How to Make Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix - Plain Everything (2024)

Homemade ranch dressing mix is quick and easy, has better ingredients, and you can use it for much more than just salad dressing!

Homemade ranch dressing mix is so easy to make that I can hardly even call it a recipe. It’s better for you, and you have total control of the ingredients. If you’re still buying those store-bought packets, here’s your sign to immediately stop and make your own!

I’ll be the first to admit that using a store-bought package of ranch seasoning is quick and easy, but what if I told you that it only takes about 10 minutes to make this recipe, and you can have enough to last for months? In the long run, making it yourself saves time and money!

Have you ever looked at the ingredients on one of those dry ranch dressing packets? They could be better. We can do better.

I’m obsessed with scallions, and my sister recently introduced me to freeze-dried scallions. They differ from dried scallions found at most grocery and spice stores, which taste like cardboard. Freeze-dried scallions are harder to find but worth the effort. They taste exactly like scallions. You can use dried chives if you can’t find freeze-dried scallions or don’t want to.

My homemade ranch dressing mix does not have buttermilk powder, and that’s intentional. I wanted to create a recipe using ingredients that most of us already have on hand. Instead, I use Greek yogurt when I make ranch dressing or dip. Greek yogurt adds the tang that usually comes from buttermilk, and it’s much better for you. Greek yogurt is full of protein!

Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix

Why We Love It

• Healthier. Unlike the store-bought stuff, there are no mysterious ingredients in this.
• Customizable. Follow the recipe for a classic ranch, or add your own twist to jazz it up!
• Quick. You can literally have this ready to go in about 10 minutes, and it lasts months!
• Versatile. Use the seasoning mix to make dip and dressing, or use it as a seasoning on so many things!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To keep this super simple, we’re using dried seasonings that most of us already have on hand!

• Dried parsley
• Dried scallions or chives
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Dill weed
• Sugar
• Black pepper

You’ll notice that there is zero salt in the recipe. One of my biggest pet peeves is how salty seasoning blends can be. It’s almost impossible to add more flavor without over-salting the dish. Therefore, I leave the salt out when I make my blends and salt the dish to taste.

Most of the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe are probably already in your spice cabinet. For substitutions, check out the tips and variations section below.

How To Make Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix

As I’ve already mentioned, you can whip this up in minutes. See the full recipe and instructions in the recipe card below,

1. Add all of the ingredients to a bowl and whisk to combine.

2. Taste and adjust the salt.

3. Optional, but I recommend letting it chill in the refrigerator for at least three hours before serving.

(that might be the easiest recipe I’ve ever written – ha!)

If you take a few extra minutes, I recommend pulsing the ingredients in a small food processor. It gives the mix a finer texture and helps prevent settling. Instead of using a separate bowl, add everything right into the base of the food processor!

How To Use Dry Ranch Seasoning

Always shake the mix well before using, especially if you skip the food processor step above.

• To make ranch salad dressing:
  • Add equal parts of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt to a bowl. (equal parts – about 1/2 cup each)
  • Sprinkle in as much of the ranch dressing mix as you want. (one and a half tablespoons)
  • Add lemon juice to thin it out. (one tablespoon)
  • I like a touch of Dijon mustard. (one or two teaspoons)
  • Add milk of choice to thin it out. (two tablespoons of half-and-half)
  • Mix well and refrigerate for at least an hour to let the flavors combine.

I like adding a half teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce and red wine vinegar for an extra layer of flavor. A tiny amount of both gives the dressing a more complex and delicious taste.

• To make a homemade ranch dip:
  • Follow the same directions above, but omit the lemon juice and milk. Since dip is thicker than dressing, you don’t need the extra liquid.

How To Use Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix

Since my mix does not contain buttermilk powder, it is more of a seasoning blend than a dressing mix. Here are some of my favorite ways to use it.

• Sprinkle it on potatoes before roasting for the best potatoes ever.
• Mix into ground beef for the most amazing ranch burgers.
• Add to softened butter for ranch-flavored compound butter.
• Make a bacon and ranch cheese ball or mini cheeseballs!
• Add it to your favorite Mississippi pot roast recipe.
• Sprinkle it on popcorn.

You can easily double or triple this recipe. Store it in a glass container and keep it in a cool, dry place away from heat and humidity.

Helpful Tips

• Two tablespoons of the dry mix replaces one store-bought packet.
• It’s even more delicious if you make it the day before!
• Keep in mind that they’ll thicken up in the refrigerator.
• Taste again before serving in case anything needs to be adjusted.

Variations

• If you like spicy food, add a dash of cayenne. Love cheese? Add some Parmesan cheese.
• Try adding some fresh parsley and some lemon juice to brighten it up.
• Add any combination of your favorite fresh herbs to make a herb ranch dressing.
• Use full-fat mayonnaise and Greek yogurt to create an extra-rich, creamy dressing or dip.

Pro tip. Homemade food and gifts are the best! Make a big batch, add it to pretty little jars, a ribbon, and a label, and you’ve got yourself a delicious and thoughtful gift!

Equipment used in this recipe:

• Measuring spoons – I suggest this shape over round. They fit into narrow spice jars better!
• Measuring cups
• Mixing bowl – I recommend mixing bowls with lids. SO functional!
• Wire whisk
• Small food processor – I own this set and LOVE it! Hands down, it’s my favorite kitchen appliance!
• Spice jar – for a pretty way to store this recipe and all your other favorite spice blends!
• Salad dressing jar
• Long-tasting spoons– optional but highly recommended! I use my tasting spoons all the time!
• Parchment paper

Serve This With

• 10-Minute Tangy Tomato Dressing Recipe
• Easy Oven Roasted Broccoli Recipe
• Homemade Basil Pesto Recipe | Plus 25 Ways To Use It

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