Bright, creamy, and herb-filled ranch dressing is a kitchen essential, and this homemade version from Gourmet is our go-to. Tangy buttermilk and mayonnaise combine to form the luscious base. If you care to go the extra step, you can even make the mayo from scratch. Fresh garlic grounds it with bite, while the fresh herbs (namely, parsley, dill, and chives) give it a burst of brightness.
Easy to customize and forgiving to make, this homemade ranch dressing recipe elevates everyday meals with its fresh, vibrant flavor. Drizzle it over crisp greens, toss it with roasted vegetables, use it as a dip for wings or crudités, spread it on sandwiches for extra flavor, or use it in a million more ways even we haven’t thought of yet.
Tips & FAQs for the best ranch dressing
- Do I have to use all the herbs?
Fresh parsley, dill, and chives provide brightness and flecks of color, but they aren’t the only herbs you can use. Dill is crucial for that quintessential ranch flavor, but you could add in or swap the others for basil, tarragon, savory, or thyme. You can also substitute dried herbs for the fresh ones, but note you’ll want to let the dressing rest for a few hours so the dried herbs can rehydrate and release their flavor. If using dried herbs, use about one-third to one-half the amount called for (that is, if the recipe calls for 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh dill, swap in 1 Tbsp. dried dill; for 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley, scale down to a third of the amount, using 2 tsp. dried parsley flakes since it can be quite assertive). Chop any fresh herbs finely for the most balanced taste. - What can I substitute for buttermilk?
Swap in plain, whole-milk yogurt or stir 1½ tsp. distilled vinegar into ½ cup whole milk (or an alt-dairy milk of your choice), then let sit for 5 minutes. If you plan to use this ranch dressing as a dip, consider using a thicker tangy dairy product such as Greek yogurt or sour cream. - Let the ranch dressing lie.
Although you can use this dressing right away, chilling it for an hour lets the flavors meld and deepen. If, after chilling, you want a thinner dressing for salads, add an extra splash of buttermilk or regular milk. - How long will homemade ranch dressing last in the fridge?
It keeps covered and chilled for up to a week, with flavors developing more depth over time.
