Homemade Buttermilk Ranch

Published February 26, 2017. Updated April 3, 2021

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Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Dressing is so much better than store-bought and it’s easy to make too! This version has a blend of buttermilk, mayonnaise, sour cream, and some flavorful herbs and spices.

simple side salad topped with homemade ranch dressing

Easy Buttermilk Dressing Recipe

A simple, flavorful dressing that you’ll want to make again and again!

For lazy days, I like to order pizza and serve a side salad with this ranch. It’s so good as a pizza dip too!

Really though, this buttermilk ranch dressing goes with just about any main dish you can think of. You can’t go wrong with a side salad with ranch.

making homemade ranch in glass mixing bowl

Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Ingredients

Homemade buttermilk ranch dressing is super simple to make and uses a lot of pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need to make the best ranch dressing at home:

  • Mayonnaise
  • Buttermilk
  • Sour cream
  • Fresh parsley
  • Dried chives
  • Onion powder
  • Garlic
  • Salt and pepper
  • Milk (if needed)

homemade buttermilk ranch dressing in glass mixing bowl

How to Make Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

  • Mince herbs and garlic.
  • Mix buttermilk, mayonnaise, herbs, spices, garlic.
  • Thin with milk to reach desired consistency.

So easy! And after one taste you’ll be so glad you’ve finally tried the homemade ranch!

side salad drizzled with the best ranch dressing

How Long Does Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Last?

This homemade buttermilk ranch dressing keeps well for about 6 – 7 days in the fridge.

Can I Make Homemade Ranch Lighter?

I definitely prefer this homemade ranch dressing recipe as is, but to cut calories you could try it with light mayonnaise.

Ways to Eat Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

There are so many ways to enjoy this homemade ranch dressing recipe. Obviously it’s great as a salad dressing, but here are a few more ways to enjoy your buttermilk ranch:

homemade ranch dressing in glass jar

Tips

  • If the buttermilk you used was thick, you’ll probably need a little milk to thin out this homemade buttermilk ranch dressing.
  • If the buttermilk was thin, then you probably won’t need any milk. Note that the dressing should be on the thicker side though.
  • My favorite side salad to make with this homemade ranch is either romaine or iceberg lettuce, shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, diced Roma tomatoes, shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, and croutons. You also can’t go wrong with sliced boiled eggs and bacon added in too.

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Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

Homemade Ranch Dressing is so much better than store bought and it's easy to make too! This version has a creamy blend of mayonnaise, buttermilk, sour cream, and some flavorful herbs and spices. A recipe you'll definitely want to keep on file.
Servings: 7
Prep10 minutes
Ready in: 10 minutes

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a medium mixing bowl whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, sour cream, parsley, chives, onion powder and garlic. 
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste (about 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. It should be on the salty side as it will be seasoning the salad). 
  • Thin with milk if needed*. If you have time let it rest in refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld better. Serve over salad**.

Notes

  • *If the buttermilk you used was thick you'll probably need a little milk to thin, if the buttermilk was thin then you probably won't need any milk. Note that the dressing should be on the thicker side though.
  • **My favorite side salad is either romaine or iceberg lettuce, shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, diced Roma tomatoes, shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese and croutons with this ranch. You also can't go wrong with sliced boiled eggs and bacon added in too.
Nutrition Facts
Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
Amount Per Serving
Calories 145 Calories from Fat 126
% Daily Value*
Fat 14g22%
Saturated Fat 3g19%
Cholesterol 14mg5%
Sodium 129mg6%
Potassium 75mg2%
Carbohydrates 2g1%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 920IU18%
Vitamin C 8.5mg10%
Calcium 42mg4%
Iron 0.3mg2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Nutrition values are estimates only. See full disclaimer here.