Pin to Favorites
After years of buying store bought ranch I finally cracked the code to making it at home and wow what a difference. This creamy dreamy ranch dressing has the perfect balance of herbs and tanginess. The best part? It comes together in minutes and tastes fresher than anything from a bottle. I love adjusting the thickness depending on what I'm making whether it's a salad dressing or a thick dip for crispy wings.
A Game Changer in My Kitchen
Once you try this homemade version you'll never want to go back to store bought. The flavor is so much brighter and more vibrant. I keep a jar in my fridge all week for quick salads and sandwiches. My kids even started eating more vegetables just to have an excuse to dip into this ranch. That's what I call a mom win.
Your Shopping List
- Mayonnaise: This creates that perfect creamy base I always use full fat for the best texture.
- Sour Cream: Adds such a lovely tang and makes everything extra creamy.
- Milk: Just enough to get the consistency exactly how you want it.
- Dried Herbs: My magic trio of chives parsley and dill makes this taste like the real deal.
- White Wine Vinegar: Just a splash gives it that perfect zing.
- Seasoning: Garlic powder onion powder salt and pepper create that classic ranch flavor.
Making the Magic Happen
- Mix Your Base
- Start by combining your mayonnaise and sour cream in a bowl. I like using my favorite mixing bowl with the pour spout it makes everything easier. Add your milk and vinegar and watch it all come together.
- Season with Love
- Now comes my favorite part sprinkle in all those dried herbs and seasonings. I love watching the little specks of green distribute throughout the creamy mixture as I whisk.
- The Waiting Game
- Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. I know it's tempting to dig in right away but trust me this rest time makes all the difference in the world.
Pin to Favorites
My Secret Tips
Here's what I've learned from making countless batches. Start with less milk than you think you need you can always thin it out later. I love making it a bit thicker for dips and adding more milk for salad dressing. And don't skip that resting time in the fridge it really lets those herbs wake up and shine.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why does the ranch need to rest in the fridge?
- Resting time allows the flavors to blend together and helps soften the dried herbs. While you can eat it right away, even 30 minutes in the fridge improves the taste.
- → Can I use different types of milk?
- Yes, you can use any type of milk, though whole milk keeps it creamiest. The milk is mainly for thinning the dressing to your desired consistency.
- → How can I adjust the thickness?
- Use less milk for a thicker dip consistency, or add more milk for a pourable dressing. Remember it will thicken slightly in the fridge.
- → What can I substitute for white wine vinegar?
- Rice wine vinegar or regular white vinegar work well. You can also use lemon juice, though it will give a slightly different tang.
- → What can I serve this ranch with?
- It's great on salads, as a dip for vegetables, wings, or pizza. You can also use it in sandwiches, wraps, or pasta salads.