This homemade ranch seasoning recipe is a flavorful pantry staple, and easy to make with just a few simple ingredients! Use it to make ranch dip, ranch dressing, or add a burst of flavor to your favorite recipes.
A great substitute for Hidden Valley Ranch powder - but without the added MSG. Gluten free, low carb, and keto.
Many years ago, when first trying the plethora of recipes that were suddenly becoming available online, I discovered that some of these recipes called for something known as "Ranch seasoning."
As a Canadian, I was super confused, because I had never seen such an ingredient in my life! But after asking my in-laws to pick up a few packets on their cross-border shopping trip, I knew that I needed to find a way to make my own!
I've tweaked this recipe over many years, and still use it to this day. Yes, even now that Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning packets are available at most grocery stores.
Even though I still love using a convenient packet every now and then, making my own is an economical (and healthy) way to get the same flavor.
Reasons to Make Your Own:
- Cheaper. Individual packets are pricey. When you make your own homemade ranch seasoning, you can buy the ingredients in bulk and make it for far less.
- No fillers or MSG. Since this recipe uses just basic ingredients, you skip out on the MSG and fillers that are commonly used in store-bought seasoning packets.
- Great for making in large batches. The recipe is easy to scale up (or down), and makes a great gift for friends and family!
- Pantry staple. Many recipes call for ranch packets, and it's easy to run out of them quickly! Making your own means you can have it on hand in your pantry at all times.
Ingredients
- Dry buttermilk powder: This looks very similar to powdered milk, but has a bright and tangy flavor. Powdered buttermilk is not commonly found at grocery stores, but it is easy to purchase on Amazon. I have had occasional luck with finding it in the bulk bins.
- Dried herbs: Parsley, dill, and chives are used. If you can find freeze dried, those are the closest to fresh herbs (in my opinion).
- Garlic and onion: You'll need garlic powder, onion powder, and dried minced onion. The dried onion is an essential element for the texture, so even it if seems redundant to use both dried onion and onion powder, it's important to the end result.
- Salt: You may want to add a little more to your taste, especially if you're trying to make it just like the packaged version. The store-bought packets have MSG, which is what gives it that super salty and savory flavor.
- Ground black pepper: I like to use pre-ground, but you can use freshly ground if you prefer.
- Cornstarch: This can be found in the baking aisle of any grocery store, and helps to thicken any liquids you mix it with.
- Sugar (optional): Adds a touch of sweetness, balancing out the other flavors. Feel free to leave it out.
- Mustard powder (optional): Also known as dry mustard, this can be found with the spices and is an optional ingredient.
Check the recipe card for a full list of ingredients and the quantities needed.
Instructions
Step one: Add all of the ingredients to a medium-sized bowl.
Step two: Whisk everything together.
Step three: The ranch dressing mix is ready when everything is evenly distributed.
Step four: Transfer to an airtight container, or a glass mason jar with a lid.
Label and store for later use.
Storage Tips
This dry ranch dressing mix is perfect for making in large batches for keeping on hand in your pantry, or gifting to friends and family.
Gifting: One of my favorite ways to package it as a gift is by transferring it to pretty mason jars. I like to include a small card tied on with a decorative string. On the card I list the ingredients and measurements (so they can make their own when they run out), as well as the conversion (3 tablespoons = 1 packet). If I have enough room, I may write a quick recipe for making ranch dressing or ranch dip.
Storing: Keep your dry ranch seasoning mix in a cool, dark place like a spice cabinet or pantry cupboard. It should store well for up to 3 months (maybe longer, if your ingredients are very fresh). To prevent clumping, store in a low humidity area, or place 1 teaspoon of dry rice in the bottom of the jar.
Expert Tips
- Use fresh ingredients. The end result is only as good as the ingredients you start with, so make sure you use good quality herbs, seasonings, and buttermilk powder.
- Freeze dried is best. Herbs like dill and chives are the best when freeze dried. They can be found with the spices and seasonings in your local grocery stores.
- Use buttermilk powder. This is probably the most difficult item to find, but it really does add a nice tanginess. If you can't find buttermilk powder, you can use powdered milk instead. But I recommend that you prepare the dressing with real buttermilk (rather than milk) to re-introduce the tangy flavor.
Homemade vs. Store-bought Packets
Homemade: This is a bit more herby, and has more textured bits. Some cornstarch is included for thickening, but it doesn't thicken as much as the store-bought seasoning does (which uses corn maltodextrin). It has a subtle saltiness.
Store-bought: This has added MSG (monosodium glutamate), which gives it a salty and savory flavor. It thickens much more than the homemade blend (because of the corn maltodextrin and fillers).
Homemade Ranch Seasoning Conversion
3 tablespoons dry mix = 1 package
How To Prepare Salad Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup milk (or buttermilk)
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix (or 3 tablespoons homemade)
- Whisk together until well combined.
- Allow to chill for 5-30 minutes before serving.
Top tip: If you want to make a thicker dressing, substitute some of the milk for sour cream.
Homemade Ranch Dip
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix (or 3 tablespoons homemade)
- Whisk together until well combined.
- Chill for 20-30 minutes before serving with veggies, chips, etc.
Different Ways to Use It
Sure, we all know you can make ranch dressing or dip, but there are many creative ways to add flavor to your favorite snacks, sides, and main dishes.
- Chicken tenders
- In dips
- Ranch Chex mix
- Ranch popcorn
- Garlic bread
- Ranch potatoes
- Ranch broccoli
- To season meats
- Ranch pretzels
- Mississippi pot roast (or Mississippi chicken)
- Swamp potatoes
Recipe FAQs
This recipe has been tested with both a food processor method and the bowl and whisk method, and simply whisking the ingredients together gave the best result. It looks the closest to store-bought in both color and texture when done this way.
You will need 3 tablespoons of homemade ranch seasoning to replace one standard packet of ranch dry mix. If your recipe calls for 1 packet, simply substitute 3 tablespoons of your homemade mix and proceed with the instructions.
For every 1 packet (or 3 tablespoons), whisk together 1 cup of mayonnaise and 1 cup of milk (or buttermilk). Once those are combined, whisk in the powder and allow to chill for 5-30 minutes before serving. For a thicker dressing or dip, substitute some (or all) of the milk for sour cream.
If you loved this homemade ranch seasoning recipe, let me know by leaving a 5-star review in the recipe card or comment below! You can also tag me on Instagram @dashfordinner.
Homemade Ranch Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup buttermilk powder
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch up to 1 tablespoon, for thickening
- ¼ cup dried parsley flakes
- 1 ½ tbsp. Dried dill
- 1 ½ tbsp. Garlic powder
- 1 ½ tbsp. Onion powder
- 1 ½ tbsp. Dried onion flakes
- 2 tsp. Ground black pepper
- 2 tsp. Dried chives
- 1 tablespoon salt or more to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar optional
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder optional
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a medium-sized bowl.
- Stir everything together until well combined.
- Transfer to an airtight container or glass jar with a lid.
- Use in your favorite recipes, or to prepare an easy homemade ranch dressing (*recipe in the notes).
Notes
- ½ cup milk (or sour cream for a thick consistency)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 ½ tablespoon homemade ranch dressing mix
Nutrition
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