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This quick and easy homemade ranch dressing recipe is made without buttermilk yet has that signature tangy flavor! It tastes so much better than the store-bought kind.

Try my Chipotle Ranch Dressing or 10-minute Easy Caesar Salad Dressing next.

glass jar with homemade ranch dressing and a spoon with dressing on it

Why you’ll love it

This 10-minute ranch dressing recipe requires no fancy equipment or ingredients, and you probably already have what you need in your fridge and pantry! There’s no reason to run out and buy buttermilk. You’ll agree that the tastiest ranch dressing simply doesn’t need it.

One lovely reader said it’s “the very best I have found!!” and another reader “almost can’t believe how delicious this is!” You can also feel good knowing exactly what goes into this easy ranch dressing. Fresh herbs, garlic, and a touch of lemon juice make it shine.

What you’ll need

Mayonnaise and sour cream – the creamy, tangy base
Fresh parsley and chives – these herbs add a pop of contrast and freshness
Dried dill – I always keep it in my pantry, and it’s a staple in ranch dressing. The quantity I use is pretty mellow/not overpowering.
Garlic – more savory goodness
Worcestershire sauce – this all-purpose condiment adds another layer of rich, deep flavor. It’s a special ingredient to set my ranch dressing apart!
Lemon juice – for a hint of acidity, balance, and brightness

ingredients for ranch dressing in prep bowls

Helpful tips

Yes, it has that classic tangy ranch taste even with no buttermilk! The sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh lemon juice combine to give it robust flavor.
I developed this buttermilk-free ranch dressing because buttermilk is generally sold in larger quantities. You’d only ever need a little bit for dressing, and I got tired of discarding so much.

How to make ranch dressing

This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.

adding ingredients for ranch dressing to a mason jar and then shaking it up

Add all the dressing ingredients to a jar, and shake thoroughly. Whisk in a small bowl instead if desired. Give it a taste, and adjust accordingly (e.g., more salt & pepper). Chill in the fridge if you wish, or serve right away.

Tools for this recipe

Check out Natasha’s favorite kitchen essentials, gadgets, and cookware!

I like to use a mason jar or yogurt jar to shake up this dressing and store it easily.
Garlic is effortless to mince with a garlic press, and store the rest of your lemon in this lemon saver to keep it fresh for longer.
If you’re making a salad, I love this salad spinner.

Substitutions and variations

Like any homemade dressing, I recommend playing with the quantities and proportions to suit your individual tastes!
If you have fresh dill from the garden or it looks nice at the store, feel free to used that instead of dried dill.
You can use Greek yogurt in place of the sour cream, but it’s not my first preference for this one since the consistency can be a little thinner.

What to serve with ranch dressing

This dressing is really versatile! Use it in a big green salad, my Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad, or as a dip for veggies.
I also enjoy it as a pizza dip. Try it with my irresistible Pepperoni French Bread Pizza.
It’s great in wraps, tacos, or as a sandwich spread as well. Drizzle it on my Crockpot Ranch Chicken Tacos. You can even put it on a Easy Baked Potato!

Leftovers and storage

Store leftovers of this creamy ranch dressing in a tightly closed container in the fridge for up to a week. The fresh herbs will be at their best within a few days, though.
As with most salad dressings, I don’t recommend freezing this one.

More easy salad dressing recipes

a bowl of salad with ranch dressing and a fork

If you made this ranch salad dressing from scratch, please leave a star rating and review below! You can also tag me on Instagram to showcase your beautiful salads.

4.68 from 52 votes