Ranch Dressing

Published April 3, 2021. Updated April 16, 2021

This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.

The BEST homemade Ranch Dressing recipe! It’s perfectly flavorful, unbelievably simple, only needs a few ingredients, and only requires a few minutes to make!

Jar of homemade Ranch Dressing.

Homemade Ranch Dressing

This is the dressing my family praises and requests again and again. And not just to pair with salad but chicken nuggets, pizza, fresh veggies, baked potatoes, and more.

We are addicted to this stuff! It is a thousand times better than any of the shelf stable bottled stuff and tastes so much fresher.

Truly, this ranch is such a breeze to prepare. You can make it in minutes when you need a quick side to go with dinner. A simple green salad covered generously with ranch is just a classic everyone loves.

This is also a trick that helped me figure out how to get my kids to eat those nutritious veggies I pack in their lunch box.

It’s the perfect upgrade to a crisp salad or chilled vegetables.

Homemade ranch dressing shown over a green salad.

Ranch Dressing Recipe Ingredients

Only 6 ingredients needed (or 7 if you want to count salt and pepper separately). I always keep fresh parsley on hand and this dressing is one of the reasons why.

  • Mayonnaise: We use a generous amount of this here. Over the years I’ve discovered that basically the more mayo in ranch the better. It’s so creamy and rich.
  • Buttermilk: This adds a light tang to the dressing that it really needs to bring more flavor. Milk just won’t cut it.
  • Parsley: Though it’s a fairly mild flavor herb, using a fair amount here really helps build up the flavor.
  • Dried chives: I recommend using freeze dried chives for best flavor.
  • Garlic powder: Fresh garlic can be used as well but to keep it a quick and easy ranch dressing, I like this shortcut here.
  • Salt and pepper: I use a fair amount of both. It’s usually the only salt that will be added to a salad.

Scroll down for full recipe with amounts and print option.

Photo of ingredients used to make ranch dressing. Includes fresh parsley, mayonnaise, buttermilk, dried chives, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

How to Make Homemade Ranch Dressing

  1. Measure out all ingredients.
  2. Add to a medium mixing bowl.
  3. Whisk together to blend.

Collage of two photos showing ranch dressing in a mixing bowl before and after mixing ingredients together.

How long does it keep?

Homemade ranch dressing can last in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Is it gluten free?

Yes, this dressing uses ingredients that are naturally gluten free but just check labels to be sure there’s no cross contamination in factories that may make other ingredients that contain gluten.

Variations

  • Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to taste to make it spicy.
  • Include dill for one more layer of flavor. You can use a few teaspoons of chopped fresh or a little dried.
  • If you do want an even thicker ranch (such as using as a dip) you can try sour cream in place of buttermilk.

Helpful Tips for the Best Homemade Ranch Dressing

  • Use good quality mayonnaise. This makes up the majority of the dressing so for best results use a good quality brand such as Hellman’s/Best Foods. It really makes a difference.
  • Mince parsley fine. You’ll be measuring out more this way and I prefer the smoother texture this offers.
  • Only use real buttermilk, not the buttermilk substitute. The milk/vinegar or lemon substitute isn’t thick enough.
  • Stick with fresh parsley, not dried here. The fresh has better flavor and more flavor.
  • Chill ingredients. If you are using a new jar of mayo that hasn’t been refrigerated then refrigerate the dressing for a while so it’s cold and refreshing.

Photo of ranch dressing in a wooden bowl with fresh veggies in the background.

More Dressing and Sauce Recipes

16 Quick & Easy 30 Minute Recipes! (plus weekly recipe updates)

Ranch Dressing
5 from 2 votes

Homemade Ranch Dressing

The BEST homemade Ranch Dressing recipe! It's perfectly flavorful, unbelievably simple, only needs a few ingredients, and only requires a few minutes to make!
Servings: 9
Prep5 minutes
Ready in: 5 minutes

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a mixing bowl whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, parsley, chives, and garlic powder.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste and mix (I like it on the salty side since it's usually the only salt added to a salad so I use about 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper).
  • If time allows let rest in the fridge 1 hour (I don't always do this, just when I've planned ahead. It just allows some extra time to bring out and meld flavors).
Nutrition Facts
Homemade Ranch Dressing
Amount Per Serving
Calories 178 Calories from Fat 171
% Daily Value*
Fat 19g29%
Saturated Fat 3g19%
Trans Fat 1g
Cholesterol 11mg4%
Sodium 178mg8%
Potassium 43mg1%
Carbohydrates 1g0%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 165IU3%
Vitamin C 2mg2%
Calcium 25mg3%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Nutrition values are estimates only. See full disclaimer here.