If there’s one dressing that we have to have in this house, it’s ranch dressing. The kids always ask for it, especially when we make lemon pepper chicken wings. We developed these two recipes so we’d never run out of it. And the cool part is both versions are incredibly easy to make!
Looking for more easy recipes? Try Honey Mustard Sauce or the Cobb egg salad.
Jump To Recipe
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Version 1: Hidden Valley Restaurant-Style Ranch Recipe Ingredients
- Ingredient Notes
- How To make The Hidden Valley Restaurant-Style Ranch Dressing Step-By-Step
- Version 2: How To make Homemade Seasoned Ranch Dressing
- Ingredient Notes
- How To make Homemade Seasoned Ranch Dressing Step-By-Step
- Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Storage and Reheating
- Your Questions Answered
- In a Dinner Rut?
- Please Rate this Recipe!
- More Recipes You'll Love
- Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Restaurant Quality Flavor at Home: You don't need to buy one. This homemade dressing delivers the same creamy, crave-worthy flavor every time.
Customizable Consistency: Pourable or thick, you're in control.
Quick & Easy: Minimal ingredients, minimal effort, maximum flavor.
Versatile: Perfect as a salad dressing, dip, or sandwich spread.
Meal-Prep Friendly: Make a batch ahead and keep it in the refrigerator for the week.
Version 1: Hidden Valley Restaurant-Style Ranch Recipe Ingredients
You’ll need the following ingredients to make this Ranch Dressing recipe.
Ingredient Notes
Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base. For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt or substitute half the mayonnaise with sour cream for a tangier twist.
Buttermilk: Gives ranch its signature tang and pourable texture. No buttermilk? Make your own by adding 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup (room temperature) whole milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Ranch Dressing Mix: I recommend using the Hidden Valley brand. Other brands work, but make sure it's a buttermilk-based mix for the closest match.
How To make The Hidden Valley Restaurant-Style Ranch Dressing Step-By-Step
Check out these step-by-step instructions with images. Just so you know, you'll find all the details and exact ingredients of this recipe on the printable recipe card below!
Step 1. Combine Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ¾ cup buttermilk, dill, and ranch dressing mix until it becomes smooth.
Tip: Start by adding half of the seasoning packet, mix well, and then adjust it to taste. The full packet can sometimes make the dressing a bit too salty, so it’s wise to build the flavor gradually.
Step 2. Adjust Consistency
Taste and adjust its thickness. If you prefer a thinner, pourable dressing, add more buttermilk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your favorite consistency.
Step 3. Chill
Cover and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. I personally recommend refrigerating it overnight.
Step 4. Serve
Use it as a salad dressing, dip, or topping. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Version 2: How To make Homemade Seasoned Ranch Dressing
You’ll need the following ingredients to make this Ranch Dressing recipe.
Ingredient Notes
Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base. For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt or substitute half the mayonnaise with sour cream for a tangier twist.
Buttermilk: Gives ranch its signature tang and pourable texture. No buttermilk? Make your own by adding 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup (room temperature) whole milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Ranch Dressing Mix: I recommend using the Hidden Valley brand. Other brands work, but make sure it's a buttermilk-based mix for the closest match.
Fresh vs. Dried Herbs: For the homemade version, you can substitute fresh herbs for dried. Use 3 times the amount of fresh herbs (1½ teaspoons fresh for every ½ teaspoon dried). I sometimes add fresh herbs just before serving for the brightest flavor.
How To make Homemade Seasoned Ranch Dressing Step-By-Step
Check out these step-by-step instructions with images. Just so you know, you'll find all the details and exact ingredients of this recipe on the printable recipe card below!
Step 1. Mix Base
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and ¾ cup buttermilk until it’s smooth.
Step 2. Add Seasonings
Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Step 3. Adjust Consistency
Taste and adjust the thickness. If you prefer a thinner, pourable dressing, add more buttermilk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your preferred consistency.
Step 4. Chill
Whisk everything together until they are well combined. Cover and refrigerate the dressing for at least 1 hour, or overnight for the flavors to fully develop.
Step 5. Serve
Use it as a salad dressing, veggie dip, or sandwich spread. I recommend storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
Use full-fat mayo and buttermilk for the creamiest texture.
Start with ¾ cup buttermilk and add more gradually. It's easier to thin it than to thicken it.
If the dressing thickens too much after chilling, whisk in buttermilk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Taste it before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Use an immersion blender or regular blender if you want a perfectly silky consistency.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store the dressing in an airtight container for up to 7 days. Always check it for freshness before you use it.
Freezer: Not recommended. Freezing changes the texture, causing separation and also graininess.
Adjusting After Chilling: If the dressing thickens, whisk in a little buttermilk, 1 tablespoon at a time, to loosen it back up.
Your Questions Answered
Add cayenne, hot sauce, or minced jalapeños to taste. Start with a pinch or ⅛ teaspoon of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce and adjust from there.
Yes! The flavor may differ slightly, but most buttermilk-based mixes work well.
Use less buttermilk or add extra mayo 1 tablespoon at a time.
Absolutely! Double or triple the recipe as needed. Be sure to adjust the seasoning to taste after mixing.
This usually means that it needs more chilling time. The flavors develop significantly after sitting in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.
In a Dinner Rut?
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Please Rate this Recipe!
We hope you love this Ranch Dressing recipe! If you make it, be sure to leave a rating so we know how you liked it!
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Recipe
Ranch Dressing: Two Ways (Restaurant-Style & Homemade)
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ¾ cup buttermilk, dill, and ranch dressing mix until it becomes smooth.Tip: Start by adding half of the seasoning packet, mix well, and then adjust it to taste. The full packet can sometimes make the dressing a bit too salty, so it’s wise to build the flavor gradually.
- Taste and adjust its thickness. If you prefer a thinner, pourable dressing, add more buttermilk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your favorite consistency.
- Cover and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. I personally recommend refrigerating it overnight.
- Use it as a salad dressing, dip, or topping. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and ¾ cup buttermilk until it’s smooth.
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Taste and adjust the thickness. If you prefer a thinner, pourable dressing, add more buttermilk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your preferred consistency.
- Whisk everything together until they are well combined. Cover and refrigerate the dressing for at least 1 hour, or overnight for the flavors to fully develop.
- Use it as a salad dressing, veggie dip, or sandwich spread. I recommend storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
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