Homemade Ranch Dressing

As a mom, I’m always on the hunt for ways to serve my family healthy, wholesome food.

One of my kitchen staples is our homemade ranch dressing—it’s the magical sauce that gets my daughter to eat her veggies without hesitation.

But when I started reading the ingredient lists on store-bought dressings, I was shocked by the unnecessary additives, preservatives, and unhealthy oils.

That’s when I decided to take matters into my own hands and create a homemade version.

This recipe is not only healthy but also budget-friendly. At just $1.40 for 12.5 ounces, it’s significantly cheaper than the $3–$5 bottles from the store—and so much better for your family.

Let me walk you through how to make your own creamy, delicious ranch dressing.

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Why You’ll Love Making Ranch at Home

Store-bought ranch dressing often contains unhealthy seed oils like sunflower, canola, or soybean oil.

These oils are heavily processed and can disrupt your body’s balance of healthy fats. That’s why I use avocado mayo in this recipe—it’s made with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and has a clean, mild flavor.

Making ranch at home also means I control every ingredient. No mystery thickeners, no artificial flavors—just real food.

Plus, I can tweak the flavors to suit our tastes. It’s a small change that has a big impact on my peace of mind as a mom.

Budget Breakdown

Here’s why this recipe is a win for your wallet:

Avocado Mayo (2/3 cup): $0.92
Sour Cream (1/2 cup): $0.38
Buttermilk or Whole Milk (1/4 cup): $0.10
Spices and Lemon Juice: Approx. $0.15

Total: $1.40 for 12.5 ounces. Compare that to the average price of store-bought ranch, and you’re saving at least 50%!

Step-by-Step Recipe

Ingredients:

2/3 cup avocado mayo
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup buttermilk or whole milk
2 tsp dried dill
1 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp dried chives
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/8 tsp cracked black pepper
1–3 tsp lemon juice (adjust to taste)

Instructions:

Combine the Base Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the avocado mayo, sour cream, and buttermilk. The mayo provides a creamy foundation, while the sour cream adds tanginess.

Add the Herbs and Seasonings
Sprinkle in the dried dill, parsley, chives, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. These classic ranch flavors bring the dressing to life.

Adjust the Tang
Stir in 1 teaspoon of lemon juice at a time, tasting as you go. The lemon juice brightens up the dressing, balancing the creamy base.

Blend and Chill
Whisk the mixture thoroughly to ensure all the spices are evenly distributed. For the best flavor, refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the herbs and spices to meld together beautifully.

Serve and Enjoy
Drizzle it over salads, use it as a dip for veggies, or even spread it on sandwiches. Your family won’t be able to resist!

How to Get a Perfect Consistency with your Ranch Dressing?

If you prefer a thinner, pourable ranch, simply adjust the ratios:

Use 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup sour cream, and 1/2 cup avocado mayo instead of the original amounts.

This tweak makes it easier to drizzle over salads or use as a marinade.

Health Benefits in Every Bite

By making ranch dressing at home, you’re swapping questionable ingredients for nutrient-rich ones. Avocado mayo is a standout ingredient, as it’s free from seed oils and packed with healthy fats.

The fresh herbs and spices are not only flavorful but also loaded with antioxidants.

When you serve this homemade dressing, you’re giving your family more than just a delicious addition to their meals—you’re giving them better nutrition.