Why Make This Recipe
Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Dressing is a must-try for anyone who loves a creamy, flavorful dressing. It’s easy to make and uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Plus, making it at home means you can adjust the flavors to your liking. Whether you use it as a salad dressing, a dip for veggies, or a sauce for chicken, this recipe is versatile and delicious.
How to Make Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley (minced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh chives (minced)
Directions:
- In a medium bowl, add all the ingredients.
- Whisk everything together until well combined.
- Taste the dressing and see if you want to add more salt.
- For the best flavor, refrigerate the dressing for about an hour before serving. However, if you’re in a hurry, it will still be tasty without chilling!
- Check the notes for ideas on substitutions you can make.
How to Serve Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Dressing goes well with many dishes. Use it as a salad dressing on your favorite greens, dip fresh veggies like carrots and celery, or drizzle it over grilled chicken. You can even use it as a spread on sandwiches. The flavor is so good that you might want to keep it handy for any meal!
How to Store Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
To keep your dressing fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for about a week. Just give it a good stir before using it again, as the ingredients may settle.
Tips to Make Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
- Adjust the herbs and seasonings to suit your taste. If you love dill, feel free to add more!
- If you want a thinner dressing, add a little more buttermilk to reach your desired consistency.
- For a bit of heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add some hot sauce.
Variation
If you want to change things up, try adding crumbled blue cheese or chopped bacon bits for extra flavor. You can also swap out fresh herbs for dried herbs if fresh ones aren’t available; just remember to use less since dried herbs are more potent.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, buttermilk gives the dressing a tangy flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for five minutes to mimic buttermilk.
2. How do I make it dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, use vegan mayonnaise, a dairy-free sour cream alternative, and a non-dairy milk, like almond or oat milk.
3. Can I freeze this dressing?
It’s not recommended to freeze this dressing because it may change in texture when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator.

Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium bowl, add all the ingredients.
- Whisk everything together until well combined.
- Taste the dressing and see if you want to add more salt.
- For the best flavor, refrigerate the dressing for about an hour before serving.