There’s something about a good homemade ranch dressing that just hits differently—especially when it’s creamy, herby, and made with real ingredients you probably already have in your fridge. I started making this buttermilk ranch years ago when store-bought dressings felt too sweet or too artificial, and it quickly became a staple in our house.
It’s one of those recipes I can whip up in five minutes flat while the kids are doing homework at the kitchen table or right before dinner when I’m tossing together a quick salad. And honestly? It’s so good, we end up dipping everything from carrot sticks to pizza crusts in it.
If you’ve never made ranch from scratch, don’t worry—it’s not fancy or complicated. In fact, it’s the opposite: super easy, super fresh, and super versatile. You’ll never go back to the bottled stuff again.
Why Moms Love This Recipe:
- Quick & Easy – 5 minutes, one bowl, no mess.
- Kid-Approved – My kids beg for this with chicken tenders.
- Fridge-Friendly – Lasts all week in a mason jar.
- Real Ingredients – No weird additives or preservatives.
The Best Homemade Buttermilk Ranch
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (shake it up before pouring)
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried chives (or 1 tbsp fresh!)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, but brightens it up!)
Directions:
- Mix it up – In a bowl, whisk together the mayo, sour cream, and buttermilk until smooth.
- Season – Stir in all your herbs and spices. Add lemon juice if you want a little extra tang.
- Chill – Pour it into a mason jar or container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can really come together.
- Serve – Drizzle over salads, serve as a dip, or pack it in school lunches for veggies!
Mom Tips:
- Want it thicker? Use less buttermilk or swap in Greek yogurt.
- Use fresh herbs if you have them—they make it feel extra special.
- Makes an amazing dip for your next kid-friendly snack board.
Whether you’re making a big chopped salad for dinner, sending veggie cups in lunchboxes, or just need something delicious to dip pizza crusts in after a long day, this ranch has your back.
Let me know if your kids love it as much as mine do—and don’t forget to save it to your favorite recipe board or print it out for your kitchen binder!
