10-Minute Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix Recipe

I’ll be the first to admit that buying a store-bought packet is easier, but have you ever looked at the ingredients? We can do better. My homemade ranch dressing mix recipe takes about 10 minutes to whip up, and it makes a lot more than what you’ll get in one of those packets!

Since I posted this recipe back in 2022, I’ve bought a few ranch packets from the store. We’re human, and sometimes we just want easy, but they’re pretty darn expensive for what you get. This recipe is for those of us who love the ranch flavor and want something more budget-friendly, where we control the ingredients and that frankly just tastes better!

Speaking of controlling the ingredients, love garlic? Add more. That’s the beauty of cooking. Recipes are guides, not rules, so use my recipe as a starting point and make it the way you like it.

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 can control the ingredients. If you’re still buying those store-bought packets, here’s your sign to immediately stop and make your own!

My homemade ranch dressing mix does not have buttermilk powder. I wanted to create a recipe using ingredients that most of us already have. Also, in my 50 years of life, I’ve never needed buttermilk powder, so I didn’t want to buy a whole jar that would probably go bad before I could use half of it. Instead, I use Greek yogurt with the dry seasoning to make ranch dressing or dip. Greek yogurt adds the tang that usually comes from buttermilk, and it’s full of protein – bonus!

Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix

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Most of the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe are probably already in your spice cabinet. For substitutions, check out the tips and variations section below. As always, the recipe card below provides exact measurements.

• Dried parsley
• Dried scallions or chives
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Dill weed
• Sugar
• Black pepper

My recipe for dry ranch seasoning contains zero salt. One of my biggest pet peeves is how salty seasoning blends can be, so I leave out the salt. I like a lot of flavor, so leaving the salt out of the dry mix lets you use as much as you want without oversalting whatever you’re using it in. 

How To Make Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix

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You can whip this up in minutes! I prefer to run mine through a small food processor, which requires an extra bowl to wash, but it’s worth it.

• Add all of the ingredients to a food processor and pulse a few times to combine. Alternatively you could also just add all the ingredients to a bowl and give it a good whisk. I prefer the food processor because it breaks down the dry spices to a finer consistency, which helps prevent settling.

(That might be the easiest recipe I’ve ever written – ha!)

How To Use Dry Ranch Seasoning

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Before using the dry seasoning, give it a good shake. This will ensure each ingredient is incorporated evenly. I use these approximate amounts for a small batch of dressing or dip. The amount you use will vary based on how much of the seasoning you prefer.

• To make ranch salad dressing:
  • Add equal parts of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt to a bowl. (equal parts – 1/2 cup each)
  • Sprinkle in as much of the ranch dressing mix as you want. (one and a half tablespoons)
  • Add lemon juice to thin it out. (one tablespoon)
  • I like a touch of Dijon mustard. (one or two teaspoons)
  • Add milk of choice to thin it out. (two tablespoons of half-and-half)
  • Mix well, taste, and add salt to taste, a small pinch at a time. 
  • Refrigerate for at least an hour to let the flavors combine.
  • Taste and adjust the salt one last time after it’s been in the fridge.
• To make a homemade ranch dip:
  • Follow the exact directions above, but omit the lemon juice and milk. Since the dip is thicker than the dressing, you don’t need the extra liquid.

Ways To Use Dry Ranch Dressing Mix

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Since my recipe doesn’t contain buttermilk powder, you can use it like a ranch seasoning. You can easily double or triple this recipe and have it ready to go with all of your other seasoning blends. Here are some of my favorite ways to use it.

• Sprinkle it on potatoes before roasting for the best ranch 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.

Tips – Variations – Storage

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• Two tablespoons of the dry mix replace one store-bought packet.
• Even if you use a food processor, shake the mix before measuring it out.
• If you like spicy food, add a dash of cayenne powder.
• Love cheese? Add some Parmesan cheese.
• When making a dip or dressing, add a few fresh herbs like dill or parsley to brighten it up.
• Store the dry mix in a glass container in a cool, dry place away from heat and humidity.

Equipment Used In This Recipe

• Measuring spoons—I suggest this shape over round. They fit better in narrow spice jars.
• Mixing bowl—I recommend mixing bowls with lids. SO functional.
• Small food processor—I own this set, and it’s my favorite kitchen appliance!
• Spice jar—for a pretty way to store this recipe and all your other favorite spice blends.
• Salad dressing jar—I love keeping dressings in a pretty jar, especially for serving.
• Long-tasting spoons—optional but highly recommended. I use mine all the time!