Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe

I’ve got a newfound obsession with this homemade ranch dressing. Mixing mayo, sour cream, and milk with a blend of dried herbs and spices creates a smooth, vibrant dip that pairs perfectly with salads, veggies, or chips. It’s effortlessly versatile and packs a punch of flavor that totally elevates any meal.

I made this homemade ranch dressing mix the other day and it turned out pretty amazing. I start with 1/2 cup mayonnaise, mix in 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt if you prefer a tangier taste) and 1/2 cup milk.

Then I add in a teaspoon of dried parsley and 1/2 teaspoon each of dried dill weed, garlic powder, and onion powder, along with 1/4 teaspoon salt and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper. This recipe is a cool twist on buttermilk ranch dressing since it uses no buttermilk, making it easier to whip up with common kitchen staples.

I like that this ranch recipe gives me a flavorful dressing thats great over salads or as a dip. Plus, with nutritional benefits from the yogurt and herbs, it’s a healthier alternative to store bought dressing and definitely one of my best ranch dressing ideas yet.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s super simple to whip up even on hectic days. The instructions are clear enough that I can easily tweak things if I want more flavor or a thinner consistency.

I also appreciate how versatile it is. I can use it as a dip for chips or veggies, or even pour it over a salad. It’s neat knowing that I can get creative with it depending on what I’m in the mood for.

Another thing is that it just tastes really fresh and homemade. Even though its ingredients are basic, the way they all come together makes it feel like a special treat every time I make it.

Ingredients

• Mayonnaise contributes healthy fats, creaminess, and a rich, smooth texture.
• Greek yogurt offers protein and probiotics, lending tang and thickness to the dressing.
• Milk adds a slight sweetness and smooth consistency that ties flavors together.
• Dried parsley brings herbal freshness and provides vitamins and antioxidants.
• Garlic powder offers savory depth with potential immune benefits and a bold taste.
• Dill weed adds a fresh, tangy zest that enhances overall flavor.
• Onion powder delivers mild sweetness and depth, balancing the creamy base.
• Salt and pepper sharpen and enhance all of the dressing’s flavors.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (whichever ya like better)
• 1/2 cup milk (any kind works fine)
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1/2 tsp dried dill weed
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp salt (add more if needed)
• 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper

How to Make this

1. In a medium bowl, mix together the mayo, sour cream (or greek yogurt if you prefer that) and milk until they’re well combined.

2. Add in the dried parsley, dried dill weed, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and freshly ground black pepper.

3. Whisk all the ingredients until everything is smooth and there are no clumps.

4. Taste it and adjust the salt and pepper if needed, sometimes a little extra goes a long way.

5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can blend together.

6. After chilling, give it another stir and check the consistency; if it’s too thick, add a splash of milk until it’s just right.

7. Use it as a dressing for your salads, or serve as a dip with veggies or chips.

8. Enjoy your homemade ranch dressing and feel free to tweak the ingredient amounts next time to suit your taste!

Equipment Needed

1. A medium mixing bowl
2. Measuring cups
3. Measuring spoons
4. A whisk
5. Plastic wrap
6. A stirring spoon
7. A refrigerator

FAQ

Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you’re out of mayo, you can try mashed avocado mixed with a touch of extra cream to keep that rich, smooth texture.
• Instead of sour cream, feel free to use plain Greek yogurt for a tangier twist.
• If milk isn’t handy, almond or oat milk work just as fine in brightening up the dressing.
• Fresh parsley can replace dried parsley, though you’ll wanna use about twice as much to pack the flavor punch.
• You can swap garlic powder for one finely minced garlic clove if you’re aiming for that extra fresh kick.

Pro Tips

1. Try switching out some of the dried herbs with fresh ones if you can get them, it really boosts the flavor even though you’ll need to use a little more since fresh herbs are less intense than dried ones.

2. If your dressing gets too thick after chilling, don’t just give up – gradually add a splash of milk until it reaches the perfect pourable consistency for your salads or dips.

3. For a more tangy kick, experiment by adding a few drops of lemon juice or a dash of vinegar; it can really give your dressing that extra zing without masking the other flavors.

4. Cooking tip: Let your dressing chill in the fridge a bit longer than the minimum 30 minutes if you can, sometimes letting it sit for a couple of hours or even overnight helps the flavors blend even better.