This Homemade Ranch Dressing is creamy, rich, and packed with fresh herbs that make it taste so much better than store bought. Made with mayo, sour cream, and heavy cream, it's perfect for salads, dipping veggies, or spooned over your favorite summer recipes.
I've been making homemade dressings for as long as I can remember, thanks to the way my mom cooked when I was growing up. It's how I learned that simple ingredients can come together to make something truly special, like this ranch. It's the kind of dressing we always have on hand for things like BLT Pasta Salad or even for dipping Air Fryer Chicken Wings.
Why You'll Love Homemade Ranch Dressing
Fresh flavor: nothing compares to the taste of real herbs and lemon juice.
Simple ingredients: you likely have most of what you need in your fridge and pantry.
Versatile: use it as a dip, drizzle, or dressing. It works with just about everything!
Key Ingredients
Mayonnaise: adds creaminess and acts as the base. Store bought is perfectly fine.
Sour cream: full fat is best for the most flavor.
Heavy cream: helps thin the dressing while keeping it rich.
Fresh dill and chives: classic ranch flavor comes from fresh herbs.
Minced onion and garlic: adds bold savory kick.
Fresh lemon juice: brightens the dressing and balances the creaminess.
Substitutions
- Swap ¾ cup buttermilk for the sour cream and cream if you want a thinner ranch.
- Use dried dill (2 teaspoons) in place of fresh if you're in a pinch.
- Prefer a smoother dressing? Use onion powder (½ teaspoon) instead of fresh onion.
Recipe Variations
Spicy Ranch: add a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce.
Avocado Ranch: blend in half a ripe avocado for a thicker dip style dressing
Greek Yogurt Ranch: replace sour cream with plain greek yogurt for a tangier, protein packed version.
Top Tips
- Mix the dressing well to fully combine herbs and dairy.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld.
- Taste before seasoning; mayo can vary in saltiness.
How to Store
Store ranch dressing in a tightly sealed jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Stir before using, as separation is natural.
Serving Suggestions
This dressing is great on:
When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
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📖 Recipe
Homemade Ranch Dressing
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Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon finely minced onion
- 1 tablespoon fresh minced chives
- 1 clove garlic minced
- Salt to taste optional
- ⅛ teaspoon finely cracked pepper
- 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and heavy cream until creamy.
- Stir the dill, onion, chives, and garlic into the mayonnaise mixture.
- Add the black pepper and lemon juice. Stir in salt to taste (if using). Store in refrigerator up to 1 week.
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