The classic Ranch dressing is a creamy, tangy, and flavorful dressing that has become a staple in many homes. It’s incredibly versatile — perfect for salads, dipping veggies, or drizzling over your favorite dishes. This original ranch dressing recipe is made from scratch with fresh ingredients, giving it a bold flavor that’s far superior to store-bought versions.
1. Original Ranch Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (preferably full-fat)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or adjust for desired consistency)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (or white vinegar)
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley)
- 1 teaspoon dried dill (or 2 teaspoons fresh chopped dill)
- 1 teaspoon dried chives (or 2 teaspoons fresh chopped chives)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt (or more to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Step 1. Whisk the Base
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and sour cream until smooth and creamy.
Step 2. Add Buttermilk
Slowly whisk in the buttermilk a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. For a thicker dip, use less buttermilk; for a thinner dressing, use more.
Step 3. Season and Flavor
Add the lemon juice, parsley, dill, chives, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until all the herbs and seasonings are well combined.
Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
Step 4. Chill and Serve
For the best flavor, let the ranch dressing chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
2. Serving Suggestions
Salad Dressing: Use it on a crisp green salad, such as a mixed greens salad or a classic Cobb salad.
Vegetable Dip: Serve it as a dip for fresh veggies like carrots, celery, cucumber, or bell peppers.
Chicken Wings: It’s a perfect accompaniment to spicy buffalo wings or crispy chicken tenders.
Pizza Dip: Drizzle it over pizza or use it as a dip for your pizza crust.
Sandwich Spread: Use it as a spread for sandwiches, burgers, or wraps for an extra burst of flavor.
3. Variations
Spicy Ranch: Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Avocado Ranch: Blend in half of a ripe avocado for a creamy, green twist.
Greek Yogurt Ranch: For a healthier version, replace the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt.
Chipotle Ranch: Add 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (chopped) for a smoky, spicy variation.
4. How to Store
Refrigerator: Store the ranch dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Shake or stir it before each use, as it may thicken or separate slightly over time.
Freezing: Ranch dressing does not freeze well due to the dairy content, so it’s best consumed fresh.
This Original Ranch Dressing Recipe is a creamy, flavorful classic that you can whip up in just minutes. With simple ingredients and endless customizations, this ranch dressing is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
