Name: Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup buttermilk powder (dry); 2 tbsp dried parsley flakes; 2 tsp dill weed; 1 tsp garlic powder; 2 tsp garlic salt; 2 tsp salt; ½ tsp ground black pepper; 2 tsp dry minced onion; 2 tsp onion powder

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: With just 5 minutes of prep time, you can create your own ranch seasoning mix that’s free from preservatives and additives.
Cost-effective: This homemade mix costs just pennies per serving, making it an ultra-budget-friendly alternative to store-bought ranch mixes.
Versatile: Use it for salad dressings, dips, or as a seasoning for roasted veggies, chicken, or popcorn. It’s perfect for a variety of dishes.
Long shelf life: Store it for up to 6 months and always have ranch seasoning on hand when you need it.

Ingredients

1 cup buttermilk powder (dry)
2 tbsp dried parsley flakes
2 tsp dill weed
1 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp garlic salt
2 tsp salt
½ tsp ground black pepper
2 tsp dry minced onion
2 tsp onion powder

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix

Directions

Combine: In a mixing bowl, whisk all the ingredients together until evenly distributed.
Store: Transfer the mix to an airtight container or jar. Label and date the jar to keep track of freshness.
Use: To make 1 cup of dressing, stir 2 tablespoons of the mix into 1 cup of sour cream, mayonnaise, or buttermilk (or any combination). Whisk until smooth and adjust the seasoning to taste.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 16 (1 Tbsp) servings.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Total time: 5 minutes

Variations

Lower sodium: Reduce the amount of garlic salt and regular salt to make a lower-sodium version of the mix.
Vegan version: Use a vegan mayonnaise or plant-based sour cream for a dairy-free dressing. You can also substitute buttermilk powder with non-dairy options like almond or oat milk powder.
Spicy ranch: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to give your ranch mix a little heat.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store your ranch dressing mix in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
Reheating: This mix doesn’t require reheating. Just stir it into your desired base (sour cream, mayo, etc.) to make dressing or dip.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk powder?

If you can’t find buttermilk powder, you can substitute it with 1 cup powdered nonfat milk and 1 tablespoon citric acid for a similar tangy flavor.

How much ranch mix do I need for a salad dressing?

To make 1 cup of ranch dressing, mix 2 tablespoons of the seasoning mix with 1 cup of sour cream, mayo, or buttermilk.

Can I double or halve this recipe?

Yes, you can easily adjust the recipe. Simply double or halve the ingredients to make more or less of the mix based on your needs.

How long does homemade ranch mix last?

When stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, the mix lasts for up to 6 months.

What can I use this ranch mix for besides salad dressing?

This ranch mix is versatile and can be used as a seasoning for roasted veggies, popcorn, chicken, or even as a seasoning for homemade potato wedges.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs?

While fresh herbs are wonderful, dried herbs work best in this seasoning mix since they last longer and provide a more concentrated flavor.

Can I make ranch dip instead of dressing?

Yes, simply mix the ranch seasoning with sour cream, yogurt, or any creamy base for a thick, creamy dip instead of a thinner dressing.

Is there a gluten-free option for the buttermilk powder?

Yes, you can substitute buttermilk powder with gluten-free powdered milk or coconut milk powder if you’re looking for a gluten-free version.

Can I store this ranch mix in the fridge?

This ranch seasoning mix doesn’t need refrigeration as long as it’s stored in a cool, dry place. Just ensure your container is sealed tightly.

How much mix do I need for roasted vegetables?

For roasted veggies, sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of the ranch seasoning mix over the veggies before roasting for a delicious, savory flavor boost.

Conclusion

This homemade ranch dressing mix is an easy, budget-friendly way to add flavor to your favorite dishes. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a large batch of ranch seasoning that’s perfect for dressings, dips, and even as a seasoning for roasted vegetables or popcorn. Keep it stored and ready to go for a quick flavor fix whenever you need it!