Homemade Ranch Dressing, Thick and Creamy
A classic American ranch dressing made from scratch—thick, creamy, and tangy with real buttermilk, herbs, and a garlic-forward finish. Ideal for salads, veggie trays, wings, and as a sandwich spread.
Ranch dressing became an American staple because it hits a very specific balance: creamy richness, bright tang, and savory herbs. Making it at home lets you control the thickness and the salt level while keeping the flavor unmistakably classic. The key lesson is resting time—give the herbs and garlic at least 30 minutes to hydrate and bloom for that true diner-style ranch.
Total Time
40 min
Prep Time
10 min
Servings
8
Ingredients
Base
- •1 cup mayonnaise (preferably full-fat)
- •1/2 cup sour cream
- •1/3 to 1/2 cup buttermilk, plus more as needed for thinning
Seasonings & Herbs
- •1 1/2 tsp dried dill
- •1 tsp dried parsley
- •1/2 tsp dried chives (or 1 tsp if you love a stronger onion note)
- •1/2 tsp garlic powder
- •1/4 tsp onion powder
- •1/2 tsp fine salt, plus more to taste
- •1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Acid & Optional Boosts
- •1 tsp fresh lemon juice (or white vinegar)
- •1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional, for extra savory depth)
- •1 to 2 tbsp minced fresh chives or parsley (optional, for a fresher finish)
Instructions
- 1
Whisk the mayonnaise and sour cream in a medium bowl until completely smooth.
- 2
Whisk in 1/3 cup buttermilk, then add the dried dill, parsley, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly combined.
- 3
Add the lemon juice (and Worcestershire, if using). Taste and adjust: add a pinch more salt for pop, more lemon for tang, or more pepper for bite.
- 4
For thick, creamy ranch: stop here. For a pourable dressing: whisk in additional buttermilk 1 tablespoon at a time until it reaches your preferred consistency.
- 5
Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes (1–2 hours is even better) so the dried herbs hydrate and the flavor rounds out.
- 6
Stir before serving. If adding fresh herbs, fold them in right before serving for the brightest flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Nutrition calculated automatically from ingredients.