Posted Jul 14, 2023, Updated Feb 12, 2024 I used to use store-bought ranch packets often, until I read the ingredient label and was disappointed. As soon as I realized that my favorite ranch seasoning contained MSG, maltodextrin, guar gum (thickener), calcium stearate (a calcium soap), artificial flavorings and soy, I created my own homemade ranch seasoning. This ranch dressing mix recipe is made with real ingredients like organic dried spices, fine sea salt and organic buttermilk powder (optional, but recommended). No additives, fillers, or flavor enhancers here! And we put ranch on everything – pizza (like this BBQ chicken pizza), salads, chicken nuggets, etc. So we make this often.
Ranch Dressing Mix: Ingredients & Substitutions
Dried herbs. This recipe calls for, what I think is, the perfect ratio of dried herbs (parsley, dill and chives). Feel free to change it up to suit your own tastes. Garlic powder. dried minced garlic or garlic granules work well too. Onion powder. dried onion flakes are a good substitute for onion powder. Buttermilk powder. Be sure to use a variety that is just one ingredient, buttermilk. I prefer this organic buttermilk powder.
How to Make Ranch Seasoning
There are two ways to make this recipe: with or without buttermilk powder. We’ll walk through how to to make the dry ranch seasoning mix – and how to use the mix to make dressing or ranch dip!
Make the Dry Ranch Dressing Mix
For both methods (with or without buttermilk powder), begin by pulsing all the ingredients (dried herbs, salt etc.) except the buttermilk powder, in the contianer of a high-powered blender (Vitamix). You don’t want to create a fine powder (you do not want it to be the texture of flour), you just want to break the dried herbs into small pieces. Then, transfer the mixture to a glass jar. If desired, add the buttermilk powder and stir or shake until the mixture is homogenous (uniform throughout).
Make Ranch Dressing with the Mix
To make dressing with the mix, combine ½ cup mayonnaise and ¾ cup buttermilk and whisk to combine. For a thicker dressing/dip use ½ cup mayo and ½ cup buttermilk. You can do this in either a large glass jar, or in a medium bowl. Then, add either 1 TBS of the mix without the buttermilk powder, or 1 ½ TBS mix WITH the buttermilk powder. Transfer to a large glass jar with a lid and chill for 1 hour before using on your favorite salad.
Serve
Use it as a dressing on your favorite salads, a dip for veggies or even a marinade for chicken! I love to use it on this taco salad and BBQ chicken salad! And, I’m someone who has to eat homemade pizza dipped in ranch!
Store
Store the dry ranch dressing mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months. Be sure to make a note of the expiration dates on the herbs and spices used in the recipe and use on or before those dates. Store the ranch dressing made with the mix in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Again, make a note of the expiration date of the buttermilk and mayonnaise and use on or before those dates. If you make and love our recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don’t forget to follow along with us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Youtube – be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so we can see your creations!
