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Buttermilk Ranch Recipe


This homemade Buttermilk Ranch is a classic dressing that elevates any dish. Creamy, tangy, and bursting with fresh herbs, this recipe gives you all the flavors you love while making your own dressing.

Main image for Buttermilk Ranch Recipe

Have you made your own salad dressings before? Making salad dressings is one of my favorite things.

It is so easy to make, it comes together so fast, and you change them to make them exactly how you like them.

In the mood for a buffalo buttermilk ranch sauce? Go for it! Want something more vinaigrette? No problem!

But making a homemade ranch dressing recipe took a lot more effort than a regular homemade salad dressing. Ranch was one I couldn’t get quite right.

Then I figured out the secret. It’s using buttermilk ranch and lemon!

It gives you the right balance of acid, salt, fat, and flavor. And gives you the perfect consistency for a veggie dip or to use over a salad dressing.

Since making this Buttermilk Ranch Recipe, I have only had positive comments. It is the best ranch dressing you will ever eat.

Whether you need a thicker dressing for raw veggies, or a restaurant ranch to use as a dipping sauce, this homemade ranch dressing with buttermilk is one you will come back to again and again.

All ingredients laid out on counter

What Ingredients are in this Buttermilk Ranch Recipe?

  • Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and creaminess.
  • Mayonnaise: Provides richness and body.
  • Sour Cream: Enhances creaminess and tanginess.
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds freshness and a subtle herbaceous flavor.
  • Fresh Dill: Infuses the dressing with a delightful, aromatic kick.
  • Fresh Garlic: Offers a savory depth of flavor.
  • Lemon Juice: Provides a hint of brightness and acidity.
  • Salt and Black Pepper: Season to taste.
  • White Sugar: Balances the flavors with a touch of sweetness.

Pro Tips: Be sure your ingredients are well minced for a smoother texture in your buttermilk ranch salad dressing.

All ingredients in a bowl, ready to mix

How to Make this Buttermilk Ranch Recipe:

  1. Whisk buttermilk dressing ingredients until smooth.
  2. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Pro Tips:

  • Allow flavors to meld by refrigerating for at least an hour before serving.
  • If your ingredients aren’t minced well enough, you can use a blender or food processor to get a smoother consistency more like store-bought ranch dressings.
whisk mixing up dressing

How Long Does Buttermilk Ranch Recipe Last?

This buttermilk ranch recipe lasts in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 3 months. If left out at room temperature, it should not be out of the fridge more than 2 hours before tossing.

How to Store this Buttermilk Ranch Recipe:

Store this Buttermilk Ranch recipe in the refrigerator in an airtight container. A mason jar is a great sealed container that will maintain its freshness.

Bowl full of buttermilk ranch dressing

Can You Freeze this Buttermilk Ranch Recipe?

Yes, you can freeze this buttermilk ranch recipe. Freezing is a great way to have homemade dressings ready even when you do not have access to fresh ingredients.

Pour it into a freezer safe container. I like to use freezer bags; if you use mason jars, use the freezer safe ones with straight necks. Then label and freeze.

When you are ready to use it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Be sure to give the best buttermilk ranch dressing a good whisk after thawing it to bring it back to the proper consistency.

side view of jar of buttermilk ranch dressing

Can You Make Ranch Without Buttermilk?

Yes, you can make ranch without buttermilk. Substitute the amount of buttermilk in this recipe with a combination of plain yogurt and milk or sour cream and milk. It will change the flavor slightly.

Can You Use Buttermilk Powder in Ranch?

Yes, you can use buttermilk powder in this homemade buttermilk ranch dressing recipe. Buttermilk powder can be reconstituted with water and used in place of fresh buttermilk in this recipe.

zoomed out image of dressing in a jar

Is this Buttermilk Ranch Recipe Gluten Free?

Yes, this Buttermilk Ranch Recipe is gluten-free. Every ingredient we use is naturally gluten free.

That is the great thing about making your own ranch. Sometimes ranch seasoning packets are not gluten free. 

While the Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning packets are usually labeled gluten free, it is always a good idea to check your brand to make sure you are feeding your gluten free friends food they can safely eat.

Is this Buttermilk Ranch Recipe Keto?

No, this ranch dressing with buttermilk is not keto friendly. It contains sugar and dairy that are not suitable for a strict ketogenic diet.

spoon scooping up a portion of dressing from bowl.

Is this Buttermilk Ranch Recipe Healthy?

This homemade buttermilk ranch is healthier than dressing you buy at the grocery store since you have complete control over all the ingredients. But moderation is key to everything due to calorie and fat content. 

We do not recommend drinking an entire pint of Buttermilk Ranch in one sitting, no matter how good it tastes.

What to Serve with this Buttermilk Ranch Recipe:

Use this buttermilk ranch as a dip for fresh vegetables, as dressing to drizzle over a chef’s salad, or as a condiment for sandwiches and wraps. We love using it for french fries or to dip chicken tenders in too!

buttermilk ranch dressing on top of chef salad

Additional Salads You’ll Love…

Whether you need a ranch dip for your veggie tray or are just looking for a great homemade dressing with minimal effort, this Buttermilk Ranch recipe has the best flavor of ranch with simple ingredients.

Yield: 4 Servings

Buttermilk Ranch Recipe

side view of jar of buttermilk ranch dressing

Indulge in the creamy, tangy goodness of this homemade Buttermilk Ranch Recipe! This classic dressing is easy and delicious!

Instructions

  1. Add all ingredient to a bowl.
  2. Whisk well until smooth.  If your parsley or dill are not minced enough you can use a blender.
  3. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 239Total Fat: 25gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 24mgSodium: 504mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 0gSugar: 2gProtein: 2g

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Tisha

Wednesday 5th of June 2024

Homemade buttermilk ranch is better than store bought for sure, this recipe is perfect!

Sandra

Wednesday 5th of June 2024

So glad I found this recipe! I can't believe how easy it was to make and so much better than any ranch dressing you can buy at the store! Thanks for sharing!

Catalina

Wednesday 5th of June 2024

I tried the Buttermilk Ranch Recipe, and it was amazing! The flavors were spot on, and it was so fresh. My family loved it, and I’ll never go back to bottled ranch again.

Krystle

Tuesday 4th of June 2024

This is outstanding, so, creamy, and flavorful. We love it on salads and for dipping veggies and french fries.

Amanda

Tuesday 4th of June 2024

I will never buy ranch again! This was so much better!

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