Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Dressing (With LOTS of Herbs!)
Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
This homemade Buttermilk Ranch Dressing is bursting with fresh herbs and tangy flavor, and it has a creamy texture that elevates any salad or even just a plate of crispy wings. Forget the bottled stuff—this recipe is easy to make and endlessly versatile!
The salad dressing I can’t stop thinking about.
You know that feeling when you eat something delicious and the memory of its flavor just kind of hangs out in the back of your mind for weeks afterwards? That’s this buttermilk ranch dressing for me.
The combo of fresh chives, parsley, and dill gives it a vibrant, garden-fresh taste that bottled ranch can’t touch.
Greek yogurt (or sour cream) keeps it rich so it will clingggg to all those dippers and lettuce leaves without being heavy, while buttermilk and fresh lemon juice add a tangy kick.
You can make it for a Cobb Salad or for dipping carrot sticks and Air Fryer Chicken Wings, but just like the bottle of ranch that hangs out on your fridge door, you’ll find endless ways to use it. (Dunking pizza crusts? Don’t mind if I do!)
My Best Tips for Perfect Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
Use Actual Buttermilk. We all know that little trick for making a buttermilk substitute at home—mixing vinegar or lemon juice with milk and letting it curdle—but it doesn’t have the same depth as the real deal. I do recommend buying a bottle of it at the grocery store. Use any leftovers for Breakfast Biscuits or Breaded Chicken Breast; you can also freeze it so you always have it on hand.
Don’t Use Dried Herbs. Use fresh herbs for the brightest, liveliest flavor. Dried herbs have a flatter taste; you’ll still have a great dressing, but it won’t have that herbaceous punch.
Adjust the Consistency. You can make this buttermilk ranch dressing thicker if you plan on using it for dipping; just add less buttermilk and more Greek yogurt or sour cream. (Or make my Greek Yogurt Ranch Dip.)
Let It Chill. The flavors meld beautifully after an hour in the fridge, so prep it ahead if you can.
How to Make Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
Combine. Add all of the ingredients to a blender or food processor.
Blend. Puree until smooth and creamy, about 30-60 seconds. Scrape down the sides as needed to ensure all the herbs are fully incorporated.
Taste and Adjust. Give it a taste. Want it tangier? Add a splash more lemon juice. Need more seasoning? Adjust the salt and pepper.
Serve or Store. ENJOY!
Recipe Variations
Make It Spicy. Add a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce. (Sriracha is amazing in ranch!)
Switch Up the Herbs. Try basil or cilantro, tarragon for some French vibes (Franch dressing?), whatever!
Fun Ways to Use Ranch Dressing
I have a feeling you’ve got some ideas, and we’ll skip the obvious green salads and veggie sticks. Here are some more out-of-the-box serving suggestions!
Pasta Salad. Rather than a ho-hum mayo mixture, make your next pasta salad with buttermilk ranch dressing. (See my BLT Pasta Salad!)
Sandwiches and Wraps. Cool down this Buffalo Chicken Wrap with a generous drizzle of homemade ranch.
Dipping ALL THE THINGS. It’s not just for celery sticks and wings. Try it with Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Taquitos and Air Fryer Pickles too.
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Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
Fresh herbs and tangy buttermilk make this EASY homemade buttermilk ranch dressing the best you'll ever taste. Ready in 5 minutes, so ditch the bottle!
Course condiment, Salad
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutesminutes
Total Time 5 minutesminutes
Servings 4servings
Calories 36kcal
Author Erin Clarke / Well Plated
Ingredients
½cupbuttermilk
¼cupplain Greek yogurt or sour creamI used 2% Greek
1tablespoonfreshly squeezed lemon juice
¼cuppacked chives
½cuppacked parsley
½cupdill
2garlic clovesminced or grated (about 2 teaspoon)
½teaspoonkosher salt
¼teaspoonblack pepper
Instructions
Combine all of the ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
Notes
TO STORE: Use immediately or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Shake or stir before serving, as it may separate slightly.