Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

This restaurant-style buttermilk ranch dressing recipe is creamy, quick, and made with simple ingredients. Use fresh herbs or dried herbs for convenience. Rich buttermilk gives this ranch dressing its classic, irresistible flavor.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

One of my favorite things about homemade buttermilk ranch dressing is how flexible and low-effort it is. No special tools are required, and you can make it with fresh, dried, or freeze-dried herbs. You also do not need to buy a whole container of buttermilk because this recipe includes a 10-minute substitute. It’s budget-friendly, easy to customize, and the flavor gets even better after chilling.

If you love the idea of ranch dressing with a twist, be sure to try my avocado ranch dressing next!

Ingredients You'll Need

• Sour cream – Adds tang and helps create a creamy base.
• Buttermilk – Gives ranch dressing its classic tangy flavor and rich, smooth texture.
• Mayonnaise – Adds tangy flavor, richness, and body.
• Chives, Parsley, and Dill – Use fresh or dried herbs. You can also use freeze-dried herbs.
• Garlic powder – Adds savory flavor and blends smoothly into the dressing.
• Salt – Enhances and balances the flavors.
• Black pepper – Adds subtle warmth.

How to Make Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

Add the sour cream, buttermilk, mayonnaise, herbs, and seasonings to a mixing bowl. Next, stir until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the texture and seasonings to your liking.

Then, refrigerate. Chill for at least 30 minutes so the dressing can set up and the flavors have time to meld.

Recipe Tips & Variations

• Buttermilk substitute: If you don't have buttermilk, combine the amount of milk needed for the recipe with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar, then let it sit for about 10 minutes, or until it thickens, before using.
• Use freeze-dried herbs. Freeze-dried herbs may be used in place of fresh or dried herbs.
• Adjust the consistency. Add additional buttermilk for a thinner dressing, or stir in small amounts of sour cream or mayonnaise for a thicker ranch dip.
• Adjust the flavor. Add more garlic powder, herbs, salt, or pepper to customize the ranch to your taste.
• Chill before serving. The flavor improves as it chills. Overnight is best, but 30 minutes works in a hurry.

Serving Ideas

Buttermilk ranch dressing incredibly versatile. Use it as a dip, dressing, spread, or sauce on just about anything!

• Dip it. Serve with chopped vegetables, baked chicken wings, French fries, cheesy bread, naan, flatbread, or as part of a charcuterie board.
• Drizzle it. Spoon it over tortilla pizza, roasted asparagus, green beans, baked smashed potatoes, or grilled and roasted chicken.
• Spread it. Add it to wraps, veggie sandwiches, and pulled pork sliders.
• Toss. Use it in chopped salads. It's perfect in BLT pasta salad.

📖 Recipe