It may seem like such a benign thing to be so excited about ranch dressing but I am. I’m not afraid to admit it. Like most of us Americans, I was brought up eating bottled salad dressing. It’s just one of those convenience foods that we can’t seem to live without…like bottled ketchup and canned beans.
But did you realize that it will take you less time to make this dressing than it will to pick out a dressing from the massive variety the grocery stores offer these days? It’s true and it’s just as easy as throwing a handful of ingredients (most of which you’ll likely already have on hand) in a food processor. This is the recipe we use for our buffalo chicken pizza, for dipping some pizza bites, all kinds of raw veggies, and pretzels and chips, and of course on salads. Pretty versatile and WAY easy, huh?
Ranch Dressing
source: Confections of a Foodie Bride and The Gourmet Cookbook, 2004
3/4 cup mayonnaise (I use light mayo)
3/4 cup sour cream (I use light sour cream)
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1/4 to 1 cup buttermilk
1 small bunch of chives or 2 scallions, roughly chopped
Small handful of parsley
1 clove garlic
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Place all ingredients with 1/4 cup of buttermilk in a blender and blend for 10 seconds. Check consistency and blend in additional buttermilk if desired. Less buttermilk for dipping or pizza “sauce”, more for dressing. Store in an air-tight jar in the fridge. Leftovers will keep 2-3 weeks.
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We haven’t gone back to bottled since!
This is one condiment that we use faithfully. I am going to try this. Thanks for sharing.
I never made homemade ranch dressing. I really love its creamy texture. On pizza must taste really good. I bookmark the recipe. Thanks for sharing!
I’m going to admit it…I’m addicted to ranch dressing. But NO bottled ranch dressing tastes good to me. I sometimes use the Hidden Valley packets with the mayo/buttermilk mixture which does the trick. You recipe looks spot on. Can’t wait to try it!
Great looking recipe! Your photo captures it perfectly, I think.
I’ve been working on lowering my sugar and carb intake and I’ve found that a lot of store-bought vinaigrettes are full of sugar. This homemade ranch dressing is a great alternative. Thanks for sharing!
This looks terrific! I’m keeping this in mind for the summer when I’m sure we’ll be eating plenty of salads.
Um, why isn’t “ranch dressing” called “American dressing???”
I don’t usually pick ranch dressing but this post and the recipe totally makes me want to make ranch dressing right this second!
Just found your blog and am totally making this!
This looks wonderful! Do you know if this is safe to can?
Kerry: I can’t say that it is because I don’t know. I store most sauces and dressings I make in canning jars in the fridge and I didn’t can this recipe. I would check the Ball canning website to see the recommended process for foods like this one.
This is not safe to can, as it includes buttermilk and sour cream.
I just made this, and even without being in the fridge for long, it tastes amazing. The only mod I made was to add more garlic since I love garlic! Hands down the tastiest dressing I have ever made!
Wish I would have taken a picture of my kids licking out the bowl. Husbnd liked it tooo!
hey found you through Pinterest! I am a Ranch dressing lover like yourself I could seriously dip everything in it…here’s a quick tip incase you are out of buttermilk- because you only use a bit of it and the rest can go bad. Add a table spoon of apple cider vinegar to regular milk shake it or stir it and add it like you would the buttermilk. Your recipe is SPOT on to the one I make. So good.
I also found you on Pinterest. I am so excited to make this, since I love the expensive ranch dressing found in the produce section, but not the cheap bottled stuff. I bet this tastes like the good stuff. Thanks to the last poster for the buttermilk swap with the vinegar, I never have buttermilk on hand.
Well, welcome Pinteresters! I usually have buttermilk in the house since I use it pretty frequently and it lasts quite a while. However, I have made my own before also and it works great in a pinch. I use skim milk (since buttermilk is low-fat to begin with) and have used white vinegar or lemon juice, depending on which I have on hand. I’m positive you girls will love this ranch dressing but I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!
I usually buy the packets and mix it up…then noticed that it has MSG. So happy to have found this recipe instead-can’t wait to give it a try!
Thank you! I tried this ranch, and it is exactly what I was looking for! I used cilantro and lime in place of parsley and lemon…. it was like a California ranch!
Hi!!! I also found your recipe on Pinterest & and made it tonight and I am in love!!! Who knew that it could be so simple & so good!! Im sure that I ate the equivalent of a bag of salad
I plan to make even more and maybe alter the ingredients to make a sauce for taco salad….
Yummy & Thanks!!
Oh love this idea, Had a random craving for ranch dressing the other day but it is not as easy to get hold of in the UK and I always forget when in the bigger supermarkets.
Thanks to the other poster about the buttermilk substitute as it is not something that is easy to get hold of.
Massively looking forward to this. PS found it on pinterest.
Could you use regular milk as an alternative? I can’t find buttermilk in Costa Rica.
Brooke: You can make your own buttermilk! Stir in 2 tablespoons of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes at room temperature until it thickens…homemade buttermilk!
You can substitute the sour cream with no fat Greek Yogurt, it taste just like sour cream and has lots more protien.
This is the BEST ranch dressing ever. I’ve tried it with yogurt, sourcream, plain kefir… all are amazing! Thank you.
Does it need to set to thicken…I am trying it! Sounds simple and good.
“Let’s think outside the pre-packaged” – me
Gabrielle: No, it doesn’t need to set. Start with the lower end of the buttermilk measurement and add enough until you get to your desired consistency.
Aside from buttermilk, everything in your ingredients list for ranch dressing is already stuff I have on hand. Why, oh WHY, have I not tried making my own ranch dressing? This will be happening soon. Thank you!
Sarasota: You can totally make your own buttermilk too – add 1 tablespoon white vinegar to a cup of milk, let sit for 5 minutes to thicken, and then stir it up. So easy!!