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GET IT NOWOf all the dressings out there, ranch is my absolute favorite. And to say I’m in love with this homemade ranch dressing recipe is the understatement of the decade. It’s probably the best condiment I’ve ever made from scratch, and I always have a jar in my fridge. It’s the tangy, creamy, dreamy puzzle piece to complete my meals.
But it’s not just me. Ever since I posted my ranch dressing recipe back in 2017 (on the 2nd anniversary of Wholesome Yum!), what I’ve heard from readers has blown me away. Many people have told me that it tastes like Hidden Valley. Others argue that it’s even better. Some just call it the best ranch dressing. My favorite of all is those who say they make it every week. I get it, friends… me, too. If you don’t do that yet, make it with me and you will! 😉
Why You Need My Ranch Dressing Recipe
- Readers say it tastes better than Hidden Valley – And I agree. The flavor and texture will knock your store-bought favorites out of the park. It’s tangy, herby, smooth, rich, and creamy… in all the right ways.
- Make it in 5 minutes – One of the reasons this ranch dressing recipe is a staple in my kitchen is it’s so quick and easy to whip up!
- Clean, simple ingredients – With no sugar, corn, soy, or preservatives, my ranch is your feel-good alternative to store-bought. And for my low carb friends, you’ll be happy to know that this is keto friendly, too. (I even included it in my first keto cookbook.)
- Tastes great on everything – I use it as a dip, dressing, sauce, and even a marinade to enhance meals with its fresh, homemade flavor. It’ll cling perfectly to everything it touches, from crisp veggies to hot wings.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ranch dressing ingredients, what each one does in my recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
- Mayonnaise – I usually whip up my own homemade mayo using avocado oil, but feel free to grab any store-bought mayo you like. It works just as well!
- Sour Cream & Lemon Juice – Traditional ranch contains buttermilk (or buttermilk powder), but I don’t usually have these on hand, so my homemade ranch dressing recipe uses sour cream and lemon juice to create the same tang. You can also substitute the sour cream for plain Greek yogurt, and the lemon juice for white vinegar.
- Dried Herbs – For that signature ranch flavor, you’ll need dried parsley, dill, and chives. Got only fresh herbs? Simply triply the amount — measure in tablespoons rather than teaspoons to keep things easy. I find it doesn’t last quite as long using fresh herbs, though.
- Spices – A mix of garlic powder, sea salt, onion powder, and black pepper does the trick. Fresh garlic (2 minced cloves) and freshly ground black pepper are amazing if you have them! And you can throw in a pinch of paprika for more flavor if you want.
- Milk Of Your Choice – This thins the dressing to just the right consistency. I usually use store-bought almond milk for here, but it’s amazing with my homemade almond milk, too. If nuts aren’t your thing, any milk will do — regular dairy milk, coconut milk, hemp milk, or even something creamier, like half and half or heavy cream for extra richness.
VARIATION: Want a dry ranch dressing mix?
It’s just as quick and easy to make a dry version with similar ingredients! See my ranch seasoning recipe for instructions.
How To Make Ranch Dressing
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
- Combine the ingredients. Whisk the ranch dressing ingredients together in a medium bowl. Add the milk last, gradually, until you reach the consistency you like.
- Chill to develop the flavors. This is optional, but enhances the flavor if you have time. Once I’ve made the ranch dressing recipe, I find that refrigerating it for at least an hour makes it taste better. But you can totally enjoy it right away, too!
My Recipe Tips
- Adjust the amount of milk based on how you’ll use it. I like to make my ranch a little thicker for a dip, or thinner for a salad dressing.
- The amount of milk you need can vary depending on your mayo. Some brands are very thick, while others are on the thinner side. So again, just adjust the thickness to your liking.
- Homemade ranch dressing is usually thicker straight from the fridge. This is normal, and not a problem! I don’t usually need to do anything, but if it’s super thick, you can always thin it out with more milk as needed. (Seeing a pattern in my tips yet?)
Storage Instructions
You can store homemade ranch dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
I don’t recommend freezing it, as it will become a separated mess. Just don’t.
I like to store this dressing in a mason jar for easy mixing and just spoon it out, but you could also use a glass salad dressing bottle or a plastic squeeze bottle.
Ways To Use It
I put this stuff on everything! Whether you’re using it as a dip, condiment, casserole enhancer, or you know, an actual salad dressing… I’m willing to bet that my recipe for ranch dressing will quickly become your go-to. Here are some ways I use it:
- Salad – The obvious! It’ll jazz up any salad like no other. It’s amazing on my BLT salad, adds oomph to my hearty chef salad, and is pretty much the champion dressing for a classic Cobb salad.
- Veggie Dip – When I want to use this ranch dressing recipe as a dip, I just make it a little thicker. It’s perfect for dunking fresh vegetables, like carrots, celery, and broccoli. I’ve also enjoyed it with fried zucchini, zucchini chips, and kale chips, and it makes up the base for my crack dip recipe.
- Wings – You’ll spot this dip in dozens of my pictures for wing recipes, because it’s the perfect sidekick for so many of them! Keep it simple with my air fried chicken wings or oven baked wings, or amp them up with different sauces. Try my garlic parmesan wings, lemon pepper wings, or the classic, buffalo wings. I even serve this sauce with my buffalo cauliflower and air fryer chicken tenders!
- Casseroles – My all-time fave is my chicken bacon ranch casserole, but homemade ranch dressing also works well with the buffalo flavors in spaghetti squash casserole.
- Soups – You might not think of ranch for soups, but it adds an extra layer of flavor to my taco soup, or drizzle it on top of buffalo chicken soup.
- Chicken – It’s for more than just wings! I use it to top my buffalo chicken salad or dunk bacon wrapped chicken tenders. And you can’t make my cheesy bacon ranch chicken without it.
- Pizza – Drizzle it on chicken crust pizza, or make a BBQ chicken pizza using your favorite BBQ sauce and ranch on top. Remember those rectangle school pizzas we all used to douse in ranch? This is like the grown-up, way tastier version of that!
Ranch Dressing Recipe (5 Minutes)
Make this creamy, dreamy, tangy homemade ranch dressing recipe in 5 minutes, with common ingredients. It's the best for salads or as a dip!
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Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayo, sour cream, lemon juice, dried herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
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Add the milk last, gradually, until you reach your desired consistency. (Use a bit less for a thick dip or more for a thinner dressing).
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If you have time, refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors develop.
LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!
Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving size: 2 tablespoons
- Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the best consistency in your homemade ranch dressing.
- Storage: See my storage section above for my recommended storage options.
- Ways to use it: I have so many ways to use this dressing above!
📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Easy Keto Cookbook here.
I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy.
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© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.
Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe
More Easy Homemade Dressings
Tired of store-bought dressings with fake ingredients? Same. If you like my easy ranch dressing recipe, you’ll love some of my others that are just as quick:
488 Comments
Amber Roberts
0Can I use water to thin it down?
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Amber, If that’s your preference, then yes.
stina
0This recipe is incredible. I have my own homemade ranch dressing powder but that’s just for mississippi roast. This dressing is going to become a household staple!
MED
0such a good page .. the worst part is that with so many massive ads its hard to even read it…. Best of luck!
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi MED, Thanks for your feedback. Ads keep the Wholesome Yum website running and allow me to develop recipes that readers like you can access absolutely free. However, you may be interested in Wholesome Yum Plus, which includes an ad-free version of the website, along with other perks.
Judy
0Can I use the ranch dressing in the packet? Would it be the same?
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Judy, The packet contains some questionable ingredients such as Maltodextrin, Monosodium Glutamate, and artificial flavors. While this doesn’t change the carb count, it’s not really clean keto. If you are not bothered by these ingredients, then the packet is fine. If your goal is clean keto, then I suggest giving this recipe a try!
Andrée
0Très très bon. A refaire sans hésiter. Merci bcp pour la recette
Gail
0I have to have this in my refrigerator at all times. I do use fresh herbs as I have them. Without chives, is use minced scallions. Delicious
Gudrun
0I can not find the serving size so I can figure out the calories per serving. Please help.
Wholesome Yum M
0A serving is 2 Tablespoons. It’s listed just above the nutrition facts in the recipe card.
Jennifer Cox
0This is a very awesome recipe! I use this even when I’m not on Keto (I keep falling off the band wagon). My kids even love this one the most!!! By any chance is there any way I can turn this into a dip? The only thing I can think of is not adding the almond milk/diluted heavy cream. Please correct me if I’m wrong!!!!
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Jennifer, Yes! Omit the almond milk, or reduce to your liking, and you’ll get a thicker ranch dressing that is suitable as a dip! Enjoy.
Sharon Culbertson
0The BEST Ranch ever!!! Love, Love, LOVE IT!
Mel
0So good!!
Gabby
0I don’t have sour cream. Could I just use mayo and HWC maybe in different measurements? Any suggestions?
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Gabby, You can replace the sour cream with more mayo, but you may need more lemon juice to get the tangy flavor. Combine all ingredients, and then use heavy whipping cream to adjust the final thickness and texture.
Danine
0Tastes very good, second time I made this I put in half the garlic powder and omitted the dill…yummy. Thank you for the recipe
Macy Riley
0What if we don’t have the herbs? Will it make a huge difference?
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Macy, Yes omitting the herbs will make a huge difference. I don’t recommend doing this.
Drew
0how long can this keep in the fridge?
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Drew, This ranch recipe will keep for up to a week in the fridge.
Jennifer L.
0This is the best Keto Ranch Dressing I’ve ever had. Delicious!!
Sandra Hunt
0I omitted the dill on the next round. Didn’t really prefer the taste of that. Other than that, I’d give it a 5.
Shelly
0This is amazing! Make my own avacado oil mayo to start but love the overall flavor!
Heather Nalette
0This is amazing. I wish I thought to look for it years ago. I would have made it instead of store bought.
Just delicious!
Thank you!
Rob
0Are you using Dried Dill Weed or Dill Seed. Thank you.
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Rob, Dill weed. Thanks for clarifying!
Jess
0Outstanding !! Better than Primal Kitchen’s Ranch Dressing – costs significantly less and homemade using staple ingredients. FYI: I used Sir Kensington’s avocado mayo. Thank you so much for sharing this wonderfully perfected recipe!
Debbie
0I have been using this recipe for over a year. Love it! I use unsweetened vanilla almond milk and it does not taste like vanilla to me. Thanks for the recipe.
Misty
0Hi – could I use half and half instead of hwc??
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Misty, Your dressing will not be quite as thick, but yes it will work out fine.
Diane
0I just made this, and I would say it is, by far, the best ranch dressing I ever tasted, bottled or restaurant. I followed the recipe exactly, except I used 1/8 cup heavy cream instead of almond milk. It is the perfect consistency. I wish I could post a picture. Thank you for this recipe!!!
CYNTHIA M HIGGINS
0I would like to use watered down heavy cream. the recipe calls for 1/4 cup of unsweetened almond milk, how much heavy cream and water? Please
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Cynthia, 50% water, 50% heavy cream will give you a consistency similar to what you are wanting. Enjoy!
Mah-Rukh Karamat
0Hello, I have miracle whip on hand…would this recipe work with that substituted for the mayo? Thanks.
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Mah-Rukh, Yes that’s fine.
Cheryl
0Can you use Avocado Mayonnaise or Vegan Mayonnaise? Would this change the taste?
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Cheryl, Either mayo will work just fine.
Marcell
0Thanks I have made some of you dishes. The recipes are alway easy to follow and come out tasty.
Linda Wilson
0Best ranch dressing ever!!!! I put this up against any restaurants dressing. I made a BLT salad with a boiled egg and topped with this ranch and it was wonderful.
Allison
0Great recipe! I used standard store brand mayo and buttermilk. I will continue to make this recipe! I will never buy bottled ranch dressing again! Thanks so much for posting this recipe. I will explore your other recipes too!
Jayne Fincher
0This dressing is so good! I make this at least twice a week (don’t use the almond milk, we like it a bit thicker). We use it on veggies, wings, salads and chicken breasts. I have also made the BLT stuffed avocado and mushroom cauliflower risotto (husband really liked this one). I decided to go to Barnes and Noble to purchase your cookbook. We made the bacon cheddar dip stuffed mushrooms and carrot cake muffins…they were so delicious!! We are enjoying cooking our way through your cookbook!!! Thank you for the awesome recipes. Looking forward to your next cookbook
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Jayne, Thanks so much for picking up the book! So glad you are enjoying it!
Martha Dearinger
0This was a hit at Christmas. My family liked it better than the mix I had always made. My granddaughter wants the recipe! I used HWC in place of almond milk. Thanks for delicious Ranch Dressing!
Debbie
0Just starting my keto journey. Looking forward to trying this recipe!
Kaley
0This is ridiculous… in a good way. I’m so glad to find this recipe! I long ago swore off store bought ranch with all of its nasty ingredients. Until I found one that had all food ingredients, the only problem is it’s $8 per bottle. Really thankful for this recipe. I made it today and it’s great.
Dayna
0Love it. I omitted almond milk because when I finished stirring I liked the consistency. Definitely will make it easier for me to eat veggies!
KittenJen
0This made the best ranch dressing! I didn’t have chives, so went a little heavier on the onion powder. I omitted heavy cream because I was out, and also added a couple drops of stevia extract for a touch of sweetness. But it was thick and delicious, great for a celery dip or to dress a salad!
Cheryl
0Do you think it will mess up the recipe if i use vanilla unsweetened almond milk?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Cheryl, I’ve used it in a pinch. 😉 I think the other flavors cover up the vanilla pretty well but it’s your call how sensitive you might be to noticing that.
Jen
0How many calories does it add too if you use heavy cream?
Wholesome Yum A
0Hi Jen, I’d recommend the USDA Food Database to get the most exact calorie count!
Stephen
0What kind of Mayo do you use? Or can we use? Really need a good ranch dressing and this looks great!
Wholesome Yum A
0Stephen, I recommend avocado oil-based mayo. You can even make your own!
Christy
0I have vanilla unsweetened almond milk… will that work?
Wholesome Yum A
0Christy, I’m not sure that will work — it will certainly change the flavor.
Cheryl
0I WILL NEVER BUY RANCH AGAIN.
Adrienne
0*****YUMMY!
Following a keto diet, sometimes I have to make 2 different meals for dinner. With this dressing one dressing for everyone.
Yay to 1 carb! Thanks for posting!
Glee
0My mayo has soy in it. It is organic. Is there anything I can substitute or any suggestions?
Wholesome Yum A
0Hi Glee, you can still use that here but I generally recommend mayo made with only avocado oil. (You can also make your own!)
Patricia
0I cannot find a dairy free sour cream. Could I sub dairy free yogurt for the sour cream? I have to be dairy free and egg free. Thanks.
Wholesome Yum A
0Hi Patricia, I haven’t tried that but it should work! Let me know if you give it a go.
Carla
0What spices would I need to add to turn this into a spicy ranch dressing? Hidden Valley spicy ranch is my favorite, but I’d rather make my own.
Wholesome Yum A
0Hi Carla, this would go great with cayenne, chili powder, and/or hot sauce!
Lauren Stewart
0I was surprised. Its good. Really good. And so easy. No need to buy ranch again.
Cathy
0I have diabetes and high cholesterol. Is it ok to substitute low fat ingredients to make your keto recipes work for me?
Wholesome Yum
0Hi Cathy, all the recipes on my site are designed to support a high-fat ketogenic diet. You could probably make low-fat substitutions for this recipe, but the carb count will likely be higher.
Sheena
0This is an easy and delicious recipe (before and after chilling)! It didn’t take much almond milk at all to thin out the dressing. I left out the dill (just because I’m not a huge fan normally…I’ll try it with the dill at some point). Ranch is huge in our household, so I’ll be making this quite a bit. Kid approved as well.
Kim
0By far THE BEST Ranch Dressing Recipe I have found!!! Thank you!
SC
0THIS IS SOOOO GOOD! Thanks so much!
Shannon Warren
0I am just getting started on a keto diet so I don’t do this anymore but I am looking for a keto pizza crust so I can just make the pizza myself. I used to put ranch dressing on supreme pizza. A good friend of mine turned me on to that.
Renee Broussard
0Thank you so much for sharing!! I just phased off Ideal Protein Diet. Lost 120 lbs in a year. So grateful for ur low carb recipe. I love salad…but I love salad dressing too. #lifesaver #gamechanger ❤
Dina
0Will this stay in the fridge for a week? I’m planning a trip and would like to take this with
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Dina, Yes, it should keep for a week refrigerated.