Make your own Dry Ranch Dressing Mix that tastes just as good as store-bought, but without all the preservatives and additives. You can use it to make your own ranch dressing, or as a seasoning for vegetables, chicken, ranch dip or even popcorn.
Why You'll Love This Homemade Dry Ranch Dressing Mix Recipe
Ranch dressing is a classic American condiment that goes well with just about anything. But did you know that you can make your own ranch dressing mix at home? This dry ranch dressing recipe is easy to make, and it tastes even better than store-bought!
- Quick and convenient: Whip up a flavorful dressing mix in minutes using pantry staples
- Versatile use: Perfect for salads, dips, or seasoning roasted veggies and chicken
- Long-lasting: Store in a jar for easy use whenever you need a zesty, homemade ranch kick
If you like mixing your own seasonings, browse our homemade spice blends and pantry substitutions guide for more easy kitchen staples you can make at home.
Ingredients Overview
This recipe for homemade ranch dressing mix is made with just a few simple ingredients, including dried buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, parsley, salt, and pepper. You can mix it up in minutes and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
- Dry buttermilk - You'll find powdered buttermilk in the baking aisle of the grocery store.
- Parsley - Dried, parsley flakes.
- Dill - Dried, cut dill, not the seeds.
- Garlic powder - Use the powder instead of granules, as it's finer in texture.
- Onion powder - Use the powder instead of granules, as it's finer in texture.
- Black pepper - Fine ground black pepper.
- Chives - Dried cut chives.
- Salt - Optional if you're on a low salt diet.
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How To Make Ranch Dressing Mix
If you're feeling adventurous, you can use it to make your own ranch dressing with this dry ranch dressing mix.
Simply whisk together 3 tablespoons of ranch dressing mix with ½ cup of mayonnaise and ½ cup sour cream, or buttermilk. You can also add a few tablespoons of milk or water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Pro Tip
For the freshest flavor, make the dressing with homemade mayonnaise. Try our Southern Style 5-Minute Homemade Mayonnaise recipe for a quick, creamy base.
Step 1: Measure all your spices that you're using. Make sure they are fresh and not stale.
Step 2: Whisk all the ingredients until they are blended. The larger herbs will naturally move to the top, so always stir the blend before scooping out for making ranch salad dressing, ranch dip, or using in recipes.
Step 3: Transfer the dry ranch seasoning blend to an air tight spice jar, mason jar, or a bail jar with a rubber gasket. Keep in your pantry, or any cool, dry storage location.
How To Use This Dry Ranch Dressing Mix
Homemade ranch dressing is perfect for dipping vegetables, chicken wings, or french fries. It's also great on salads, sandwiches, and wraps. It's fabulous in our Chicken and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes recipe also.
- Ranch Salad Dressing: Whisk 1 tablespoon of dry ranch mix with 1 cup mayonnaise and 1 cup buttermilk. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
- Ranch Dip: Mix 1 tablespoon of dry ranch mix with 1 cup sour cream. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving with vegetables, chips, or crackers.
- Ranch Seasoning: Sprinkle the dry mix over roasted vegetables, potatoes, popcorn, or chicken for extra flavor.
- Ranch Marinade: Combine 1 tablespoon of dry ranch mix with ½ cup buttermilk or yogurt and use as a marinade for chicken or pork.
Substitutions and Variations
Some useful tips and substitutions when making this recipe:
- Buttermilk alternative: Use powdered milk combined with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar when preparing dressing or dip if you don't have dry buttermilk.
- Herb swaps: Replace parsley, dill, or chives with your favorite dried herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano.
- Garlic and onion variations: Use granulated garlic or onion if that's what you have, though the flavor may be slightly less smooth.
- Spice adjustments: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for a subtle kick.
- Salt-free option: Omit the salt entirely for a low-sodium version without compromising the other flavors.
Tips for Success
Helpful tips to help you when making this recipe:
- Measure carefully: Use precise measurements for the herbs and spices to ensure balanced flavor in every batch.
- Use fine powders: Choose garlic and onion powders instead of granules for a smoother, more consistent seasoning mix.
- Mix thoroughly: Combine all ingredients well to evenly distribute the flavors throughout the blend.
- Store properly: Keep the seasoning in an airtight container away from heat and light to preserve its freshness.
- Adjust to taste: Taste a small pinch before using and tweak the salt or herbs if needed to match your preference.
Storage Options
Here is how I store leftovers when making this recipe:
- Airtight container: Store the dry ranch seasoning mix in a sealed jar or container to keep it fresh.
- Cool, dry place: Keep it in a pantry or cupboard away from heat, light, and moisture.
- Avoid refrigeration: Storing in the fridge can introduce moisture and cause clumping.
- Label and date: Mark the container with the date made to track freshness.
- Shelf life: Use within 6 months for the best flavor and potency.
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Frequently Asked Questions
You do not have to include buttermilk powder; it adds a classic ranch flavor, but you can leave it out and still make a tasty dry seasoning with herbs and spices.
Most homemade dry ranch mixes can be used in place of a store‑bought packet by using about the same amount called for in recipes, but start with a little and adjust to taste. Most packets hold between 2 and 3 tablespoons.
Blend 3 tablespoon of the dry ranch seasoning in a bowl with ½ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup sour cream, buttermilk, or milk. You can add more milk to thin it down to the consistency you prefer.
Homemade dry ranch dressing mix will last for up to 6 months in the refrigerator.
Yes, you can use this dry ranch dressing recipe to make ranch dip or spinach dip. Simply combine the ranch dressing mix with some sour cream, mayonnaise, and your favorite vegetables to the thickness you prefer.
Dip Recipes
Get The Recipe!
Dry Ranch Dressing Mix
Equipment
- Spice Jars and Labels Set
- Wood lid Spice Jars, 8 oz
Ingredients
- ½ cup Dry buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon Parsley dried parsley flakes
- 1 tablespoon Dill dried cut dill, not the seeds
- 2 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 2 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Chives dried cut chives
- 1 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Measure the dry buttermilk and all the spices that you're using. Make sure they are fresh and not stale.½ cup Dry buttermilk, 1 tablespoon Parsley, 1 tablespoon Dill, 2 teaspoon Garlic powder, 2 teaspoon Onion powder, 1 teaspoon Black pepper, 1 teaspoon Chives, 1 teaspoon Salt
- Whisk all the ingredients until they are blended. The larger herbs will naturally move to the top, so always stir the blend before scooping out for making ranch salad dressing, ranch dip, or using in recipes.
- Transfer the dry ranch seasoning blend to an air tight spice jar, mason jar, or a bail jar with a rubber gasket. Keep in your pantry, or any cool, dry storage location.
Notes
- Measure carefully: Use precise measurements for the herbs and spices to ensure balanced flavor in every batch.
- Use fine powders: Choose garlic and onion powders instead of granules for a smoother, more consistent seasoning mix.
- Mix thoroughly: Combine all ingredients well to evenly distribute the flavors throughout the blend.
- Store properly: Keep the seasoning in an airtight container away from heat and light to preserve its freshness.
- Adjust to taste: Taste a small pinch before using and tweak the salt or herbs if needed to match your preference.
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