Name: Quick & Easy Homemade Ranch Dressing
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 teaspoon dried dill; 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley; 1/2 teaspoon dried chives; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, adjust to taste; 1/8 teaspoon finely cracked pepper, adjust to taste; 1–2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice, optional; 1/4–1/2 cup milk, adjust for desired consistency

Why You’ll Love Quick & Easy Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe

It’s super quick — just a few minutes and a few common ingredients.
You control the flavor and freshness, using real herbs and dairy instead of preservatives.
It’s versatile: perfect as a salad dressing, a dip for veggies, a sauce for roasted potatoes, or a drizzle for sandwiches and wraps.
It stores well in the fridge for a week, so you can make it ahead and keep it on hand for meals or snacks.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
mayonnaise
sour cream
milk (or buttermilk)
dried dill weed
dried parsley
dried chives
onion powder
garlic powder
salt (fine sea salt or kosher salt)
freshly cracked black pepper
fresh lemon juice (or white vinegar) — to taste

Directions

In a bowl or jar, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and milk (or buttermilk) until smooth.
Add the dill, parsley, chives, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk to combine everything evenly.
Add lemon juice (or vinegar) a teaspoon at a time, tasting as you go, until the ranch has your desired tang.
Transfer the dressing to a jar or airtight container. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve — this helps the flavors meld.

Servings and timing

Prep time: about 5 minutes
Makes about 1 1/2 cups total, roughly 24 one‑tablespoon servings

Variations

Spicy Ranch: Add a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce for heat.
Avocado Ranch: Blend in half an avocado for a creamier, richer twist.
Fresh Herb Ranch: Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a brighter flavor.
Chipotle Ranch: Mix in some chipotle powder or adobo sauce for a smoky kick.
Greek Yogurt Ranch: Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a tangier, protein-rich version.

Storage/Reheating

Store the ranch dressing in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to a week, as long as the dairy ingredients remain fresh. Stir or shake before using, since separation may occur — especially if homemade ingredients are used. Do not freeze, as freezing can alter the texture and flavor.

FAQs

How long does this homemade ranch keep?

It keeps for up to a week in the fridge, assuming the sour cream (or other dairy used) is still good.

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes — using plain milk works fine. The result will be slightly milder than with buttermilk, but it still makes a delicious ranch.

Can I substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt?

Yes. Greek yogurt works as a substitute for sour cream and gives the dressing a slightly tangier, lighter texture.

What if I don’t have dried herbs?

You can use fresh herbs instead. Fresh dill, parsley, or chives will give a brighter, fresher flavor — just chop them finely and use roughly 3 times the amount of dried herbs.

Can I skip the lemon juice or vinegar?

Yes — but the acid (lemon juice or vinegar) adds the tanginess that defines ranch. Without it, the dressing might taste flat.

Can I make a dairy‑free version?

Yes — by using a dairy‑free “sour cream” substitute and non-dairy mayonnaise, you can make a version that’s dairy-free. The texture and flavor will be a bit different, but it can still work nicely.

Is the dressing good as a dip and as a salad dressing?

Yes! The consistency (thick and creamy) works well for dipping veggies or fries; if you add a little more milk or buttermilk, it becomes thinner and more suited for drizzling over salads.

Can I make a larger batch ahead of time?

Yes. This dressing keeps well for about a week, so making a larger batch and storing it in the fridge is a good way to save time.

What foods go well with this ranch dressing?

It pairs well with fresh or roasted vegetables, potato wedges or fries, chicken wings, salads, sandwiches, wraps, or even as a sauce for pizza or tacos.

Can I adjust the flavor (e.g. more garlic or herbs)?

Absolutely. Feel free to increase or reduce the herbs, garlic, or lemon juice based on your taste preferences. It’s easy to customize.

Conclusion

This quick and easy homemade ranch dressing is a simple yet flavor-packed staple that belongs in every kitchen. Whether you’re using it as a dip, dressing, or spread, it brings creamy, zesty freshness to whatever you’re serving. Once you try it, you might just retire the store-bought bottle for good.