instead of 3/4 cup of mayo & sour cream, I used 1/2 cup mayo, 1/2 cup sour cream & 1/2 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt. Even my husband (who says he doesn’t like Yogurt!!) loves it.
benjamin says
my dad makes the best resipie ever
Rachel says
This looks so delicious! Thanks for the french onion dip mention – I hope you try it and love it! 🙂
Jenn Peschiutta says
Once made how long does it last?
Mary says
This will keep nicely in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Marina says
Question. The first Direction says “Whisk together the mayo, sour cream and milk until smooth”
But there is no milk listed in the directions.
How much milk did you use?
Thank you!
I made it without milk and got an amazing reaction, “Better than any ranch dip they’ve ever had.”
Trish Stewart says
I used Greek Yogurt instead of mayonnaise because of diet. I only used 2 tsp of lemon juice because of the tartness of the yogurt. I also bumped up the garlic and dill. Just our preference. Great recipe.
Jennyfromtheblock says
It’s perfect, thank you, thank you, thank you!!
Mary says
I am so happy you like the ranch dressing, Jenny!
Bee says
Thanks for sharing this recipe, my family LOVES ranch as a staple…I’m looking forward to trying it 😀
Mary says
I hope you love it, Bee!
Ella Hood says
Your recipe is “spot on”
Packaged Hidden Valley Ranch is owned by Clorox???
Their dry mix has either dried or dehydrated main ingredients including maltodextrin, buttermilk, salt, monosodium glutamate, dried garlic, dried onion, lactic acid, citric acid, dehydrated herbs & spices and artificial flavors. Plus dried buttermilk.
Mary says
I’m glad you like the recipe, Ella!
Jenny says
Delicious
Mary Younkin says
Glad to hear you like it, Jenny!
CN House says
I loved the dip. Thank You. CN House. Kenya
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad that you like the ranch dip!
Teebee says
Wow. This ranch really is delicious. I’m hooked on it just in time for summer! I’m so glad I tried it.
I make ny own buttermilk in a yogurt maker, so that will be going in the next batch by way of experimentation.
Thank you so much!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so happy to hear that you’re enjoying it!
Julie says
I am going to put the dry ingredients together and take on vacation with us. I cannot get bottled or store bought dressings or dips due to an allergy to soy. This will be fantastic!
Barbara says
I made this ranch dip to go with the hot wings I am having for dinner. Easy to whip up and tastes great. BTW …… I used 2 tps of vinegar.
Mary Younkin says
I am thrilled that you’re enjoying the ranch dip, Barbara.
Michelle says
Wow — so simple and delicious AND KETO! Thank you, thank you!!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad you like it, Michelle!
Marq says
Hello Mary,
It is very hard to find dried herbs here in Thailand. Can you use fresh, and how long would it last?
Thanks,
Marq
Mary Younkin says
Yes, fresh herbs will work nicely in this recipe. I typically triple the amounts when using fresh herbs, Marq. It should keep for at least a week in the refrigerator.
Courtney says
Nice recipe! Thank you for posting it. It is a keeper and easy to make.
Mary Younkin says
I’m glad you like it, Courtney!
Jo says
I made this for 3 holiday parties and it was a h8ge hit each time! I’m going to make some seasoning packets for gifts next year!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so happy that you love the ranch dip, Jo!
Leena Hamu says
Love ranch dip, do you have a recipe for spinach bread bowl dip or can this be adjusted to it?
Mary Younkin says
I don’t have a recipe for that on my site, Leena.
Rod says
Great flavor just wish that it was a little thicker.
Mary Younkin says
The dip should be pretty thick, Rod. Any chance you substituted an ingredient or used light or low-fat ingredients? Or was this comment perhaps supposed to be on the ranch dressing?
Ryan says
The amount of mayonnaise in this recipe is too much for my wife and I. We found other recipes without using mayonnaise, which taste better for us and is healthier. We ended up throwing the this dip away. Just didn’t fit our tastes.
Mary Younkin says
As noted above, Ryan, you can easily make this recipe with sour cream alone. It’s nicely adjustable. We prefer the creaminess of the mayo and sour cream combination, but it certainly works without out. I’m glad you found something that suits you better.
Karen B says
So delicious and flavourful. This will be my go-to dressing from now on. Thanks for sharing.
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad that you like the ranch dip, Karen!
Jessica says
This is fantastic and fresh tasting just as written! I’ve also made it subbing cottage cheese for the mayo and sour cream and it’s really yummy. Just make it creamy by running through the food processor. My toddlers go crazy for it both ways!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad that you are enjoying the ranch dip, Jessica!
Kelly Macias says
I scaled this recipe down quite a bit. The list of ingredients are spot on though! I’ve never attempted home made ranch, I’ve always used Hidden Valley packets. Super impressed with this recipe!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad you like the dressing, Kelly!
Julie D says
Hi Mary, I love cooking and make all my meals from scratch if I can, I wouldn’t dream of buying any ready made sauces now. It’s amazing how much more flavoursome it is.
Anyway, this is the first time I’ve made this ranch dip and it was really lovely and tasty. We had it with chunky chips (homemade, of course!) and salad.
I will definitely be sticking with your recipe.
Thanks Mary!
Mary Younkin says
I am so glad you like the ranch dip, Julie!
Julie D says
Sorry Mary, top ratings, obviously.
Katelyn says
I just have to say…this ranch is my jam!! I’ve made it 3 times and I love love it. I’m going to try to memorize it because literally it’s so yummy. And I’m picky when it comes to ranch #ranchsnob
Thank you for sharing!
Mary Younkin says
Ranch snobs unite, Katelyn! I’m glad you like the recipe.
Darlene.C says
Wow!! Love this ranch dressing!! Made it exactly the same as your article called for. I am on a Keto diet and can definitely use this for my veggie dip!! Thank You for sharing this recipe! It will be one of my household staples!
Mary Younkin says
I’m thrilled that you love it, Darlene!
Christina says
Awesome recipe!
I made only 1/3 recipe since it is just for me and my hubby. Turned out great 🙂
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad that you like the ranch dip, Christina!
Karen says
Loved it!! I only had apple cider vinegar and substituted with it. I also had some Tony Chachere’s seasoning to give it a kick. Delicious!!!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad you like it, Karen.
Lana says
Best ever Ranch dressing. Thanks for sharing.
Mary Younkin says
I’m glad you like it, Lana.
applea says
i love vegan! = ) sounds tasty!
Mary Younkin says
I hope you love it, Applea.
Alex says
This was the best ranch dip recipe I have ever tried. Super easy too!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad that you like the dip, Alex.
Heidi Applebee says
Tried this dip today and everyone loved it! We added some fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, basil, and rosemary. We also used fresh garlic instead of powder. We will be using this recipe instead of bought ranch from now on. Next time I may substitute the sour cream with yogurt. Who knows maybe I will even trade the mayo with avacados 🤷♀️ Thank you for sharing this recipe.
Mary Younkin says
That’s awesome, Heidi. I’m so glad you like the dip.
Mischa says
I followed the recipe but the dip turned out grainy. Would it be better to puree everything but the dill?
Mary Younkin says
I’ve never had that happen, Mischa. Is there any chance that your sour cream was old? or close to expiration? It should be a creamy dip without any need for pureeing it.
Debbie says
Thank you for sharing all your wonderful recipes Mary!
Mary Younkin says
I’m happy that you’re enjoying them, Debbie!
Mike West says
Based on your nutritional info that you provided, what would be a serving size? I did not see that listed.
Mary Younkin says
Hi Mike, there are 24 (1) tablespoon servings. The recipe makes about 1 1/2 cups total.