This homemade ranch seasoning comes together in about 5 minutes with basic pantry staples. Keep a jar on hand for an easy way to add bold, zesty flavor to meat, veggies, ranch dip, salad dressing, and more!
Skip the store-bought packets! This easy homemade ranch seasoning comes together quickly with ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen (no buttermilk powder necessary). It’s an inexpensive and versatile kitchen staple that flavors chicken, pork, roasted veggies, and potatoes. Use the seasoning to stir together a quick dip or salad dressing, too. Everyone loves this bright, herby blend!
Ingredient Notes and Tips for Success
- Store-bought packets of ranch seasoning mix (such as Hidden Valley brand) typically include buttermilk powder to give the mix that signature tangy, creamy flavor. Unfortunately, most of us don’t keep buttermilk powder on hand. Instead, I created this quick ranch seasoning blend without buttermilk — just simple herbs and spices that you likely have in your pantry. This makes it more versatile, easier to stir together, and vegan and dairy-free!
- Of course, if you want to add that creamy, tangy dairy in the form of buttermilk, mayo, or sour cream, you can certainly do so. I’ve included instructions below for making homemade ranch dip and homemade ranch dressing, too!
- Another benefit of homemade seasoning blends is that you can control exactly what goes into them. Feel free to adjust the amount of salt if you’re watching your sodium intake, or add a bit of cayenne if you like it spicy. You’ll find suggested Recipe Variations at the bottom of this post.
- If you like to use ranch seasoning regularly, I recommend doubling or tripling the ingredients so that you have a jar ready to use for many more recipes.
How to Make Homemade Ranch Seasoning without Buttermilk
Stir together this simple homemade ranch mix in a matter of minutes! Detailed directions and measurements are included in the recipe card below, but here’s the overview:
- Stir together all of the ingredients in a small bowl.
- Use right away, or store in an airtight container (such as a mason jar) in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
Ways to Use Ranch Seasoning
- Stir into sour cream or Greek yogurt for a homemade ranch dip (those instructions are included in the recipe below).
- Whisk into mayo and buttermilk for classic ranch dressing (those instructions are also included below).
- Sprinkle on chicken, potatoes, roasted veggies, or popcorn.
- Mix into ground beef or turkey for burgers or meatballs.
- Use as a substitute for a store-bought packet of ranch seasoning in other recipes. A packet of ranch seasoning is equal to 2 tablespoons of mix. For instance, use the homemade ranch seasoning in this easy taco soup, Crock Pot Mississippi chicken, 5-minute corn dip, ranch pretzels, this easy buffalo chicken dip recipe, and this popular Crockpot white chicken chili (among many others)!
Homemade Ranch Seasoning
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
This homemade ranch seasoning mix is quick, easy, and perfect for dips, dressings, meat, and veggies!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon dried dill weed
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons dried chives
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt (or more or less to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together all ingredients until evenly combined. Store the seasoning in an airtight container or spice jar in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
Notes
To Make Ranch Dip: Mix 2 tablespoons of seasoning with 1 cup sour cream (add a splash of buttermilk or lemon juice to thin the dip and brighten it up if desired).
To Make Ranch Dressing: Whisk together 2 tablespoons of seasoning with ½ cup mayonnaise and ½ cup buttermilk. Thin with more buttermilk or thicken with extra mayo until it reaches the desired consistency.
This recipe yields a little less than 7 tablespoons of ranch seasoning mix, or enough for 3 batches of dip or dressing (with a bit leftover).
Nutrition
Serving: 2tablespoonsCalories: 38kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 2gFat: 0.3gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.04gSodium: 1177mgPotassium: 234mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 2414IUVitamin C: 24mgCalcium: 75mgIron: 2mg
Recipe Variations
- Make it spicy (add cayenne or chipotle powder)
- The seasoning mix is dairy-free since it doesn’t include buttermilk powder. For a dairy-free dip or dressing, look for a dairy-free yogurt (such as unsweetened, plain coconut milk yogurt, almond milk yogurt, or soy-based yogurt for a creamy texture). Vegan mayo also works well. In lieu of buttermilk, combine 1 cup of unsweetened almond, soy, oat, or cashew milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes to curdle slightly (this mimics the tang of buttermilk).
- For a low-sodium option, reduce the salt to taste.
More Homemade Seasoning Blends
Taco Seasoning for Ground Beef
20 minutes mins
BBQ Rub
5 minutes mins
All Purpose Seasoning (“House Seasoning”)
5 minutes mins
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