FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook

• Why You Need My Ranch Dressing Recipe
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make Ranch Dressing
• My Recipe Tips
• Storage Instructions
• Ways To Use It
• Ranch Dressing Recipe (5 Minutes) Recipe card
• More Easy Homemade Dressings
• Recipe Reviews

Of all the dressings out there, ranch is my absolute favorite. And to say I’m in love with this homemade ranch dressing recipe is the understatement of the decade. It’s probably the best condiment I’ve ever made from scratch, and I always have a jar in my fridge. It’s the tangy, creamy, dreamy puzzle piece to complete my meals.

But it’s not just me. Ever since I posted my ranch dressing recipe back in 2017 (on the 2nd anniversary of Wholesome Yum!), what I’ve heard from readers has blown me away. Many people have told me that it tastes like Hidden Valley. Others argue that it’s even better. Some just call it the best ranch dressing. My favorite of all is those who say they make it every week. I get it, friends… me, too. If you don’t do that yet, make it with me and you will! 😉

Why You Need My Ranch Dressing Recipe

• Readers say it tastes better than Hidden Valley – And I agree. The flavor and texture will knock your store-bought favorites out of the park. It’s tangy, herby, smooth, rich, and creamy… in all the right ways.
• Make it in 5 minutes – One of the reasons this ranch dressing recipe is a staple in my kitchen is it’s so quick and easy to whip up!
• Clean, simple ingredients – With no sugar, corn, soy, or preservatives, my ranch is your feel-good alternative to store-bought. And for my low carb friends, you’ll be happy to know that this is keto friendly, too. (I even included it in my first keto cookbook .)
• Tastes great on everything – I use it as a dip, dressing, sauce, and even a marinade to enhance meals with its fresh, homemade flavor. It’ll cling perfectly to everything it touches, from crisp veggies to hot wings .

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ranch dressing ingredients, what each one does in my recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

• Mayonnaise – I usually whip up my own homemade mayo using avocado oil, but feel free to grab any store-bought mayo you like. It works just as well!
• Sour Cream & Lemon Juice – Traditional ranch contains buttermilk (or buttermilk powder), but I don’t usually have these on hand, so my homemade ranch dressing recipe uses sour cream and lemon juice to create the same tang. You can also substitute the sour cream for plain Greek yogurt, and the lemon juice for white vinegar.
• Dried Herbs – For that signature ranch flavor, you’ll need dried parsley , dill , and chives . Got only fresh herbs? Simply triply the amount — measure in tablespoons rather than teaspoons to keep things easy. I find it doesn’t last quite as long using fresh herbs, though.
• Spices – A mix of garlic powder , sea salt, onion powder , and black pepper does the trick. Fresh garlic (2 minced cloves) and freshly ground black pepper are amazing if you have them! And you can throw in a pinch of paprika for more flavor if you want.
• Milk Of Your Choice – This thins the dressing to just the right consistency. I usually use store-bought almond milk for here, but it’s amazing with my homemade almond milk , too. If nuts aren’t your thing, any milk will do — regular dairy milk, coconut milk, hemp milk , or even something creamier, like half and half or heavy cream for extra richness.

VARIATION: Want a dry ranch dressing mix?

It’s just as quick and easy to make a dry version with similar ingredients! See my ranch seasoning recipe for instructions.

How To Make Ranch Dressing

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Combine the ingredients. Whisk the ranch dressing ingredients together in a medium bowl. Add the milk last, gradually, until you reach the consistency you like.
2. Chill to develop the flavors. This is optional, but enhances the flavor if you have time. Once I’ve made the ranch dressing recipe, I find that refrigerating it for at least an hour makes it taste better. But you can totally enjoy it right away, too!

My Recipe Tips

• Adjust the amount of milk based on how you’ll use it. I like to make my ranch a little thicker for a dip, or thinner for a salad dressing.
• The amount of milk you need can vary depending on your mayo. Some brands are very thick, while others are on the thinner side. So again, just adjust the thickness to your liking.
• Homemade ranch dressing is usually thicker straight from the fridge. This is normal, and not a problem! I don’t usually need to do anything, but if it’s super thick, you can always thin it out with more milk as needed. (Seeing a pattern in my tips yet?)

Storage Instructions

You can store homemade ranch dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.

I don’t recommend freezing it, as it will become a separated mess. Just don’t.

I like to store this dressing in a mason jar for easy mixing and just spoon it out, but you could also use a glass salad dressing bottle or a plastic squeeze bottle .

Ways To Use It

I put this stuff on everything ! Whether you’re using it as a dip, condiment, casserole enhancer, or you know, an actual salad dressing… I’m willing to bet that my recipe for ranch dressing will quickly become your go-to. Here are some ways I use it:

• Salad – The obvious! It’ll jazz up any salad like no other. It’s amazing on my BLT salad , adds oomph to my hearty chef salad , and is pretty much the champion dressing for a classic Cobb salad .
• Veggie Dip – When I want to use this ranch dressing recipe as a dip, I just make it a little thicker. It’s perfect for dunking fresh vegetables, like carrots, celery, and broccoli. I’ve also enjoyed it with fried zucchini , zucchini chips , and kale chips , and it makes up the base for my crack dip recipe .
• Wings – You’ll spot this dip in dozens of my pictures for wing recipes, because it’s the perfect sidekick for so many of them! Keep it simple with my air fried chicken wings or oven baked wings , or amp them up with different sauces. Try my garlic parmesan wings , lemon pepper wings , or the classic, buffalo wings . I even serve this sauce with my buffalo cauliflower and air fryer chicken tenders !
• Casseroles – My all-time fave is my chicken bacon ranch casserole , but homemade ranch dressing also works well with the buffalo flavors in spaghetti squash casserole .
• Soups – You might not think of ranch for soups, but it adds an extra layer of flavor to my taco soup , or drizzle it on top of buffalo chicken soup .
• Chicken – It’s for more than just wings! I use it to top my buffalo chicken salad or dunk bacon wrapped chicken tenders . And you can’t make my cheesy bacon ranch chicken without it.
• Pizza – Drizzle it on chicken crust pizza , or make a BBQ chicken pizza using your favorite BBQ sauce and ranch on top. Remember those rectangle school pizzas we all used to douse in ranch? This is like the grown-up, way tastier version of that!

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

• 1 cup Mayonnaise ▢
• 1/2 cup Sour cream ▢
• 2 tsp Lemon juice ▢
• 2 tsp Dried parsley ▢
• 1 tsp Dried dill ▢
• 1 tsp Dried chives ▢
• 1/2 tsp Garlic powder ▢
• 1/2 tsp Onion powder ▢
• 1/2 tsp Sea salt ▢
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper ▢
• 1/4 cup Unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of your choice) ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayo, sour cream, lemon juice, dried herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the milk last, gradually, until you reach your desired consistency. (Use a bit less for a thick dip or more for a thinner dressing).
3. If you have time, refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors develop.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 2 tablespoons

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the best consistency in your homemade ranch dressing.
• Storage: See my storage section above for my recommended storage options.
• Ways to use it: I have so many ways to use this dressing above!

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Easy Keto Cookbook here .

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe

More Easy Homemade Dressings

Tired of store-bought dressings with fake ingredients? Same. If you like my easy ranch dressing recipe, you’ll love some of my others that are just as quick:

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System + EBooks (Only $37)

The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Ranch Dressing Recipe (5 Minutes)

Make this creamy, dreamy, tangy homemade ranch dressing recipe in 5 minutes, with common ingredients. It’s the best for salads or as a dip!

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/recipes/low-carb-keto-ranch-dressing/

Ingredients

• 1 cup Mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup Sour cream
• 2 tsp Lemon juice
• 2 tsp Dried parsley
• 1 tsp Dried dill
• 1 tsp Dried chives
• 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp Onion powder
• 1/2 tsp Sea salt
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper
• 1/4 cup Unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of your choice)

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayo, sour cream, lemon juice, dried herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the milk last, gradually, until you reach your desired consistency. (Use a bit less for a thick dip or more for a thinner dressing).
3. If you have time, refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors develop.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 2 tablespoons

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the best consistency in your homemade ranch dressing.
• Storage: See my storage section above for my recommended storage options.
• Ways to use it: I have so many ways to use this dressing above!

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Easy Keto Cookbook here .

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)

FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook

• Why You Need My Ranch Dressing Recipe
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make Ranch Dressing
• My Recipe Tips
• Storage Instructions
• Ways To Use It
• Ranch Dressing Recipe (5 Minutes) Recipe card
• More Easy Homemade Dressings
• Recipe Reviews

Of all the dressings out there, ranch is my absolute favorite. And to say I’m in love with this homemade ranch dressing recipe is the understatement of the decade. It’s probably the best condiment I’ve ever made from scratch, and I always have a jar in my fridge. It’s the tangy, creamy, dreamy puzzle piece to complete my meals.

But it’s not just me. Ever since I posted my ranch dressing recipe back in 2017 (on the 2nd anniversary of Wholesome Yum!), what I’ve heard from readers has blown me away. Many people have told me that it tastes like Hidden Valley. Others argue that it’s even better. Some just call it the best ranch dressing. My favorite of all is those who say they make it every week. I get it, friends… me, too. If you don’t do that yet, make it with me and you will! 😉

Why You Need My Ranch Dressing Recipe

• Readers say it tastes better than Hidden Valley – And I agree. The flavor and texture will knock your store-bought favorites out of the park. It’s tangy, herby, smooth, rich, and creamy… in all the right ways.
• Make it in 5 minutes – One of the reasons this ranch dressing recipe is a staple in my kitchen is it’s so quick and easy to whip up!
• Clean, simple ingredients – With no sugar, corn, soy, or preservatives, my ranch is your feel-good alternative to store-bought. And for my low carb friends, you’ll be happy to know that this is keto friendly, too. (I even included it in my first keto cookbook .)
• Tastes great on everything – I use it as a dip, dressing, sauce, and even a marinade to enhance meals with its fresh, homemade flavor. It’ll cling perfectly to everything it touches, from crisp veggies to hot wings .

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ranch dressing ingredients, what each one does in my recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

• Mayonnaise – I usually whip up my own homemade mayo using avocado oil, but feel free to grab any store-bought mayo you like. It works just as well!
• Sour Cream & Lemon Juice – Traditional ranch contains buttermilk (or buttermilk powder), but I don’t usually have these on hand, so my homemade ranch dressing recipe uses sour cream and lemon juice to create the same tang. You can also substitute the sour cream for plain Greek yogurt, and the lemon juice for white vinegar.
• Dried Herbs – For that signature ranch flavor, you’ll need dried parsley , dill , and chives . Got only fresh herbs? Simply triply the amount — measure in tablespoons rather than teaspoons to keep things easy. I find it doesn’t last quite as long using fresh herbs, though.
• Spices – A mix of garlic powder , sea salt, onion powder , and black pepper does the trick. Fresh garlic (2 minced cloves) and freshly ground black pepper are amazing if you have them! And you can throw in a pinch of paprika for more flavor if you want.
• Milk Of Your Choice – This thins the dressing to just the right consistency. I usually use store-bought almond milk for here, but it’s amazing with my homemade almond milk , too. If nuts aren’t your thing, any milk will do — regular dairy milk, coconut milk, hemp milk , or even something creamier, like half and half or heavy cream for extra richness.

VARIATION: Want a dry ranch dressing mix?

It’s just as quick and easy to make a dry version with similar ingredients! See my ranch seasoning recipe for instructions.

How To Make Ranch Dressing

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Combine the ingredients. Whisk the ranch dressing ingredients together in a medium bowl. Add the milk last, gradually, until you reach the consistency you like.
2. Chill to develop the flavors. This is optional, but enhances the flavor if you have time. Once I’ve made the ranch dressing recipe, I find that refrigerating it for at least an hour makes it taste better. But you can totally enjoy it right away, too!

My Recipe Tips

• Adjust the amount of milk based on how you’ll use it. I like to make my ranch a little thicker for a dip, or thinner for a salad dressing.
• The amount of milk you need can vary depending on your mayo. Some brands are very thick, while others are on the thinner side. So again, just adjust the thickness to your liking.
• Homemade ranch dressing is usually thicker straight from the fridge. This is normal, and not a problem! I don’t usually need to do anything, but if it’s super thick, you can always thin it out with more milk as needed. (Seeing a pattern in my tips yet?)

Storage Instructions

You can store homemade ranch dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.

I don’t recommend freezing it, as it will become a separated mess. Just don’t.

I like to store this dressing in a mason jar for easy mixing and just spoon it out, but you could also use a glass salad dressing bottle or a plastic squeeze bottle .

Ways To Use It

I put this stuff on everything ! Whether you’re using it as a dip, condiment, casserole enhancer, or you know, an actual salad dressing… I’m willing to bet that my recipe for ranch dressing will quickly become your go-to. Here are some ways I use it:

• Salad – The obvious! It’ll jazz up any salad like no other. It’s amazing on my BLT salad , adds oomph to my hearty chef salad , and is pretty much the champion dressing for a classic Cobb salad .
• Veggie Dip – When I want to use this ranch dressing recipe as a dip, I just make it a little thicker. It’s perfect for dunking fresh vegetables, like carrots, celery, and broccoli. I’ve also enjoyed it with fried zucchini , zucchini chips , and kale chips , and it makes up the base for my crack dip recipe .
• Wings – You’ll spot this dip in dozens of my pictures for wing recipes, because it’s the perfect sidekick for so many of them! Keep it simple with my air fried chicken wings or oven baked wings , or amp them up with different sauces. Try my garlic parmesan wings , lemon pepper wings , or the classic, buffalo wings . I even serve this sauce with my buffalo cauliflower and air fryer chicken tenders !
• Casseroles – My all-time fave is my chicken bacon ranch casserole , but homemade ranch dressing also works well with the buffalo flavors in spaghetti squash casserole .
• Soups – You might not think of ranch for soups, but it adds an extra layer of flavor to my taco soup , or drizzle it on top of buffalo chicken soup .
• Chicken – It’s for more than just wings! I use it to top my buffalo chicken salad or dunk bacon wrapped chicken tenders . And you can’t make my cheesy bacon ranch chicken without it.
• Pizza – Drizzle it on chicken crust pizza , or make a BBQ chicken pizza using your favorite BBQ sauce and ranch on top. Remember those rectangle school pizzas we all used to douse in ranch? This is like the grown-up, way tastier version of that!

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

• 1 cup Mayonnaise ▢
• 1/2 cup Sour cream ▢
• 2 tsp Lemon juice ▢
• 2 tsp Dried parsley ▢
• 1 tsp Dried dill ▢
• 1 tsp Dried chives ▢
• 1/2 tsp Garlic powder ▢
• 1/2 tsp Onion powder ▢
• 1/2 tsp Sea salt ▢
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper ▢
• 1/4 cup Unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of your choice) ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayo, sour cream, lemon juice, dried herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the milk last, gradually, until you reach your desired consistency. (Use a bit less for a thick dip or more for a thinner dressing).
3. If you have time, refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors develop.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 2 tablespoons

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the best consistency in your homemade ranch dressing.
• Storage: See my storage section above for my recommended storage options.
• Ways to use it: I have so many ways to use this dressing above!

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Easy Keto Cookbook here .

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe

More Easy Homemade Dressings

Tired of store-bought dressings with fake ingredients? Same. If you like my easy ranch dressing recipe, you’ll love some of my others that are just as quick:

FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook

• Why You Need My Ranch Dressing Recipe
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make Ranch Dressing
• My Recipe Tips
• Storage Instructions
• Ways To Use It
• Ranch Dressing Recipe (5 Minutes) Recipe card
• More Easy Homemade Dressings
• Recipe Reviews

Of all the dressings out there, ranch is my absolute favorite. And to say I’m in love with this homemade ranch dressing recipe is the understatement of the decade. It’s probably the best condiment I’ve ever made from scratch, and I always have a jar in my fridge. It’s the tangy, creamy, dreamy puzzle piece to complete my meals.

But it’s not just me. Ever since I posted my ranch dressing recipe back in 2017 (on the 2nd anniversary of Wholesome Yum!), what I’ve heard from readers has blown me away. Many people have told me that it tastes like Hidden Valley. Others argue that it’s even better. Some just call it the best ranch dressing. My favorite of all is those who say they make it every week. I get it, friends… me, too. If you don’t do that yet, make it with me and you will! 😉

Why You Need My Ranch Dressing Recipe

• Readers say it tastes better than Hidden Valley – And I agree. The flavor and texture will knock your store-bought favorites out of the park. It’s tangy, herby, smooth, rich, and creamy… in all the right ways.
• Make it in 5 minutes – One of the reasons this ranch dressing recipe is a staple in my kitchen is it’s so quick and easy to whip up!
• Clean, simple ingredients – With no sugar, corn, soy, or preservatives, my ranch is your feel-good alternative to store-bought. And for my low carb friends, you’ll be happy to know that this is keto friendly, too. (I even included it in my first keto cookbook .)
• Tastes great on everything – I use it as a dip, dressing, sauce, and even a marinade to enhance meals with its fresh, homemade flavor. It’ll cling perfectly to everything it touches, from crisp veggies to hot wings .

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ranch dressing ingredients, what each one does in my recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

• Mayonnaise – I usually whip up my own homemade mayo using avocado oil, but feel free to grab any store-bought mayo you like. It works just as well!
• Sour Cream & Lemon Juice – Traditional ranch contains buttermilk (or buttermilk powder), but I don’t usually have these on hand, so my homemade ranch dressing recipe uses sour cream and lemon juice to create the same tang. You can also substitute the sour cream for plain Greek yogurt, and the lemon juice for white vinegar.
• Dried Herbs – For that signature ranch flavor, you’ll need dried parsley , dill , and chives . Got only fresh herbs? Simply triply the amount — measure in tablespoons rather than teaspoons to keep things easy. I find it doesn’t last quite as long using fresh herbs, though.
• Spices – A mix of garlic powder , sea salt, onion powder , and black pepper does the trick. Fresh garlic (2 minced cloves) and freshly ground black pepper are amazing if you have them! And you can throw in a pinch of paprika for more flavor if you want.
• Milk Of Your Choice – This thins the dressing to just the right consistency. I usually use store-bought almond milk for here, but it’s amazing with my homemade almond milk , too. If nuts aren’t your thing, any milk will do — regular dairy milk, coconut milk, hemp milk , or even something creamier, like half and half or heavy cream for extra richness.

VARIATION: Want a dry ranch dressing mix?

It’s just as quick and easy to make a dry version with similar ingredients! See my ranch seasoning recipe for instructions.

How To Make Ranch Dressing

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Combine the ingredients. Whisk the ranch dressing ingredients together in a medium bowl. Add the milk last, gradually, until you reach the consistency you like.
2. Chill to develop the flavors. This is optional, but enhances the flavor if you have time. Once I’ve made the ranch dressing recipe, I find that refrigerating it for at least an hour makes it taste better. But you can totally enjoy it right away, too!

My Recipe Tips

• Adjust the amount of milk based on how you’ll use it. I like to make my ranch a little thicker for a dip, or thinner for a salad dressing.
• The amount of milk you need can vary depending on your mayo. Some brands are very thick, while others are on the thinner side. So again, just adjust the thickness to your liking.
• Homemade ranch dressing is usually thicker straight from the fridge. This is normal, and not a problem! I don’t usually need to do anything, but if it’s super thick, you can always thin it out with more milk as needed. (Seeing a pattern in my tips yet?)

Storage Instructions

You can store homemade ranch dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.

I don’t recommend freezing it, as it will become a separated mess. Just don’t.

I like to store this dressing in a mason jar for easy mixing and just spoon it out, but you could also use a glass salad dressing bottle or a plastic squeeze bottle .

Ways To Use It

I put this stuff on everything ! Whether you’re using it as a dip, condiment, casserole enhancer, or you know, an actual salad dressing… I’m willing to bet that my recipe for ranch dressing will quickly become your go-to. Here are some ways I use it:

• Salad – The obvious! It’ll jazz up any salad like no other. It’s amazing on my BLT salad , adds oomph to my hearty chef salad , and is pretty much the champion dressing for a classic Cobb salad .
• Veggie Dip – When I want to use this ranch dressing recipe as a dip, I just make it a little thicker. It’s perfect for dunking fresh vegetables, like carrots, celery, and broccoli. I’ve also enjoyed it with fried zucchini , zucchini chips , and kale chips , and it makes up the base for my crack dip recipe .
• Wings – You’ll spot this dip in dozens of my pictures for wing recipes, because it’s the perfect sidekick for so many of them! Keep it simple with my air fried chicken wings or oven baked wings , or amp them up with different sauces. Try my garlic parmesan wings , lemon pepper wings , or the classic, buffalo wings . I even serve this sauce with my buffalo cauliflower and air fryer chicken tenders !
• Casseroles – My all-time fave is my chicken bacon ranch casserole , but homemade ranch dressing also works well with the buffalo flavors in spaghetti squash casserole .
• Soups – You might not think of ranch for soups, but it adds an extra layer of flavor to my taco soup , or drizzle it on top of buffalo chicken soup .
• Chicken – It’s for more than just wings! I use it to top my buffalo chicken salad or dunk bacon wrapped chicken tenders . And you can’t make my cheesy bacon ranch chicken without it.
• Pizza – Drizzle it on chicken crust pizza , or make a BBQ chicken pizza using your favorite BBQ sauce and ranch on top. Remember those rectangle school pizzas we all used to douse in ranch? This is like the grown-up, way tastier version of that!

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

• 1 cup Mayonnaise ▢
• 1/2 cup Sour cream ▢
• 2 tsp Lemon juice ▢
• 2 tsp Dried parsley ▢
• 1 tsp Dried dill ▢
• 1 tsp Dried chives ▢
• 1/2 tsp Garlic powder ▢
• 1/2 tsp Onion powder ▢
• 1/2 tsp Sea salt ▢
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper ▢
• 1/4 cup Unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of your choice) ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayo, sour cream, lemon juice, dried herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the milk last, gradually, until you reach your desired consistency. (Use a bit less for a thick dip or more for a thinner dressing).
3. If you have time, refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors develop.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 2 tablespoons

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the best consistency in your homemade ranch dressing.
• Storage: See my storage section above for my recommended storage options.
• Ways to use it: I have so many ways to use this dressing above!

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Easy Keto Cookbook here .

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe

More Easy Homemade Dressings

Tired of store-bought dressings with fake ingredients? Same. If you like my easy ranch dressing recipe, you’ll love some of my others that are just as quick:

FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook

• Why You Need My Ranch Dressing Recipe
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make Ranch Dressing
• My Recipe Tips
• Storage Instructions
• Ways To Use It
• Ranch Dressing Recipe (5 Minutes) Recipe card
• More Easy Homemade Dressings
• Recipe Reviews

Of all the dressings out there, ranch is my absolute favorite. And to say I’m in love with this homemade ranch dressing recipe is the understatement of the decade. It’s probably the best condiment I’ve ever made from scratch, and I always have a jar in my fridge. It’s the tangy, creamy, dreamy puzzle piece to complete my meals.

But it’s not just me. Ever since I posted my ranch dressing recipe back in 2017 (on the 2nd anniversary of Wholesome Yum!), what I’ve heard from readers has blown me away. Many people have told me that it tastes like Hidden Valley. Others argue that it’s even better. Some just call it the best ranch dressing. My favorite of all is those who say they make it every week. I get it, friends… me, too. If you don’t do that yet, make it with me and you will! 😉

Why You Need My Ranch Dressing Recipe

• Readers say it tastes better than Hidden Valley – And I agree. The flavor and texture will knock your store-bought favorites out of the park. It’s tangy, herby, smooth, rich, and creamy… in all the right ways.
• Make it in 5 minutes – One of the reasons this ranch dressing recipe is a staple in my kitchen is it’s so quick and easy to whip up!
• Clean, simple ingredients – With no sugar, corn, soy, or preservatives, my ranch is your feel-good alternative to store-bought. And for my low carb friends, you’ll be happy to know that this is keto friendly, too. (I even included it in my first keto cookbook .)
• Tastes great on everything – I use it as a dip, dressing, sauce, and even a marinade to enhance meals with its fresh, homemade flavor. It’ll cling perfectly to everything it touches, from crisp veggies to hot wings .

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ranch dressing ingredients, what each one does in my recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

• Mayonnaise – I usually whip up my own homemade mayo using avocado oil, but feel free to grab any store-bought mayo you like. It works just as well!
• Sour Cream & Lemon Juice – Traditional ranch contains buttermilk (or buttermilk powder), but I don’t usually have these on hand, so my homemade ranch dressing recipe uses sour cream and lemon juice to create the same tang. You can also substitute the sour cream for plain Greek yogurt, and the lemon juice for white vinegar.
• Dried Herbs – For that signature ranch flavor, you’ll need dried parsley , dill , and chives . Got only fresh herbs? Simply triply the amount — measure in tablespoons rather than teaspoons to keep things easy. I find it doesn’t last quite as long using fresh herbs, though.
• Spices – A mix of garlic powder , sea salt, onion powder , and black pepper does the trick. Fresh garlic (2 minced cloves) and freshly ground black pepper are amazing if you have them! And you can throw in a pinch of paprika for more flavor if you want.
• Milk Of Your Choice – This thins the dressing to just the right consistency. I usually use store-bought almond milk for here, but it’s amazing with my homemade almond milk , too. If nuts aren’t your thing, any milk will do — regular dairy milk, coconut milk, hemp milk , or even something creamier, like half and half or heavy cream for extra richness.

VARIATION: Want a dry ranch dressing mix?

It’s just as quick and easy to make a dry version with similar ingredients! See my ranch seasoning recipe for instructions.

How To Make Ranch Dressing

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Combine the ingredients. Whisk the ranch dressing ingredients together in a medium bowl. Add the milk last, gradually, until you reach the consistency you like.
2. Chill to develop the flavors. This is optional, but enhances the flavor if you have time. Once I’ve made the ranch dressing recipe, I find that refrigerating it for at least an hour makes it taste better. But you can totally enjoy it right away, too!

My Recipe Tips

• Adjust the amount of milk based on how you’ll use it. I like to make my ranch a little thicker for a dip, or thinner for a salad dressing.
• The amount of milk you need can vary depending on your mayo. Some brands are very thick, while others are on the thinner side. So again, just adjust the thickness to your liking.
• Homemade ranch dressing is usually thicker straight from the fridge. This is normal, and not a problem! I don’t usually need to do anything, but if it’s super thick, you can always thin it out with more milk as needed. (Seeing a pattern in my tips yet?)

Storage Instructions

You can store homemade ranch dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.

I don’t recommend freezing it, as it will become a separated mess. Just don’t.

I like to store this dressing in a mason jar for easy mixing and just spoon it out, but you could also use a glass salad dressing bottle or a plastic squeeze bottle .

Ways To Use It

I put this stuff on everything ! Whether you’re using it as a dip, condiment, casserole enhancer, or you know, an actual salad dressing… I’m willing to bet that my recipe for ranch dressing will quickly become your go-to. Here are some ways I use it:

• Salad – The obvious! It’ll jazz up any salad like no other. It’s amazing on my BLT salad , adds oomph to my hearty chef salad , and is pretty much the champion dressing for a classic Cobb salad .
• Veggie Dip – When I want to use this ranch dressing recipe as a dip, I just make it a little thicker. It’s perfect for dunking fresh vegetables, like carrots, celery, and broccoli. I’ve also enjoyed it with fried zucchini , zucchini chips , and kale chips , and it makes up the base for my crack dip recipe .
• Wings – You’ll spot this dip in dozens of my pictures for wing recipes, because it’s the perfect sidekick for so many of them! Keep it simple with my air fried chicken wings or oven baked wings , or amp them up with different sauces. Try my garlic parmesan wings , lemon pepper wings , or the classic, buffalo wings . I even serve this sauce with my buffalo cauliflower and air fryer chicken tenders !
• Casseroles – My all-time fave is my chicken bacon ranch casserole , but homemade ranch dressing also works well with the buffalo flavors in spaghetti squash casserole .
• Soups – You might not think of ranch for soups, but it adds an extra layer of flavor to my taco soup , or drizzle it on top of buffalo chicken soup .
• Chicken – It’s for more than just wings! I use it to top my buffalo chicken salad or dunk bacon wrapped chicken tenders . And you can’t make my cheesy bacon ranch chicken without it.
• Pizza – Drizzle it on chicken crust pizza , or make a BBQ chicken pizza using your favorite BBQ sauce and ranch on top. Remember those rectangle school pizzas we all used to douse in ranch? This is like the grown-up, way tastier version of that!

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

• 1 cup Mayonnaise ▢
• 1/2 cup Sour cream ▢
• 2 tsp Lemon juice ▢
• 2 tsp Dried parsley ▢
• 1 tsp Dried dill ▢
• 1 tsp Dried chives ▢
• 1/2 tsp Garlic powder ▢
• 1/2 tsp Onion powder ▢
• 1/2 tsp Sea salt ▢
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper ▢
• 1/4 cup Unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of your choice) ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayo, sour cream, lemon juice, dried herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the milk last, gradually, until you reach your desired consistency. (Use a bit less for a thick dip or more for a thinner dressing).
3. If you have time, refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors develop.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 2 tablespoons

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the best consistency in your homemade ranch dressing.
• Storage: See my storage section above for my recommended storage options.
• Ways to use it: I have so many ways to use this dressing above!

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Easy Keto Cookbook here .

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe

More Easy Homemade Dressings

Tired of store-bought dressings with fake ingredients? Same. If you like my easy ranch dressing recipe, you’ll love some of my others that are just as quick: