Homemade ranch dressing mix is quick and easy, has better ingredients, and you can use it for much more than just salad dressing!
Homemade ranch dressing mix is so easy to make that I can hardly even call it a recipe. It’s better for you, and you have total control of the ingredients. If you’re still buying those store-bought packets, here’s your sign to immediately stop and make your own!
I’ll be the first to admit that using a store-bought package of ranch seasoning is quick and easy, but what if I told you that it only takes about 15 minutes to make this recipe, and you can have enough to last for months? In the long run, making it yourself saves time and money!
Have you ever looked at the ingredients on one of those dry ranch dressing packets? They could be better. We can do better.
How to make the best homemade ranch dressing mix:
Ingredients in homemade ranch dressing mix:
- Dried parsley
- Dried scallions or chives
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Dill weed
- Sugar
- Black pepper
I’m obsessed with scallions, and my sister recently introduced me to freeze-dried scallions. They differ from dried scallions found at most grocery and spice stores, which taste like cardboard. Freeze-dried scallions are harder to find but worth the effort. They taste exactly like scallions! If you can’t find freeze-dried scallions or don’t want to, you can use dried chives.
My homemade ranch dressing mix does not have buttermilk powder, and that’s intentional. I wanted to create a recipe using ingredients that most of us already have on hand. Instead, I use Greek yogurt when I make ranch dressing or dip. Greek yogurt adds the tang that usually comes from buttermilk, and it’s much better for you. Greek yogurt is full of protein!
You’ll notice that there is zero salt in the recipe. One of my biggest pet peeves is how salty seasoning blends can be. It’s almost impossible to add more flavor without over-salting the dish. Therefore, I leave the salt out when I make my blends and salt the dish to taste.
Most of the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe are probably in your spice cabinet already. Check out the tips and variations section below for substitutions.
How to make homemade ranch dressing mix:
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Add all of the ingredients to a bowl, and whisk to combine.
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Taste and adjust the salt.
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Optional, but I recommend letting it chill in the refrigerator for at least three hours before serving.
(that might be the easiest recipe I’ve ever written – ha!)
If you take a few extra minutes, I recommend pulsing the ingredients in a small food processor. It gives the mix a finer texture and helps prevent settling. Instead of using a separate bowl, add everything right into the base of the food processor!
How to use homemade dry ranch dressing mix:
Always give the mix a good shake before using, especially if you skip the food processor step above.
- To make ranch salad dressing:
- Add equal parts of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt to a bowl. (I do 1/2 cup each)
- Sprinkle in as much of the ranch dressing mix as you want. (I add one and a half tablespoons)
- Add lemon juice to thin it out. (I add one tablespoon)
- Add milk of choice to thin it out. (I add two tablespoons of half-and-half)
- Mix well and refrigerate for at least an hour to let the flavors combine.
Optional: I like adding a half teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce and red wine vinegar for an extra layer of flavor. A tiny amount of both gives the dressing a more complex and delicious taste.
Pro tip: Use full-fat mayonnaise and Greek yogurt to create an extra rich and creamy dressing (and dip).
- To make a homemade ranch dip:
- Follow the same directions as above but omit the lemon juice and milk. Since dip is thicker than dressing, you don’t need the extra liquid.
How to use dry ranch seasoning mix:
Since there is no buttermilk powder in my mix, think of it more as another seasoning blend than a dressing mix. Here are some of my favorite ways to use it.
- Sprinkle it on potatoes before roasting for the best potatoes ever.
- Mix into ground beef for the most amazing ranch burgers.
- Add to softened butter for ranch-flavored compound butter.
- Make a bacon and ranch cheese ball or mini cheeseballs!
- Add it to your favorite Mississippi pot roast recipe.
- Sprinkle it on popcorn.
You can easily double or triple this recipe. Store it in a glass container and keep it in a cool, dry place away from heat and humidity.
Pro-tip. Spices shouldn’t be near your stove, as they go downhill quickly if they’re near heat or humidity.
Homemade food and gifts are the best! Make a big batch, add it to pretty little jars along with a ribbon and a label, and you’ve got yourself a delicious and thoughtful gift!
Tips and variations for making dip or dressing:
- Two tablespoons of the dry mix replaces one store-bought packet.
- It’s even more delicious if you make it the day before!
- Keep in mind that they’ll thicken up in the refrigerator.
- Taste again before serving in case anything needs to be adjusted.
- If you like it spicy, add a dash of cayenne. Love cheese? Add some Parmesan cheese.
- Try adding some fresh parsley and some lemon juice to brighten it up.
- Add any combination of your favorite fresh herbs to make a herb ranch dressing.
Equipment used in this recipe:
- Measuring spoons – I suggest this shape over round. They fit into narrow spice jars better!
- Measuring cups
- Mixing bowl – I recommend mixing bowls with lids. SO functional!
- Wire whisk
- Small food processor – I own this set and LOVE it! Hands down my favorite kitchen appliance!
- Spice jar – for a pretty way to store this recipe and all your other favorite spice blends!
- Salad dressing jar
- Long-tasting spoons – optional but highly recommended! I use my tasting spoons all the time!
- Parchment paper
Serve this with:
- Homemade Basil Pesto
- Classic Tomato Bruschetta
- Oven Roasted Broccoli
- Three Bean Salad
- Bailey’s & Guinness Ice Cream
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Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix
Plain Everything Recipe IndexEquipment
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons dried parsley
- 2 tablespoons freeze-dried scallions (or dried chives)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 - 2 teaspoons dried dill weed
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (or sweetener of choice)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a bowl, and whisk to combine.
- Taste and adjust the salt.
- Optional, but I recommend letting it chill in the refrigerator for at least three hours before serving.
Notes
- Add equal parts of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt to a bowl. (I do 1/2 cup each)
- Sprinkle in as much of the ranch dressing mix as you want. (I add one and a half tablespoons)
- Add lemon juice to thin it out. (I add one tablespoon)
- Add milk of choice to thin it out. (I add two tablespoons of half-and-half)
- Mix well and refrigerate for at least an hour to combine the flavors.
- Follow the same direction as above but omit the lemon juice and milk. Since is thicker than a dressing, you don’t need the extra liquid.
