It takes less than 5 minutes to whip up this perfect Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix that you can use to add delicious garlic and creamy herb flavor to everything from chicken to popcorn to roasted potatoes. And of course you can always use it to make a herbaceous homemade ranch dressing or ranch dip as well.
Hidden Valley ranch dressing is America's favorite salad dressing for good reason. It's tangy, creamy, and herby in all the right ways and goes with basically everything. Ranch dressing gets it's flavor from buttermilk (and sometimes mayo or sour cream), dried herbs (parsley, dill, and chives or thyme), and garlic & onion, and it's fantastic.
When I want to make homemade ranch dressing for a salad or dipping veggies, wings, jalapeno poppers, or even pizza, it's this simple ranch dressing mix to the rescue. It takes hardly any time to throw together with pantry ingredients, stores well so you always have some on hand, and tastes so much better than the ranch dressing that comes in the bottle!
Plus, you can use it to add fabulous herb-y flavor and buttermilk tang to all kinds of foods that might otherwise taste a little boring or bland. Roast potatoes? Yup. Baked chicken breasts? For sure. Steamed or roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus? You better believe it.
This DIY dry ranch seasoning mix is a sure fire easy way to liven up your everyday offerings.
Recipe Ingredients
Here's a list of what you'll need to make this homemade ranch seasoning recipe. See the printable recipe card below for exact amounts and full instructions.
- Dry buttermilk powder. You can find powdered buttermilk in the grocery store baking aisle next to powdered milk. But if you can't find it you can always easily order online.
- Garlic powder. The unmistakable taste of garlic is a hallmark of classic ranch.
- Onion powder. For that savory element and depth, onion powder is key.
- Dried parsley. Sometimes I debate whether this actually adds flavor or just color, but it's in the ingredient list on the ranch seasoning packets so it makes sense to include it here.
- Dried chives. We love the fresh hit of chives!
- Dried dill. Another favorite pantry staple that we use often. This has a distinctive flavor with just a hint of sourness.
- Salt & black pepper.
How to Make Homemade Ranch Seasoning
This is as easy as measuring everything out, adding them all to a resealable jar, and giving it a good shake until everything is evenly distributed. I like to choose a jar that I can keep in the spice cupboard so I always have this homemade seasoning on hand and can quickly remake any time I run out.
You can also just add everything to a bowl and whisk until the herbs and spices are evenly dispersed, then transfer to a jar. To use in place of the hidden valley packet from the grocery store, just remember that 2 Tablespoons = 1 ranch seasoning packet.
Recipe FAQ's
Yes, the ingredients are all gluten-free (but please, check your labels just to be sure!).
If you have ever ordered ranch salad dressing at a restaurant and exclaimed how much better it tastes, you're not alone. The real reason restaurant ranch tastes better is because most of them use powdered ranch dressing (what we're making here!) and fresh dairy - typically buttermilk, sour cream, milk, and/or mayo. It makes it much creamier and more satisfying than the bottled version, which uses more oil to be shelf-stable. You might also consider adding a couple of cloves of fresh minced garlic to the dressing.
To make classic ranch dressing, combine 1 cup of mayo and 1 cup of milk with 2 tablespoons of the dry ranch seasoning mix and whisk well. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. For buttermilk ranch dressing, replace the milk with an equal amount of buttermilk. You could also replace half of the mayo with sour cream.
To make a creamy, thick ranch dip you just need to stir 2 tablespoons of the ranch seasoning blend with 1 ½ cups of sour cream or Greek yogurt and let it sit in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving.
Top Tips
- Double or triple the batch. If you find yourself using ranch seasoning in a lot of things, consider increasing the amounts to always have some on hand. It has a long shelf life and can be used in so many ways!
- Let the dressing sit. If using this seasoning blend to make ranch dressing or dip, be sure to let it sit for at least 30 minutes or more in the fridge. Longer is even better as it gives the time for the flavors to marry.
Storage & Reheating
- Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 4 months.
More Homemade Seasoning Blends
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Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix
Ingredients
- ½ cup buttermilk powder
- 1 Tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 Tablespoon onion powder
- 1 Tablespoon dried parsley
- 2 teaspoons dried dill
- 2 teaspoons dried chives
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all ranch seasoning ingredients in a jar with a lid or bowl and shake or whisk to combine. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 months in a cool, dry place.
Notes
- Yield: About 12 tablespoons or ¾ cup. Use 2 tablespoons of homemade ranch seasoning mix to replace one (1-ounce) packet of store-bought ranch seasoning.
- Homemade ranch dressing: Combine 2 tablespoons of ranch seasoning mix with 1 cup milk and 1 cup mayo. Whisk to combine, then cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes before using. For buttermilk ranch dressing, replace the milk with an equal amount of buttermilk. You could also replace half of the mayo with sour cream.
- Ranch dip: To make a creamy, thick ranch dip you just need to stir 2 tablespoons of the ranch seasoning blend with 1 ½ cups of sour cream or Greek yogurt and let it sit in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving.
Holley
There is nothing better than homemade! This is the perfect homemade ranch recipe yet!
Elizabeth
YUM! I love making my own sauce powders and this looks fantastic. Thanks for sharing. The pictures and steps are so clear and easy to follow.
Dana
This ranch seasoning is on point! We've been using it in so many different ways—for dips, dressings, and meat seasoning!
Andrea
This is great! So many uses for a ranch seasoning. And way better than the stuff you get in packets.
Jill
Homemade Ranch is infinitely better than bottled. I'm always so happy to find restaurants that make their own. Glad to find your recipe so that I can make it myself at home!
Tayler Ross
I love making my own seasoning blends, and this ranch is one of m y favorites!