This quick and easy Ranch Dressing Mix is so fresh and tasty, you’ll never want to go back to pre-made packets again! Just a few simple ingredients, and you’ve got the perfect Hidden Valley copycat ranch seasoning mix… made with REAL ingredients you can pronounce! Use it as a seasoning, or to make the best ranch salad dressing or party dip!
Ranch Dressing Mix
Have you ever wondered what makes a Hidden Valley buttermilk ranch dressing packet so delightfully scrumptious? It’s the Buttermilk!
But why settle for that over-priced store bought ranch seasoning packet when you can make your own copycat buttermilk ranch seasoning instead?!?
Jodie writes: “I’ve made this recipe plenty of times already and it’s so yummy!”
Trust me, this ranch seasoning tastes both fresh and delicious, because it’s made with actual buttermilk. You’ll also love the perfectly balanced seasonings.
Best of all… you’ll rest easy knowing it was made without all of the preservatives, just like all of my Seasoning Mix Recipes.
I’ll let you in on a little secret, too.
My family thinks this dry ranch mix tastes even better than the real thing!
Seriously, you won’t even want the Hidden Valley packet when you can make a superior tasting homemade ranch seasoning with real buttermilk instead.
Quality ingredients really do make all the difference. This savory Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing, easy Greek Tzatziki Sauce, and wonderful Dill Dip for Veggies all prove that point deliciously!
So go ahead and upgrade your expectations, because your homemade ranch seasoning is about to get a major flavor upgrade!
Here’s what you’ll need to make yours…
What Is The Best Buttermilk Ranch?
One of the best flavored buttermilk ranch mixes you can buy at the store is Hidden Valley Ranch. However, those packets can be pricey and you have no way of controlling the ingredients.
Today that’s all about to change, because with this gourmet buttermilk ranch mix you can save money and control your ingredients.
Ingredients that will yield a fresher tasting, better flavored ranch than what you can get at the store! Just like when you make my Awesome Steak Seasoning or Chicken Taco Seasoning!
Ingredients
By simply using 100% real ingredients, you’ll be able to finally experience what the BEST buttermilk ranch dressing mix recipe tastes like.
First check in your cupboards and pantry, then add these ranch dressing seasonings to your next grocery list…
- Dry Buttermilk Powder – This is the secret for making the best Buttermilk Ranch Seasoning.
- Dried Parsley Flakes – Preserve fresh parsley with this trick for How to Dry Parsley!
- Garlic Powder
- Garlic Salt
- Dried Dill – Try this trick for How to Dry Dill.
- Salt
- Pepper
- Minced Onions
- Onion Powder
When making a buttermilk ranch salad dressing, you’ll also need…
- Milk – Fresh buttermilk can be substituted
- Mayonnaise
Or when using this homemade ranch seasoning for a dip, you’ll also need…
- Sour Cream
That’s it. Just 9 simple ingredients are all you’ll need to make this dreamy copycat Hidden Valley buttermilk ranch recipe. Custom Seasoning Blends and Easy Homemade Salad Dressings don’t get much simpler or easier to make!
Why Does Store Bought Ranch Taste Different?
Store bought ranch definitely doesn’t compare to this homemade ranch.
The difference you are tasting is likely due to the quality of ranch dressing mix ingredients and preservatives included in the store bought version.
With this easy homemade ranch seasoning recipe, you can take control of the ingredients you’re using… and know that you are mixing together the very best tasting ranch mix possible!
Is Ranch and Buttermilk Ranch The Same?
The difference between Ranch and Buttermilk Ranch is the delicious buttermilk used in the buttermilk ranch!
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Pin ItHow To Make Ranch Dressing Mix
Trust me, making your own homemade buttermilk ranch mix is going to be so easy.
Here’s what you’ll do…
1. Measure out all ingredients, and place in small bowl.
2. Whisk together until well combined.
3. Transfer to an old spice jar or mini mason jar, and you’re done.
4. To make Ranch Dressing, you’ll mix some of the Ranch seasoning mix with Milk or Buttermilk and Mayo.
5. To make a dip, you’ll mix some of the ranch seasoning mix with sour cream.
That’s it. Easy peasy!
So now that you can make your own indulgent, taste bud pleasing ranch mix… there’s just one last thing to do. Make some as soon as possible!!
Scroll down for the printable recipe card with detailed, step-by-step instructions.
How Do You Thicken Buttermilk Ranch Dressing or Dip?
The simplest way to thicken your buttermilk ranch is to refrigerate it for 1-2 days before using. You can also try adding some xanthan gum to help thicken up your dressing.
Another way to thicken up your ranch is to prepare it as a dip instead of a dressing.
Homemade Ranch Dressing Instructions:
For this buttermilk ranch seasoning, I instruct you to combine 3 tablespoons of dry mix with 1 cup of milk, and 1 cup of mayonnaise.
This will yield 16 ounces of Buttermilk Ranch Dressing.
Homemade Dip Instructions:
If you wanted to use this ranch dressing mix with sour cream to create a thicker dip, you would combine 3 tablespoons of dry mix with 2 cups of sour cream.
How To Use Homemade Ranch Seasoning
There are so many delicious ways to use this buttermilk ranch dressing. To start, you can use it as a salad dressing for your fresh green salads. Or you can use it as a dip for fresh veggies and chips.
I also love to use it as the secret ingredient when making dinner.
How so? I like to have a big batch of this copycat hidden valley ranch dressing mix on hand to use in any recipes that call for a packet of hidden valley ranch dressing mix.
Try it for yourself when you upgrade this Bacon and Ranch Chicken, party pleasing BBQ Crockpot Meatballs, or my viral Taco Soup Recipe
Ranch Dressing Mix Reviews
Here’s what your frugal friends are saying about this copycat hidden valley buttermilk ranch recipe…
Matthew writes: “Easy and tastes good”
Marcellina writes: “Love this!”
Art writes: “This is such a a life saving recipe, I buy it a lot, and now I can make my own”
Denise writes: “Easy and so delish!”
Kyla writes: “Amazing! So much better than a store-bought mix”
Andy writes: “👍👍”
Rebecca writes: “Fantastic alternative! Love it! A fabulous recipe!”
Jenna writes: “Yum! So much better than the packets!”
Kim writes: “This is the best!!”
Diana writes: “Make this all the time! I like to use in place of packaged seasoning.”
Katherine writes: “Always the best! Good on everything!”
Michelle writes: “Great recipe”
Jodie writes: “I’ve made this recipe plenty of times already and it’s so yummy!”
Patti writes: “SO MUCH FRESHER than the bottled stuff in the stores!”
Dawn writes: “So yummy! Perfect for summer salads.”
Tuty writes: “Amazing on chicken salad”
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Did You Enjoy This Recipe? ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a comment & review below!
Ranch Dressing Mix
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Dry Buttermilk Powder
- 1 Tbsp Dried Parsley Flakes
- 1 tsp Dill Weed
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Garlic Salt
- 1 tsp Salt
- ¼ tsp Pepper
- 1 tsp Dried Minced Onions
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
Instructions
- Gather your ingredients.
- Add all ingredients to small mixing bowl and whisk together until thoroughly combined.
- Use immediately, or transfer mixture to a mason jar to store in your pantry for later.
- To Make Ranch Dressing: combine 3 Tbsp of Buttermilk Ranch Seasoning, 1 cup of Milk (or fresh Buttermilk) and 1 cup Mayonnaise. Stir thoroughly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. (Makes approx. 16 oz. Dressing.)
- To Make Dip: combine 3 Tbsp of Homemade Ranch Seasoning with 16 oz. of Sour Cream. Stir thoroughly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- How Much To Use: 3 Tbsp of this Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Mix = a 1 oz. packet of Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix. Substitute in recipes using Hidden Valley Ranch packets accordingly.
- FAQ’s: For answers to Frequently Asked Questions or tips for common substitutions and variations, please refer to the detailed information above this recipe card.
Like this recipe? Rate & comment below!A special thanks to frugal friend Mike for sharing this delicious recipe!
Homemade always wins—so much richer than store-bought!
Happy Tuesday, Heidi!
I know you’ll love the flavor. The taste of the Real buttermilk powder can’t be beat!
Can I just use 1 cup buttermilk instead of the dried buttermilk and milk combination?
Hi Tani ~ The buttermilk powder is a very important ingredient if you’ll be using the ranch mix as a seasoning packet substitute in other types of recipes.
Also, in regards to using regular buttermilk rather than the buttermilk powder + regular milk, the consistency and flavor will definitely be altered. Hope that helps! 🙂
I wanted to use as a salad dressing, does that make a difference in your reply?
I know it will change the flavor and texture somewhat, but you can definitely give it a try. If you do, let me know how it turns out!
We make this all the time with one exchange. We use Anthony’s heavy cream (whipping cream) powder instead of buttermilk powder. The diff is mostly in the carbs ~ 30 gram buttermilk powder is 15 gram carb. 30 gram heavy cream powder is only 2.5 gram carbs. Making it more keto friendly for all your seasoning and dipping needs.
That’s a great tip, DJ… thanks so much for sharing!!
Are the minced onions in the recipe dried onions?
Hi Joan… yes, the minced onions are dried. 🙂
How much mix does this make? 8oz?
Hi Jennifer,
The recipes makes approx. 16 oz..
Hope this helps ~ Heidi
i never heard of dry buttermilk? where do i find it.? casey
Hi Casey ~ I got in on Amazon.
Hope that helps! 🙂
I can find it at any of my local grocery stores. For me, its where the powdered milk and instand mashed potatoes are.
Can I use whole milk and regular mayo as opposed to light?
Absolutely, that will work just fine.
~ Heidi