The Best Damn Homemade Ranch Recipe (+Video)

Marci Loehner
@marcirenee23 The Best Homemade Ranch Recipe #marcirenee #ranch #easyrecipe #yummy #foodtiktok #foodies #foodlover #foodblogger #cincinnati #foodporn #recipesoftiktok ♬ original sound - MarciRenee

If you're a fan of creamy, flavorful ranch dressing, this Best Damn Homemade Ranch Recipe is about to become your new go-to! This homemade ranch is rich, tangy, and packed with fresh, herbaceous flavors that take it to a whole new level. Forget the store-bought versions—this easy-to-make ranch dressing is way better and just as convenient.

overhead shot of homemade ranch in a mason jar

Perfect for salads, dipping veggies, or pairing with chicken wings, this ranch dressing is versatile, flavorful, and made with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. If you want to kick it up a notch, try my Homemade Jalapeno Ranch Recipe. It's equally as delicious and has some heat with the jalapenos! Let’s dive into the recipe!

Can I make this ranch dressing ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, the flavors will get even better as it sits in the fridge. I recommend making it at least 30 minutes in advance, but it’s even better if you let it sit for a few hours or overnight.

Can I make this ranch dairy-free?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, you can substitute the sour cream and mayo with dairy-free alternatives, like cashew-based sour cream and vegan mayo. Use a non-dairy milk like almond milk or oat milk as well.

How long will this homemade ranch last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, this homemade ranch dressing will last for up to a week. Make sure to give it a good stir before serving, as the ingredients may settle over time.

ranch on a spoon over mason jar full of ranch

Why This Homemade Ranch is the Best:

  • Fresh Ingredients: Unlike store-bought ranch, this recipe uses fresh herbs (dried, but still packed with flavor!) and simple pantry staples, making it much more flavorful.

  • Adjustable: You can tweak the recipe to suit your tastes. Want it creamier? Add more sour cream or mayo. Prefer a tangier ranch? Up the lemon juice or buttermilk!

  • No Preservatives: Skip all the chemicals and preservatives found in bottled ranch. This homemade version is free from anything artificial, so you can feel good about what you’re eating.

  • Versatile: This ranch dressing is perfect for more than just salads. Use it as a dip for your favorite veggies, chips, or wings. You can even drizzle it on tacos or use it as a burger topping!

ingredients for homemade ranch recipe

Ingredients Needed To Make Homemade Ranch

  • 2 cups sour cream
  • 1 cup mayo (I recommend Hellman’s for the best flavor)
  • 1 cup milk (or buttermilk for extra tang)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons dried dill
  • 3 tablespoons dried chives
  • 2 tablespoons dried parsley
  • 2 tablespoons onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon garlic salt

This will make enough ranch to fill a Large Mouth Mason Jar.

How to Make Homemade Ranch

4 cup measuring cup with ingredients before mixing to make homemade ranch

Combine the Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl or 4 cup measuring cup, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, and milk (or buttermilk if you want a richer, tangier flavor). Use a whisk or spoon to stir the mixture together until smooth and well blended.

Add the Seasonings: Add the lemon juice, dried dill, dried chives, dried parsley, onion powder, and garlic salt to the bowl. Mix everything thoroughly until the ranch dressing is creamy and all the herbs are evenly distributed throughout.

Taste and Adjust: Give your ranch a taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you prefer it tangier, add a little more lemon juice or a splash more buttermilk. For a stronger herbal flavor, you can add more chives or dill.

Chill and Serve: Once you're happy with the flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the ranch dressing for at least 30 minutes. This gives the flavors time to meld and become even more delicious! You can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Enjoy: Serve this homemade ranch with your favorite salads, veggie platters, chicken wings, or even as a dip for fries or pizza. It’s the perfect companion to just about anything!

ranch drizzled over salad in white bowl

Tips for the Best Ranch Dressing:

  • Use Full-Fat Ingredients: For the creamiest, most flavorful ranch dressing, stick to full-fat sour cream and mayo. It adds richness and gives the ranch the perfect texture.

  • Buttermilk for Extra Tang: If you’re craving that tangy ranch flavor you get from the store, buttermilk is your friend. Swap out regular milk for buttermilk to bring that extra zing.

  • Customize the Herbs: If you have fresh herbs on hand, feel free to use them instead of dried ones. Just double the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.

  • Using Less Milk: If you are looking for more of a dip, use less milk. This will leave the ranch thicker and perfect for dipping!

Perfect Pairings for Homemade Ranch:

  • Chicken Wings: A classic! Whether you prefer your wings baked or fried, this ranch is perfect for dipping.
  • Salads: Drizzle over your favorite greens for a creamy dressing that’s bursting with flavor.
  • Veggie Platter: Carrots, celery, cucumber—this ranch is the ultimate veggie dip.
  • Fries and Potato Chips: Skip the ketchup and try dipping your fries or chips in this creamy, herby ranch dressing instead!

Once you try this Best Damn Homemade Ranch Recipe, you'll never go back to store-bought ranch again! It’s so simple to make, yet it packs a flavor punch that elevates any meal. Whether you’re using it for salads, snacks, or dipping, this ranch will quickly become a household favorite.

Make a batch today and enjoy the creamy, herby goodness!

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