Homemade Ranch Dressing

Homemade ranch dressing combines sour cream mayonnaise, fresh herbs, and a hint of lemon. It is the perfect dressing for meats, salads, or sandwiches. This dressing will also work well as a dip for fresh vegetables. 

With these simple ingredients that you probably have in your fridge or can buy at your local grocery store, you can enjoy your own ranch dressing.

How to choose the best ingredients for Homemade Ranch Dressing

Sour cream: you can successfully replace it with thick yogurt like plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk (buttermilk will make the dressing more liquid)

Mayonnaise: Don’t underestimate the power of a good quality mayonnaise. Your flavor can give the dressing a dominant note, so pick one you truly enjoy. You can also use homemade mayo. This option is a good way to make the perfect dip. 

Fresh Parsley chopped must be fresh parsley; dried parsley gives the dish a different taste and is definitely not suitable.

Fresh Dill adds such a subtle flavor and extra punch.

Fresh Chives chopped would also be good if they were fresh, like parsley; the dried version tastes completely different. Fresh herbs add extra aroma, so do not give them up in favor of dried ones.

Kosher salt: If you are paying attention to health, choose kosher salt because it contains additional micro and macro elements. I like pink Himalayan salt, but sea salt is also fine. You can use garlic powder interchangeably here, but then fresh garlic. I suggest adding one clove, and the dressing will be best the next day when the garlic flavor mixes with the dressing.

Fresh Lemon juice can also be lime juice, but lemon gives it a chic touch.

Easy Homemade Ranch Dressing Step-by-Step

The ranch dressing recipe is very easy to make, and regardless of your skill level in the kitchen, you will definitely succeed. You will be able to enjoy your own homemade ranch dressing. It is an incredibly easy and delicious dressing for many uses.

Step 1: Prepare and measure all the ingredients. Wash, dry, and chop the herbs well.

Step 2: Then, in a medium bowl, we will prepare the creamy base (it is crucial that you feel comfortable mixing and do not worry that something will fall out of the bowl while mixing). Transfer the sour cream and mayonnaise. Mix well.

Step 3: Add the green goddess, such as chopped parsley, chives, and dill.

Step 4: Add the minced garlic and season with kosher salt to taste.

Step 5: Then squeeze the fresh lemon juice and add it. Mix thoroughly. If the dressing is too thick, add whole milk or buttermilk.

Step 6: Add the fresh ground pepper.

Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for Best Ranch Classic Dressing

• Add zest from half a lemon if you like lemon flavor and aroma. I sometimes add it to dishes where the lemon scent is ideal. For example, I often use this trick when I use chicken salad dressing or as a dip for fresh vegetables.
• Depending on what you are going to use the sauce for, you can add Worcestershire sauce to enhance its spiciness and give it depth and umami.
•  You can also add onion powder to enrich the sauce even more, but this procedure is unnecessary. Check and let me know if you like this option.
• Mayonnaise and thick yogurt make the dressing quite thick. If you want it to be more liquid, replace the cream with buttermilk or add half and half with cream. Once the dressing is made, you can add one or two tablespoons of regular milk.

Sides To Serve

Homemade ranch dressing has many uses, it is ideal as an addition to meats like chicken wings, air fryer chicken breast, especially roasted or grilled, hamburgers or salads, but not only those with meat. It is also perfect like a dipping sauce for vegetable versions. Will be siut for Air Fryer Frozen French Fries or Hash Brown in Air Fryer ot Onion Rings.

FAQ

Can I freeze ranch dressing?

I don’t recommend freezing homemade ranch dressing because yogurt, sour cream, or mayonnaise change texture when thawed. Make as much as you need. However, I guarantee this homemade ranch dressing will disappear quickly from the fridge.

Can I make ranch dressing healthier?

You can reduce the fat by replacing sour cream with Greek yogurt or using avocado oil-based mayonnaise, which provides omega-9 and vitamin E and has many antioxidants. Generally, you decide which oil you choose for homemade mayo.

Can I make ranch dressing vegan?

Yes, of course, you can use vegan products for ranch dressing. It all depends on your taste buds and preferences. There are currently vegan substitutes on the market for everything from mayonnaise to sour cream, not to mention natural yogurt.

What is the difference between a homemade ranch dressing recipe and a store-bought stuff?

It’s definitely more important than homemade ranch dressing. It has a fresh flavor, and you decide what products you use. I suggest fresh green goodies to enhance and emphasize the taste. Besides, store-bought ranch dressing usually contains preservatives and artificial additives, which always speaks against them if we want to live healthily. Definitely, it is fresh produce with fresh ingredients.