The BEST Ranch Dressing Recipe
This Ranch Dressing Recipe is so easy to make and delicious that you’ll never buy store-bought salad dressing again. It’s a classic salad dressing that adds creamy and tangy flavor to various dishes.

If you’re looking for more salad dressing recipes, Blue Cheese Dressing and Honey French Salad Dressing will make your taste buds happy.
Creamy ranch dressing has become a staple in households and restaurants worldwide. It is made from mayonnaise, buttermilk, sour cream, herbs, and spices. Ranch dressing offers a versatile taste for salads or a dipping sauce for vegetables, chicken wings, and even pizza.
History of Ranch Salad Dressing
Ranch dressing was invented in the 1950s at Hidden Valley Ranch. Steve Henson, the owner, created the ranch dressing recipe to serve to guests. It became an instant hit among ranch visitors.
As demand for the salad dressing grew, the Henson’s began packaging and selling their homemade creation, initially in envelopes of dry mix. Eventually, they transitioned to selling bottled ranch dressing. In 1972, the Hensons sold the brand to Clorox, which helped propel the ranch dressing to mainstream popularity.
Ingredients to Gather
- Mayonnaise – Provides the creamy texture and mild richness that form the base of this ranch dressing recipe, helping to blend and mellow the herbs and tangy flavors.
- Buttermilk – Adds a tangy flavor and a light, pourable consistency that balances the richness of the mayonnaise in ranch dressing.
- Sour Cream – Adds a subtle tangy and creamy thickness to ranch dressing, enhancing its depth of flavor and smooth texture.
- Fresh Chives – Add a mild onion flavor and a burst of freshness that brightens the overall taste of the dressing.
- Parsley – Brings a fresh, herbaceous note to ranch dressing that lightens the flavor and adds a touch of vibrant green color.
- Dill Weed – Adds a distinctive, slightly tangy herb flavor that gives ranch dressing its classic, refreshing taste.
- Garlic Powder – Adds a warm, savory depth to this ranch dressing recipe, enhancing its overall flavor with a subtle, mellow garlic kick.
- Onion Powder – Brings a sweet, savory undertone to ranch dressing that complements the herbs and deepens the overall flavor profile.
- Salt – Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients in this dressing, bringing balance and depth to the overall taste.
- Pepper – Adds a subtle heat and sharpness that balances the creaminess of the ranch dressing recipe and gives it a lightly spiced finish.
Creating a Cozy Life Group
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Ingredients
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon fresh chives
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Directions
1. In a large bowl, whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, chives, parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper together until well-combined.
2. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
Storage Tips
Store homemade Ranch dressing in an airtight container or sealed jar in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to one week. Always stir or shake before each use.
Uses for Creamy Ranch Salad Dressing
- Salad Dressing – Ranch dressing is a flavorful dressing that is classic for various garden salads, wedge salads, and Cobb salads.
- Veggie Dip – Ranch dressing is perfect for dipping fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes.
- Chicken Wing Dip – Ranch salad dressing is a creamy and tangy accompaniment to crispy chicken wings.
- Burger Topping – Instead of ketchup or mayonnaise, spread ranch dressing on your burger for extra flavor.
- Sandwich Spread – Ranch dressing is a tasty spread for sandwiches and wraps, adding a creamy and tangy twist.
- Baked Potato Topping – Ranch salad dressing will give baked potatoes zesty flavor when you use it instead of sour cream.
- Pizza Dip – Once you start dipping your pizza in ranch dressing, you’ll never return.
- Pasta Salad Dressing – Replace plain mayonnaise with ranch dressing for a creamy herb alternative.
- Baked Chicken Coating – Use ranch salad dressing as a coating for chicken before baking.
- Potato Salad Dressing – Ranch dressing works well with pasta salad, but try it in potato salad as well.
Salad Toolbox
- Mason Jar Pour Spout Lids for Regular Mouth Mason Jars – spout Mason Jar lids make pouring homemade salad dressings a breeze, keeping your fridge tidy and your dressings fresh with every shake.
- Twist and Pour Salad Dressing Mixer – a twist-and-pour salad dressing mixer lets you shake, blend, and serve your dressings all in one container – no mess, no fuss, just fresh flavor on demand.
- Salad Container for Lunch – salad lunch containers keep your greens crisp and your toppings separate, making it easy to enjoy a fresh, mess-free salad anywhere you go.
- Herb Stripping Comb – an herb stripping comb quickly removes leaves from stems, saving time and making it effortless to add fresh herbs to your salads and dressings.
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More Salad Dressing Recipes You’ll Love!
- Creamy Strawberry Salad Dressing
- White Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Lemon Maple Vinaigrette
- Honey Mustard Dressing
- Thousand Island Dressing
- The Best Salad Dressing Recipes
The Best Ranch Dressing Recipe
This Ranch Salad Dressing is so easy to make and delicious, you'll never buy store-bought dressing again. It's a classic salad dressing that adds creamy and tangy flavor to various dishes.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh chives
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, sour cream, chives, parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Nutrition Information
Yield
12Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 86Total Fat 9gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 6gCholesterol 10mgSodium 102mgCarbohydrates 1gFiber 0gSugar 1gProtein 1g