The recipe prices will vary based on fluctuating grocery costs. Please use what is posted as a guide.
This easy Homemade Ranch Dressing recipe is so creamy and packed with herbs and so much flavor. You’ll never go back to the bottled stuff again!
A bottle of Kraft Ranch Dressing from the grocery store costs about $3.49. However, for the same serving size, you can make it at home for only $2.33! The recipe makes 32 servings which comes out to only $0.07 per serving!
For another recipe that is better and less expensive than store-bought, check out our Caesar Salad Kit Hack and our Homemade Italian Dressing. Or substitute this Ranch Dressing for the Catalina Dressing in our Dorito Taco Salad. Delish!
Ranch dressing is a condiment staple in every household that is loved by many. It is great on top of a salad, dipped into veggies, pizza, and chicken tenders. You can even pour some on your mashed potatoes if you’re extra like us! See what we mean? Ranch dressing is so versatile!
But have you tried making Homemade Ranch Dressing yet? It is effortless and made with fresh ingredients. Our recipe is thin enough for topping your salads but creamy enough for dipping your favorite veggies.
We love the fresh herbs and the bit of tang from the lemon juice. While you can serve this Ranch Dressing immediately after making it, we think it is best to chill in the fridge for a couple of hours.
Other than drinking this stuff straight from the bottle 😉, what is your favorite way to enjoy it?
Ingredients and Cost
RECIPE COST: $2.33
PRICE PER SERVING: $0.07
- 1 cup mayonnaise – $0.68
- 1/2 cup sour cream – $0.44
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh dill – $0.22
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice – $0.07
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh chives – $0.28
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder – $0.01
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley – $0.04
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder – $0.01
- 1/2 cup buttermilk – $0.58
To find out more about how we price our recipes, check out Budget Recipes Explained.
Instructions
- First, mix the mayonnaise and sour cream.
- Next, mix in the herbs, seasonings, and lemon juice.
- Finally, mix in the milk until the desired consistency is reached. Transfer to a jar with a lid for storage and serving.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Instead of fresh herbs you can use dried herbs. For this recipe you can use ½ teaspoon dried dill, ½ dried chives, and 1 teaspoon dried dried parsley.
- If you don’t have buttermilk then you cna use milk (use anything but skim milk).
- To make Jalapeno Ranch, remove the stem and seeds of 1 jalapeno. Puree it and add it to the dressing.
- Avocado Ranch Dressing can be made by adding half of a pureed avocado to the dressing.
- BBR Ranch Dressing can be made by adding 1/4 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce to the dressing.
Storage Tips
Serve: As with most recipes with dairy products in them, you shouldn’t leave this dressing out for longer than 2 hours.
Store: Store the dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
Freeze: We do not recommend freezing the ranch dressing. Once defrosted it could separate and be lumpy.
Cook’s Tools
- measuring cups
- liquid measuring cup
- measuring spoons
- whisk
- mixing bowl
Recipe FAQ’s
Yes! Making Ranch dressing with mayo is our top choice. While you can use greek yogurt as an option, we prefer the taste and texture that mayonnaise adds to the dressing
You may have added too much buttermilk or milk. Be sure to add a little buttermilk at a time until the desired consistency is reached. If it is too runny, try adding a tad more mayonnaise to help thicken it up.
As long as the dressing is kept covered in the refrigerator, the dressing will keep for one week.
Get Kids Involved
Ages 2-3: Have your child help you whisk the ingredients together. This is an easy job for them!
Ages 4-5: Your child can help by measuring and pouring the ingredients into the bowl.
Ages 6-8: This is a great recipe to let your child of this age range try independently. It is an easy recipe they can master!
Ages 9-11: Supervise them while they prepare the entire recipe. Remember to have them read it twice before beginning the recipe.
Ages 12+: Let them prepare the entire recipe, unsupervised, while you do the happy dance in the corner!
Budget Tips
- This is a great recipe to make to save on your weekly grocery budget because making our homemade version costs less than buying it in the grocery store!
- You can make your own buttermilk instead of buying it! See how with this Buttermilk Substitute Recipe!
More Under $5 Recipes
- Reese’s Stuffed Cookies
- Easy Pork Chop Marinade
- Instant Pot Baked Beans with BBQ Sauce
- Copycat Sonic Slushes
- Easy Hummus Recipe
- Homemade Granola Bars
- Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
- Easter Bunny Rolls
- Instant Pot Popcorn
Homemade Ranch Dressing
Equipment
- measuring cups
- Liquid measuring cup
- Measuring spoons
- whisk
- mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 Tablespoon Lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons fresh dill minced or ½ teaspoon dried
- 2 teaspoons fresh chives minced or ½ teaspoon dried
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley minced or 1 teaspoon dried
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ to ½ cup buttermilk or milk as needed for consistency
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and sour cream until combined.
- Mix in the herbs, seasonings, and lemon juice.
- Slowly mix in the milk until the desired consistency is reached.
- Transfer the dressing to a jar with a lid and store in the refrigerator or serve immediately.
Jenn says
So quick and easy to make — thank you for this awesome ranch recipe!
Gina says
Love making my own ranch, the fresh herbs in this make it a million times better than store bought!