Introduction
Forget store-bought—this Creamy and Tangy Ranch Dressing is everything you love about classic ranch but even better. With a mix of mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk as its base, and finished with garlic, onion, dill, and parsley, this dressing is cool, herbaceous, and just the right amount of tangy. Whether you’re dressing a crisp salad, dipping your favorite apps, or slathering it on sandwiches, it brings bold, fresh flavor to every bite.
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s something deeply satisfying about making ranch from scratch—it’s easy, totally customizable, and far more flavorful than the bottled stuff. You can keep it classic, or dress it up with Parmesan, fresh herbs, or even a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.
And when you’re dipping something like Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Wontons or topping Totchos, this ranch makes everything better.
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp dried dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)
Directions
1️⃣ Mix the Base
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk until smooth.
2️⃣ Add the Seasoning
Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, dill, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the herbs are evenly distributed.
3️⃣ Customize It
Taste and adjust seasonings to your preference. Add more garlic powder for boldness or extra dill for brightness.
If using, stir in the Parmesan cheese for extra umami flavor and creamy texture.
4️⃣ Chill & Serve
Cover with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
Stir before serving.
Tips for Success
- Use full-fat ingredients for the creamiest texture.
- For a thicker dip-style ranch, reduce the buttermilk to ¼ cup.
- Stir in chopped fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives just before serving for a garden-fresh boost.
- Ranch will thicken slightly as it chills—adjust with a splash of buttermilk if needed before serving.
Ways to Use It
- Drizzle over green salads or grain bowls
- Serve as a dip with crudités or Beer Cheese Dip for double-dip delight
- Spoon onto Sheet Pan Quesadillas or tacos
- Drizzle on Walking Taco Bar bowls or nachos for that cool finishing touch
- Pair with Totchos for game-day dipping greatness
Storage
- Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 7 days.
- Stir well before each use.
- Not recommended for freezing.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Wontons – made to dip in this dressing
- Totchos (Tater Tot Nachos) – ranch-worthy every time
- Walking Taco Bar – drizzle your dressing and watch them disappear
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas – crowd-friendly and ranch-ready
- Beer Cheese Dip – dip duo perfection
Final Thoughts
This Creamy and Tangy Ranch Dressing is proof that a simple homemade dressing can transform your meals. It’s rich, herby, and endlessly versatile—exactly what you want in a go-to condiment. Once you taste it, you’ll never go back to the bottled kind.
Tried it? Drop your variations and uses in the comments! And be sure to follow ChefManiac for more everyday flavor upgrades and party-ready dips.
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