Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix
Skip the store-bought ranch dressing and make your own with this homemade ranch dressing mix recipe.
Skip the store-bought packets and make your own ranch dressing mix at home with just a handful of pantry herbs and spices. This homemade ranch mix is full of flavor and takes only minutes to put together. Keep it on hand for quick dressings, dips, or seasoning roasted vegetables, chicken, and more.
With dried onion, garlic, dill, parsley, and chives, this mix delivers the classic ranch flavor you know and love—without additives. Just mix it with mayonnaise and buttermilk for dressing or add sour cream for a thick, creamy dip. One batch yields enough mix for about 5 cups of dressing or dip, making it a convenient staple for your spice cabinet.
Why You’ll Love It
All-natural ingredients. No preservatives or fillers — just pure herbs and spices.
Versatile. Use it for dressing, dip, or as a seasoning blend for meats and vegetables.
Long shelf life. Keeps for months in your pantry when stored properly.
Ingredient Notes
- Onion powder: Adds savory depth and that signature ranch base flavor.
- Garlic powder: Balances the onion and enhances overall flavor.
- Dried dill: Brings the distinct herby taste that makes ranch irresistible.
- Dried parsley and chives: Add fresh herbal brightness.
- Salt and pepper: Adjust to taste or omit the salt if you prefer to season later.
- Buttermilk powder (optional): Add ¼ cup to make the mix fully shelf-stable for dressings on demand.
Steps to Make Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix
- Combine the ingredients: In a small bowl, stir together the onion powder, chives, parsley, dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly mixed.
- Store the mix: Transfer the blend to a clean, airtight jar or container. Label with the name and date.
- To make dressing: Combine 2 tablespoons of mix with ½ cup mayonnaise and ½ cup well-shaken buttermilk. Whisk until smooth; thin with milk if needed.
- To make dip: Combine 2 tablespoons of mix with ½ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup sour cream, and 2 tablespoons buttermilk powder. Whisk until blended.
Recipe Tips
- Use fresh dried herbs and spices. For the best flavor and longest shelf life, check expiration dates and use dried herbs that are still fragrant and vibrant in color.
- Store properly. Keep the dry mix in an airtight jar or resealable container in a cool, dry, dark place—away from heat and humidity.
- Shake before using. The herbs may settle over time, so give the mix a shake or stir before measuring.
- Customize the salt. If you prefer to control the salt level in your final dressing or dip, reduce or omit the salt in the mix and season to taste when preparing.
- Use buttermilk powder. You can add 1/4 cup buttermilk powder to the mix to make it shelf-stable for dry storage without needing fresh buttermilk on hand.
Recipe Variations
- Zesty Ranch. Add ½ teaspoon cayenne or smoked paprika for heat.
- Citrus Ranch. Mix in 1 teaspoon dried lemon zest for brightness.
- Southwest Ranch. Add ½ teaspoon ground cumin and chili powder.
- Green Goddess Twist. Add dried tarragon and basil for an herby upgrade.
What to Serve With Ranch Dressing or Dip
- Vegetables: Serve as a dip for carrots, celery, cucumber, or bell peppers.
- Salads: Drizzle over green salads, pasta salads, or grain bowls.
- Snacks: Pair with wings, fries, or potato wedges.
- Seasoning: Sprinkle over roasted vegetables, chicken, or popcorn.
How to Store Ranch Dressing Mix and Prepared Dressing
Dry Mix: Store the homemade ranch mix in an airtight jar or container in a cool, dry place such as a pantry or spice drawer. For best quality, use within 6 months or by the earliest expiration date of the individual dried herbs used. Shake or stir before each use.
Prepared Dressing: Store any leftover ranch dressing made with mayonnaise and buttermilk in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Shake or whisk before serving.
Prepared Dip: Ranch dip made with mayonnaise and sour cream should be refrigerated in an airtight container and consumed within 5 to 7 days. Stir before serving.
Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons onion powder
- 2 tablespoons dried chives
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley
- 4 teaspoons dried dill
- 4 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons salt, or you can add salt later when you make the dressing or dip
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Mix: Combine all ingredients and store the mixture in a tightly covered mason jar.
- To Make 1 Cup of Dressing: Combine 2 tablespoons of the dry mix with 1/2 cup of mayonnaise and 1/2 cup of well-shaken buttermilk. Whisk to blend and thin with milk if desired.
- To Make 1 Cup of Dip: Add 2 tablespoons of the dry mixture with 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1/2 cup of sour cream, and 2 tablespoons of buttermilk powder. Whisk to blend.
Notes
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
