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This is the homemade ranch dressing your summer needs. It’s delicious, super easy to make, and good for your health.
Why Make Ranch Dressing at Home?
Healthy – Take control of the ingredients you are feeding yourself and your family. Say goodbye to toxic preservatives, stabilizers and artificial colors.
Instead, use whole food ingredients like a real lemon and fresh herbs to reap nature’s benefits. And if you can, use homemade mayonnaise and Instant Pot Greek yogurt.
Inexpensive – A good-quality bottle of ranch dressing can set you back $4–6, but you can whip up a bigger, fresher batch at home for about $2.
Convenience – You might be thinking, “Isn’t it easier to grab a bottle at the store?” Sure — but if you’ve already got the staples at home, making your own ranch is a no-brainer.
It takes five minutes, uses minimal dishes, and the payoff? A fresher, healthier dressing and that proud I-made-this feeling every time you dress your salad or dip your pizza.
Ingredients
Mayonnaise – Gives a creamy texture and a delicious base.
Greek yogurt – Most ranch dressing recipes call for buttermilk, but I find it’s not needed when using yogurt. It’ll give you the same tang and pourable texture buttermilk does, especially when you’re also adding lemon juice.
Lemon juice – A splash of fresh lemon juice complements the tanginess of the yogurt while tying all the flavors together. Lemon also helps to extend freshness with its natural acidity.
Fresh chives – Don’t skip the chives! They’re key to that signature “ranchy” flavor. With their mild green onion bite and soft, savory depth, chives round out the dressing beautifully — subtle, but essential.
Garlic – Fresh minced garlic gives your homemade ranch dressing the perfect bite. Of course garlic powder can be substituted.
Onion powder – Gives a warm, full flavor and helps thicken the texture.
Basil – Fresh basil is lovely but dried will do the job. Basil pairs well with creamy bases and gives your dressing a bright, slightly sweet taste.
Parsley – Brings balance and a hint of earthiness. It adds that fresh green color as well, especially when fresh.
Dill – Brings garden-freshness and a gentle richness that makes homemade ranch taste like something special.
Salt – Redmond Real Salt is the way to go! Unrefined and unprocessed.
Pepper – Black pepper ties all the creaminess and herbs together with just the right amount of warmth.
How to Make Ranch Dressing
- Mince the garlic and chop the chives and any other fresh herbs you are using.
- Juice the lemon and pour it into a jar or airtight container without the seeds.
- Add the mayonnaise and yogurt, garlic, chives and herbs.
- Mix well and store in the fridge for a week.
The Homemade Ranch Dressing Your Summer Needs
Equipment
- Jar funnel – helpful but not required
- Airtight jar or container
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or 2%
- 1 clove garlic minced or 1/4 tsp powder
- 1 tbsp fresh chives chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh basil choppd or 1 tsp dried
- 3 tbsp fresh dill or 1 tbsp dried
- 3 tbsp fresh parsley or 1 tbsp dried
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Mince the garlic and chop the chives and any other fresh herbs you are using.
- Juice the lemon and pour it into a jar or airtight container without the seeds.
- Add the mayonnaise and yogurt, garlic, chives and herbs.
- Mix well and store in the fridge for a week.
FAQs
How long is homemade ranch dressing good for?
Homemade ranch dressing lasts roughly one week in the fridge. Store your dressing in an airtight jar or container and only use clean utensils when handling it.
Can I make dairy-free ranch dressing?
Yes! Use a vegan mayonnaise and dairy-free milk. This recipe looks great.
Can I freeze homemade ranch dressing?
Not really. Ranch dressing doesn’t freeze well as the dairy separates and the texture is weird after thawing.
How do I make my homemade dressing thicker or thinner?
Play with the texture by adjusting the amounts of mayo, yogurt and lemon. Give it a taste test once you have your desired texture, then season accordingly.
What is your secret ingredient for ranch dressing? Let me know in the comments.
More From-Scratch Staples
Homemade Dill Pickles (No Canning Needed)
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