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Homemade Ranch Dressing

This recipe guides you through creating a classic homemade ranch dressing, featuring fresh herbs and a creamy base of mayonnaise and sour cream. It emphasizes the importance of fresh ingredients and proper chilling to develop a rich, balanced flavor and ideal consistency, perfect for salads or as a dip.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 8 people
Calories 904.8 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Chef's knife
  • 1 Cutting Board
  • 1 Mixing Bowl Medium-sized
  • 1 Fork For mashing garlic
  • 1 Whisk or Spoon For combining ingredients

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup real mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup Italian flat-leaf parsley leaves minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill minced
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh chives
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Dash hot sauce
  • 1/4 to 1/2 cup buttermilk as needed for desired consistency

Instructions
 

  • Mince the garlic with a knife and then sprinkle on the salt and mash it into a paste with a fork.
  • In a bowl, combine the garlic paste, mayonnaise, sour cream, parsley, dill, chives, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, vinegar, paprika, cayenne and hot sauce. Add the buttermilk to desired consistency and mix to combine, tasting frequently and adjusting seasonings as needed. Chill for a couple of hours before serving, thinning with more buttermilk if needed.

Notes

For the best ranch, use high-quality, full-fat mayonnaise and sour cream; they form the creamy base and impart superior flavor. Fresh herbs are crucial here – do not substitute dried for dill, parsley, and chives, as their vibrant notes are key to authentic ranch. Mashing the garlic with salt creates an allium paste that distributes flavor evenly without raw garlic chunks. Always add buttermilk incrementally to achieve your preferred consistency; some prefer a thicker dressing for dips, while others like a thinner one for salads. The chilling period is non-negotiable as it allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a more harmonious and robust dressing.