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Ranch Dressing

This classic homemade ranch dressing is a versatile addition to any kitchen, offering a bright and creamy flavour that shop-bought versions simply cannot match. As a popular vegetarian staple, this dressing relies on a balanced blend of buttermilk and mayonnaise to create a velvety base, while a trio of fresh herbs provides a characteristic garden-fresh finish. The addition of a hand-crushed garlic and onion paste ensures a deep, savoury profile that lingers beautifully on the palate.

Perfect as a cooling dip for vegetable crudités or a rich topping for a crisp wedge salad, this sauce is incredibly simple to prepare. Because it keeps well in the fridge for up to a week, it is an excellent option for meal prep or for those who enjoy a healthy, flavourful accompaniment to lunch. Whether used as a spread or a dressing, this herb-infused condiment is sure to become a household favourite.

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Ingredients for Ranch Dressing

  • 120ml purchased or homemade mayonnaise

  • 120ml well-shaken buttermilk

  • 1 clove garlic, peeled

  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion

  • 1/8 teaspoons fine sea salt, plus additional to taste

  • 1/2 teaspoons dry mustard

  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives

  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill

  • 1/4 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and buttermilk. In a mortar and pestle, mash the garlic and onion with the fine sea salt to create a paste, or use a large heavy knife to mince and mash the garlic and onion with the salt into a paste. Add the garlic-onion paste and dry mustard to the buttermilk mixture and whisk well to combine. Add the chives, parsley, dill, and freshly ground black pepper and whisk well to combine. Season the dressing with additional fine sea salt. DO AHEAD: The dressing can be prepared ahead and refrigerated, in an airtight container, up to 1 week.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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