Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Salad Dressing Recipe

The Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Salad Dressing recipe is a creamy, tangy blend of buttermilk, mayonnaise, and sour cream, flavored with fresh herbs like dill, parsley, and chives, as well as garlic, onion powder, and a hint of lemon juice. Perfect for salads, veggies, or as a dip, it’s customizable and fresher than store-bought versions.

To make Buttermilk Ranch Salad Dressing, Mix ½ cup buttermilk, ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, and salt to taste. Whisk until smooth. Chill for 30 minutes before serving. Perfect for salads or as a dip.

This recipe is simple, quick, and endlessly customizable, making it a staple for any kitchen. Whether you’re tossing it with greens or using it as a dip for wings, this dressing will elevate your dishes with its tangy, herbaceous goodness. Let’s dive into how to make it, why it’s worth the effort, and some tips to make it your own.

Ingredients

To make Buttermilk Ranch Salad Dressing, you will need:

• ½ cup cultured buttermilk
• ½ cup full-fat mayonnaise (e.g., Duke’s)
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Optional: 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped

Method

Follow these step-by-step instructions to make Buttermilk Ranch Salad Dressing:

Step 1: Mix Base: Whisk buttermilk, mayonnaise, and sour cream in a bowl until velvety.

Step 2: Add Flavors: Stir in lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, parsley, salt, and pepper. Add chives if desired.

Step 3: Blend: Whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings.

Step 4: Chill: Refrigerate for 30 minutes to meld flavors.

Step 4: Serve: Use as a dressing, dip, or drizzle. Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes (+30 minutes chilling)
Servings: 8 (2 tbsp each)

Tips

• Fresh vs. Dried Herbs: Fresh dill, parsley, and chives give the dressing a vibrant flavor, but dried herbs work in a pinch. If using dried, use about one-third the amount, as they’re more concentrated.
• Buttermilk Substitutes: No buttermilk? Mix ½ cup milk with ½ tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes. Alternatively, thin out plain yogurt with a bit of milk.
• Customize It: Add a pinch of cayenne for heat, a splash of hot sauce for zing, or even some crumbled blue cheese for a twist. For a thicker dip, increase the mayonnaise or sour cream.
• Storage: Keep the dressing in a mason jar or an airtight container in the fridge. Shake or stir before using, as it may separate slightly over time.

Serving Suggestions

This homemade buttermilk ranch is incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas to put it to use:

• Salads: Toss with romaine, cucumbers, tomatoes, and croutons for a classic ranch salad.
• Veggie Dip: Serve with carrot sticks, celery, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes.
• Party Pleaser: Pair with chicken wings, pizza, or fried appetizers for a crowd-pleasing dip.
• Drizzle: Use over roasted potatoes, grilled veggies, or even as a sandwich spread.

Healthier Variations

Want a lighter version? Try these swaps:

• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for added protein and less fat.
• Opt for low-fat mayonnaise or a vegan alternative for a dairy-free version.
• Reduce the salt and boost the herbs for a low-sodium option.

This homemade buttermilk ranch salad dressing is a must-try for anyone who loves bold, creamy flavors.

With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes, you can whip up a batch that’s perfect for salads, dips, or drizzles.

Experiment with the recipe, make it your own, and enjoy the delicious results.

Once you go homemade, you’ll never look back!

Have you tried making your ranch dressing before?

Share your favorite variations or serving ideas in the comments below!