Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Dressing (Easy & Creamy)

A jar of homemade buttermilk ranch sitting on a counter.

4.82 from 11 votes

Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Dressing (Easy & Creamy)

This homemade buttermilk ranch dressing is creamy, tangy, and packed with real flavor. Made with simple pantry staples in just minutes, it is perfect for salads, dipping fresh veggies, or drizzling over your favorite meals. Once you try this from-scratch version, you will never go back to store-bought.

Prep Time5

Total Time5

Course: Condiment

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Buttermilk Ranch Dressing, Cultured Buttermilk Ranch, Ranch Dressing

Servings: servings

Calories: 39kcal

Author: Melissa Norris

Cost: Varies

Equipment

Mason jar
Spoon
Measuring Utensils

Ingredients

2/3 cup buttermilk I use cultured buttermilk.
1/3 cup mayonnaise Try this easy mayo recipe.
1 tablespoon parsley dried, or use 2 tablespoons fresh
1 teaspoon dill dried, or use 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh
3/4 teaspoon chives dried, or use 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh
3/4 teaspoons garlic granlulated
3/4 teaspoons onion powder dried
1/8 teaspoon salt I love Redmond Real Salt. Use code “Pioneering” for 15% off.
pepper to taste
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 clove garlic minced (optional)

Instructions

In a pint-sized Mason jar, combine cultured buttermilk and mayonnaise and mix well until combined and smooth.
Juice a lemon and mince the optional garlic.
Add lemon juice, optional garlic and ranch seasoning to the jar and stir well until combined.
Taste and adjust seasonings, as needed, or thin with additional buttermilk or milk until desired consistency is reached.
Use immediately or place in the refrigerator for an hour to thicken slightly.

Notes

Recipe Variations:

Buttermilk Blue Cheese - Reduce the ranch seasoning to 1/2 Tablespoon and add 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles.

Greek Buttermilk Dressing - Swap out the ranch seasoning for 1 clove of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of dried dill, and 1/4 cup feta cheese crumbles. This dressing is delicious served on a spinach salad with red onions and kalamata olives, or on roasted beet salad with goat cheese.
Mexican Buttermilk Dressing - Swap the lemon juice for lime juice, reduce the ranch seasoning to 1/2 Tablespoon and add 1 teaspoon of dried cumin, 1 teaspoon of chili powder (or 2 teaspoons of DIY taco seasoning mix), and freshly chopped cilantro leaves, to taste. Mix up taco night and use this Mexican buttermilk dressing on your tacos, burritos or taco salad.

Recipe Tips:

Use 2 tablespoons of DIY ranch seasoning in place of the dry seasonings in this recipe.
Use high-quality mayonnaise, such as this easy mayo recipe, for the best flavor.
Do not skip the resting time; it makes a noticeable difference.
Start with less liquid and thin to your preferred consistency.
Fresh herbs elevate the flavor if you have them on hand.
Double the batch because it disappears quickly.

Serving Suggestions:

This homemade buttermilk ranch dressing is incredibly versatile.

Toss with fresh garden salads
Use as the dressing for this red potato salad recipe
Serve as a dip for carrots, celery, and cucumbers
Drizzle over roasted potatoes or grilled vegetables
Use as a spread for sandwiches and wraps
Pair with homemade buttermilk-fried chicken strips or wings

Storage Instructions:

Store your homemade buttermilk ranch dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. (The jar you mixed it in works great.)

Keeps fresh for up to 1 week
Stir before each use, as separation may occur
Do not freeze, as the texture will change

Nutrition