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A good homemade ranch dressing belongs in every kitchen. It’s creamy, tangy, packed with real ingredients, and infinitely better than anything that comes from a bottle. Our Homemade Ranch Dressing is fresh, preservative-free, and versatile—perfect for salads, dipping, or drizzling over anything that needs a little extra flavour.
Breaking Down the Ingredients
Every ingredient in this homemade ranch dressing serves a purpose. Let’s break it down:
- Hellmann’s Mayo – Provides richness and a velvety texture. A high-quality mayo ensures the perfect balance of tangy and creamy.
- Full-Fat Sour Cream – Adds signature tang and a luxuriously thick consistency that helps mellow out the stronger seasonings.
- Italian Parsley – Brings brightness and freshness to the dressing.
- Dill – Adds an unmistakable fresh, slightly grassy flavour that defines ranch.
- Dill Pickle Juice – The secret weapon! Enhances tang, complements the fresh herbs, and cuts through the richness of the mayo and sour cream.
- Onion Powder – Adds depth and umami without overpowering the dressing.
- Garlic Powder – Provides a savoury kick without the intensity of raw garlic.
- Black Pepper – Adds warmth and a slight bite to balance out the creaminess.
- Smoked Paprika – Gives a subtle smoky undertone for added complexity. We love Spanish Pimenton!
- Cayenne – A pinch adds just a whisper of heat, making the dressing more interesting without overwhelming the palate.
Recipe: Homemade Ranch Dressing
Ingredients:
- ½ cup Hellmann’s mayo
- 1 cup full-fat sour cream
- 4-5 sprigs Italian parsley, finely chopped
- 4-5 sprigs dill, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp dill pickle juice
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- ⅛ tsp cayenne
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a bowl or jar.
- Whisk or shake until fully combined.
- Store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
💡 Pro Tip: Want a lighter, pourable version? Add ½ cup buttermilk to create a thinner ranch dressing perfect for tossing with leafy greens like romaine or spinach.
Recipe Substitutes & Variations
If you’re out of an ingredient or need to modify the recipe, here are some easy swaps:
- Mayo Substitute: Swap mayo with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter dressing.
- Sour Cream Substitute: Use plain yogurt or crème fraîche for a similar texture.
- Dill Pickle Juice Alternative: Try lemon juice or apple cider vinegar for acidity.
- Fresh Herbs Replacement: Use 1 tsp dried parsley and 1 tsp dried dill if fresh isn’t available.
- Spice It Up: Add a dash of hot sauce or extra cayenne for more heat.
Ways to Use Homemade Ranch Dressing
Once you have a jar of this in your fridge, you’ll find yourself reaching for it constantly. Here are some of our favourite ways to use it:
✔ As a Dip: Perfect for veggies, chicken wings, fries, or even crispy onion rings.
✔ Drizzle Over Grilled Meats: Try it on grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or even a juicy steak.
Cook With Us!
Like this recipe? You should try cooking with us! Start with an on-demand pre-recorded class, or jump in to the best experience with our live classes!
✔ Salad Dressing: Toss with crisp romaine or mixed greens for a classic ranch salad.
✔ Upgrade Your Baked Potato: Spoon it over a hot baked potato with some crispy bacon and chives.
✔ Spicy Ranch: Mix with hot sauce for a zesty dip or drizzle.
More Recipes to Try
Looking for more homemade dressings and dips? Try these:
- Creamy Caesar Dressing – A bold and garlicky classic with a homemade twist.
- Honey Mustard Dressing – Sweet, tangy, and perfect for dipping or drizzling.
- Smoky Chipotle Sauce – A little heat and a lot of flavour for tacos, burgers, or fries.
Making your own ranch dressing means fresher flavour, no preservatives, and endless ways to customize it to your taste. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to store-bought!
