Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

This easy-to-make Buttermilk Ranch Dressing is cool and creamy and loaded with savory herb and zesty buttermilk flavors. It’s a delicious dressing drizzled over your favorite salad or as a dip for fresh veggies, chicken wings, potato chips, or even French fries.

A glass pitcher filled with white ranch dressing sits on a wooden board, with a bowl of mixed greens and a potted plant in the background.

Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Recipe

If you’re tired of bottled ranch dressings that just don’t have that same rich and thick consistency or zesty flavor of restaurant ranch, it’s time to try making your own! With just a few basic ingredients, you can create the creamiest and most flavorful homemade buttermilk ranch dressing in a matter of minutes. It’s a tasty and easy way to take your simple salads to the next level.

But it’s not just for salads. This dressing is wonderful served as a dip or dipping sauce for chicken wings, tenders, fresh veggies, and even potato chips. Plus, not only is this the best ranch dressing you’ll ever make, but it’s made with wholesome ingredients. There are no preservatives or added sugars like you see in store-bought buttermilk dressing.

If you love those classic Ranch flavors, be sure to check out this Bacon Chicken Ranch Crescent Ring and these Buffalo Ranch Wings.

Why We Love This Recipe

Deliciously creamy dressing – The dry herbs and seasonings add robust flavors that pair perfectly with the creamy mayo and tangy buttermilk.
Healthier than store-bought Ranch dressings – Making your own Ranch dressing means you know exactly what’s in it—no artificial flavors or preservatives like the bottled stuff.
Simple ingredients – You can whip up a batch of this Ranch using just a few pantry ingredients, perfect for a last-minute party dip or dressing.

Ingredients

A bowl of creamy mixture surrounded by small bowls containing seasonings, a small pitcher of liquid, and a whisk on a white surface.

Mayonnaise – You can use almost any brand, but avoid sweeter mayo like Miracle Whip.
Buttermilk – For a thick, creamy texture, you’ll want to use full-fat real buttermilk.
Dried herbs – We used a combination of garlic granules, onion powder, and dry dill for a classic Ranch flavor.
Salt and black pepper – Added to taste.

Instructions

Step One: Add Mayonnaise and Seasonings

A white bowl containing mayonnaise, dried herbs, and pepper, positioned alongside three small bowls with various ingredients and a pitcher of milk. A whisk with a black handle is next to the bowl.

A mixing bowl containing a creamy mixture topped with chopped nuts, dried herbs, and seasonings. A whisk is beside the bowl.

Place two cups of mayonnaise in a mixing bowl. Add in garlic granules, onion powder, and dry dill.

Step Two: Add Buttermilk

Add in salt and pepper. Pour in one cup of buttermilk and whisk well until it’s nice and creamy.

Step Three: Chill and Serve

Pour your homemade dressing into a mason jar or other airtight container and keep it in the fridge. Serve with wings or over wedge salads. Great with French fries as well.

Suggestions and Alternatives

Fresh herbs – Instead of dried herbs, you can use fresh dill, fresh chives, and fresh parsley.
Sour cream – For a tangy buttermilk ranch recipe, you can use one cup of mayonnaise and one cup of sour cream or plain Greek Yogurt.
Garlic – Instead of granulated garlic, you can use fresh garlic or garlic powder.
Lemon – Add about a tbsp of lemon juice and some lemon zest for a bright and refreshing flavor.
Green onions – Give the dip more oniony flavor by adding finely chopped green onions.
Dry mix – Skip the individual seasonings and add a couple of tablespoons of this Ranch Seasoning mix.

A clear glass pitcher filled with creamy white dressing, placed on a wooden board. In the background, there is a bowl with mixed greens and a small potted plant on a white countertop.

How Do You Store Ranch Dressing?

Just like most homemade salad dressings, this Ranch will last in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Delicious Ways to Serve Buttermilk Ranch Salad Dressing

Of course, this easy homemade ranch is amazing on a fresh wedge salad, green salad, or spinach salad, but you can use it in many other ways. Here are some of my favorites:

Serve it as a dipping sauce as a delicious way to cool down the heat in spicy buffalo wings.
Add a small bowl to a charcuterie board with fresh veggies like sliced carrots, cucumbers, and celery.
It’s wonderful drizzled over grilled salmon or other fish.
It’s a delicious dip for potato chips and French fries.
Top baked potatoes with ranch dressing, shredded cheese, bacon bits, and chives.
Spread ranch dressing on sandwiches, wraps, or pitas. It adds creaminess and flavor.

Recipe FAQs

What’s the history of Ranch dressing?

The original dressing was first created in California by Steve Henson, a plumber, in the early 1950s. Henson and his wife, Gayle, opened a dude ranch called Hidden Valley Ranch near Santa Barbara, where they served it to their guests. This delicious and creamy salad dressing took off from there and is now an all-time American favorite.

How can I thicken the consistency?

If you like a super thick dressing or if you want to make ranch dip, just reduce the amount of buttermilk until the thickness is how you prefer it.

Can I use regular milk?

You can, but I do not recommend it. Buttermilk gives the dressing a wonderful flavor. If you use regular milk, you may want to add a little lemon juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar to give it a little bit of tanginess.

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