Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe
This homemade ranch dressing recipe is made with fresh herbs and a hint of paprika. This easy recipe for ranch dressing only takes 5 minutes to make and can easily be made dairy free or vegan. Makes 2 1/2 – 3 cups.
Why I love this easy recipe for ranch dressing
A few years ago, I started making my own ginger salad dressing. It was simple and easy and tasted way better than anything I could find at the grocery store. It’s also a million times healthier for you.
Not long after, I found a recipe for homemade ranch dressing on Pinterest and I’ve been making ever since. It’s amazing. I have even made other versions of the dressing like cilantro ranch dressing, but the original version is by far my favorite.
I could drink the stuff. Okay, maybe that’s pushing it, but this stuff is seriously good. Try it on this Cobb salad recipe. I promise you’ll love it.
More salad dressing recipes: Dijon vinaigrette / avocado cilantro dressing / basil vinaigrette / caesar vinaigrette / homemade thousand island dressing
Here’s what you’ll need to make this ranch dressing recipe
Ranch dressing ingredients
There are a few key ingredients that set ranch dressing apart from other homemade dressing recipes. It starts with a creamy base, fresh herbs and a bit of spices. We replaced the dairy ingredients with dairy free substitutes, but you can do what’s best for you.
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream (or yogurt)
- Chives (or green onions)
- Parsley
- Garlic
- Paprika
Equipment
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Liquid measuring cup
- Immersion blender or food processor
- Mason jar (or other storage container)
How to make ranch dressing
To make this recipe, simply combine all the ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. I used to use an immersion blender with a really big cup, but you could even make it by hand if you mince the garlic and finely chopped the herbs.
The recipe calls for 1/4 – 1/2 cup of milk, so it’s up to you how thick you make the dressing. I prefer mine a little on the runny side so I usually add a 1/2 cup, but if you’re dipping you’ll probably want it to be a bit thicker.
FAQs about homemade ranch dressing
How long does homemade ranch last? This ranch dressing recipe should last for about 1 week in the refrigerator. Be sure to use fresh ingredients to ensure the dressing will last longer once it’s made.
How do you thicken ranch dressing? If you’ve added too much milk, or your dressing simply isn’t thick enough for your liking, stir a extra spoonful or two of mayonnaise or sour cream into your ranch until you’ve reach your desired consistency.
I recommend adding the milk sparingly in the beginning so you don’t make it too thin.
Does ranch dressing have eggs? Yes. Ranch dressing is mayonnaise based, which means it contains egg. If you’re allergic to egg, or simply choose not to eat egg, you can follow the instructions below for replacing the mayonnaise. See also: are eggs dairy?
Tips for customizing this ranch dressing recipe
- To make this recipe dairy free, be swap out the sour cream for vegan sour cream (we like Tofutti brand) and use your favorite dairy free milk.
- For a vegan ranch dressing, use vegan mayonnaise, and follow the recommendations for dairy free substitutes.
- To make this dressing paleo or whole 30 friendly, use homemade mayonnaise in place of the mayo and sour cream. You could also substitute the cashew sour cream.
If you like these easy, dairy free ranch dressing, you have to try this homemade ranch dip recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup sour cream*
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 small bunch of fresh chives (about 1/4 cup)
- 1 small bunch of fresh parsley (about 1/4 cup)
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 3/4 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 – 3 tablespoons milk of choice
Instructions
- In a food processor or blender, blend all ingredients.
- Allow flavors to combine in the refrigerator before serving.
Notes
- Substitute vegan sour cream + 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice to make this dairy free.
