Real Homemade Ranch Dressing with Fresh Herbs
Ranch is built on three things: mayonnaise, buttermilk (or milk with lemon) and yoghurt, with dill, parsley, garlic powder and onion powder. The classic ratio is half a cup of each, and fresh herbs are what separate it from the packet mix.
- Prep
- 8 min
- Cook
- —
- Total
- 8 min
- Calories
- 85
Bottled ranch sells for twice what it costs to make, and every ingredient is already common. The only one that takes any thought is the buttermilk — and if you can't find it, milk with a spoon of lemon does the same job after ten minutes.
Method
-
1
The buttermilk
If you don't have it: stir a tablespoon of lemon juice into a quarter cup of milk and leave it ten minutes until it thickens slightly.
⏱ 10 min -
2
The base
Whisk the mayonnaise, yoghurt and buttermilk together until smooth and even.
⏱ 2 min -
3
The herbs
Add the dill, parsley, spring onion, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Stir.
⏱ 3 min -
4
Rest
Cover and chill for at least an hour. The herbs need time to release their flavour into the dressing — the difference before and after that hour is obvious.
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Tips that actually matter
- Fresh dill is the signature of ranch. Dried works, but use half the quantity.
- For dipping, use less buttermilk. For salad, add more until it pours.
- It keeps a week in the fridge, and tastes better on day two.
People also ask
What is buttermilk?
A lightly soured milk. The home substitute: ordinary milk plus a spoon of lemon juice or vinegar, left for ten minutes.
Can I make it without mayonnaise?
Yes, with thick Greek yoghurt alone — lighter and higher in protein, though noticeably sharper.
What do I serve it with?
Green salad, fries, chicken wings, and raw vegetables like carrot and cucumber.
Cook mode
Real Homemade Ranch Dressing with Fresh Herbs
-
1
The buttermilk
If you don't have it: stir a tablespoon of lemon juice into a quarter cup of milk and leave it ten minutes until it thickens slightly.
-
2
The base
Whisk the mayonnaise, yoghurt and buttermilk together until smooth and even.
-
3
The herbs
Add the dill, parsley, spring onion, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Stir.
-
4
Rest
Cover and chill for at least an hour. The herbs need time to release their flavour into the dressing — the difference before and after that hour is obvious.
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