Dinner

Restaurant-Style Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe

Name: Restaurant-Style Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 tbsp. Buttermilk; 2 tbsp. Mayonnaise (best quality); 2 tbsp. Sour Cream; 1 tsp. dried Minced Onion; 1 tsp. dried Parsley Flakes; 1/2 tsp. dried Chives; 1/4 tsp. Garlic Powder; 1/4 tsp. Onion Powder; 1/4 tsp. dried Dill; 1/4 tsp. Sea Salt; 1/4 tsp. freshly cracked Black Pepper

ByCharlotte Montgomery January 20, 2026January 20, 2026

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This restaurant-style ranch dressing is creamy, tangy, and packed with classic herbs. It’s easy to whip up at home and perfect for salads, dipping, or drizzling over your favorite dishes.

There are three soft corn tortillas placed closely on a white speckled plate, each filled with shredded orange-brown cooked chicken as the main layer, topped with small red tomato pieces and chopped green cilantro. Each tortilla also holds green slices of avocado near the edge, and the chicken is drizzled with white creamy sauce in a zigzag pattern. The tortillas have slightly charred edges, adding a toasted texture. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, with small bowls of herbs and tomatoes visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 tbsp. Buttermilk
2 tbsp. Mayonnaise (best quality)
2 tbsp. Sour Cream
1 tsp. Dried Minced Onion
1 tsp. Dried Parsley Flakes
1/2 tsp. Dried Chives
1/4 tsp. Garlic Powder
1/4 tsp. Onion Powder
1/4 tsp. Dried Dill
1/4 tsp. Sea Salt
1/4 tsp. Freshly Cracked Black Pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Whisk the buttermilk, mayonnaise, and sour cream together in a medium bowl until smooth.
Step 2: Stir in the dried minced onion, parsley flakes, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried dill until evenly combined.
Step 3: Add the sea salt and black pepper. Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning as needed. For a thinner consistency, whisk in additional buttermilk, one teaspoon at a time.
Step 4: Cover the dressing and chill it in the refrigerator for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld. You can serve it immediately if needed, but chilling improves the taste.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh herbs like parsley and chives instead of dried for a brighter flavor.
For a vegan version, substitute mayonnaise and sour cream with plant-based alternatives and use almond or oat milk instead of buttermilk.
Add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar for extra tanginess.
If you prefer a thicker dressing, reduce buttermilk or increase sour cream slightly.

Storage

Store the ranch dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Stir well before serving, as separation may occur. It can be used cold or at room temperature but avoid heating to preserve its creamy texture.

How to Serve

The image shows four soft corn tortillas with light brown grill marks, each folded in half and filled with shredded cooked chicken at the base, topped with a layer of bright green guacamole, followed by a layer of finely chopped red tomatoes mixed with bits of green herbs. On top of the tomatoes, there is a generous dollop of white sour cream, sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs. The tacos are arranged closely together on a black tray, placed on a white marbled surface with a blurred bunch of fresh green cilantro in the background and a wedge of lime in the foreground. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, but to mimic the tang of buttermilk, add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 3 tablespoons of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

How long does homemade ranch dressing last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, it stays fresh for about one week. Always check for any off smell or changes in texture before use.