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Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Mix (Copycat Hidden Valley)

September 30, 2015 By Heidi 15 Comments

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This copycat Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Mix Recipe is so fresh and tasty… you’ll never want to go back to the pre-made packets again!

You’ll also love making this tasty Honey Balsamic Salad Dressing!

Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Mix Recipe

Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Mix Recipe

Ever wonder what makes Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix so delightfully scrumptious??  It’s the Buttermilk!!

Jodie writes: “I’ve made this recipe plenty of times already and it’s so yummy!”

Have some fun in your kitchen when you skip the store bought ranch dressing mix, and make this delicious copycat Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Mix Recipe instead!

It 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.

Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Mix Directions

I’ll let you in on a little secret, too.

My family thinks this dry ranch dressing mix recipe is even better than the real thing!

Now you can make your own homemade ranch dressing with buttermilk and without the hidden valley packet!

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy ranch dip mix recipe…

Related: Save money on Bulk Spices from Sam’s Club!

What Is The Best Buttermilk Ranch?

One of the best buttermilk ranch mixes you can buy at the store is Hidden Valley Ranch.

However, those packets can be pricey, and my family thinks this version tastes even better than the original!

Not only will this Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Mix Recipe save you money, but you’ll also be mixing together a better tasting ranch than what you can get at the store!

Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Mix Ingredients

Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Mix Ingredients

It takes just a few simple ingredients to make the BEST Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Mix!

First check in your cupboards and pantry, then add these items to your next grocery list…

  • Dry Buttermilk Powder
  • Dried Parsley Flakes – try this trick for How to Dry Parsley Leaves Fast
  • Garlic Powder
  • Garlic Salt
  • Dried Dill try this trick for How to Dry Dill
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Minced Onions
  • Onion Powder

Save money when you buy Bulk Spices from Sam’s Club or Costco.

That’s it.  Just 9 simple ingredients are all you’ll need to make this dreamy copycat buttermilk ranch mix.

Sam's Club Spices

Why Does Store Bought Ranch Taste Different?

Store bought ranch definitely doesn’t compare to homemade ranch.

The difference you are tasting is likely due to the quality of ingredients and preservatives included in the store bought version.

With this Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Mix, you can take control of the  ingredients you are 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!

Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Mix

How To Make Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Mix

It’s so much easier to make your own homemade buttermilk ranch mix than you might think!

Here’s what you’ll do…

1. Measure out all ingredients, and place in small bowl.

Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Mix Recipe

2. Whisk together until well combined.

3. Transfer to an old spice jar or mini mason jar, and you’re done.

That’s it!

See… I told you this was going to be EASY!!

Scroll down for the printable recipe card with detailed, step-by-step instructions.

Ranch Dressing Mix Recipe

How Do You Thicken Buttermilk Ranch?

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

For this Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Mix, 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 Ranch Dressing.

If you wanted to use this recipe to create a thicker Ranch Dip, you would instead combine 3 tablespoons of dry mix with 2 cups of sour cream.

Crock Pot Bacon Ranch Chicken Recipe

How To Use Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Mix

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?  Here are just a few ways you can use this ranch to transform your next dinner into an extravagant feast…

  • Bacon Ranch Chicken
  • Buffalo Ranch Chicken
  • BBQ Bacon Ranch Chicken
  • BBQ Ranch Pork Chops
  • Creamy Ranch Chicken
  • Ranch Chicken Tenders
  • Ranch Onion Whole Chicken

Crockpot Ranch Onion Whole Chicken Recipe

Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Reviews

What Your Frugal Friends Are Saying About this Copycat Hidden Valley Buttermilk Ranch Recipe…

Kim writes: “This is the best!!”

Diana writes: “Make this all the time!  I like to use in place of packaged seasoning.”

Matthew writes: “Easy and tastes good”

Jodie writes: “I’ve made this recipe plenty of times already and it’s so yummy!”

Andy writes: “👍👍”

Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Mix Directions

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Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Mix Recipe
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Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Mix Recipe (Copycat Hidden Valley)

This copycat Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Mix Recipe is so fresh and tasty... you'll never want to go back to the pre-made packets again!
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Total Time5 minutes mins
Servings: 4
Author: The Frugal Girls

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

  • 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 Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix, 1 cup of Milk and 1 cup Mayonnaise. Stir thoroughly and Refrigerate. (Makes approx. 16 oz. Dressing.)

Notes

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.
Course: Main
Cuisine: American

Now wasn’t that SO easy?

A special thanks to frugal friend Mike for sharing this delicious recipe!

Recipes That Use Buttermilk Ranch Mix

I love having a big batch of this on hand to use in any recipes, and for a quick go-to dip!

So now that you know how to make this yummy Copycat Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix recipe, you can use it instead of Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing mix.

Then… have fun using it with these delicious recipes ideas below!

Crockpot Buffalo Ranch Chicken

Have yourself a little flavor party for dinner when you make this healthy Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Recipe!

Easy Crockpot BBQ Ranch Chicken Drumsticks

These drumsticks are the real deal!  Fall-off-the-bone, easy to make, and whoa… just 3 Ingredients!

 Easy Crockpot BBQ Bacon Ranch Chicken

This Crockpot BBQ Bacon Ranch Chicken Recipe packs in so much flavor, it was like a little party was happening right on my dinner plate!

Easy BBQ Ranch Pork Chops Crockpot Recipe

Tonight, dinner will be a showstopper with these Pork Chops on the menu!

Easy Crockpot Kielbasa BBQ Ranch

With hardly any prep, you can just grab a pile of toothpicks… step back and let your guests go to town.

Easy Crockpot BBQ Ranch Meatballs

The BBQ and Ranch flavors mix together to create the most delicious sauce for your meatballs, and you’ll watch them vanish before your eyes!

Easy Crockpot BBQ Ranch Chicken Wings

Make yourself some chicken wing goodness with this delicious BBQ Ranch Chicken Wings recipe!

Easy Cold Spinach Artichoke Dip

Create some tastebud happiness when you serve up this flavor-packed Cold Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe!

No Cook Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe

Easy Ranch Chicken Tenders

Packed with flavor, these chicken tenders are a tasty retreat from bland and boring.  They’re kid approved and SO tasty!

Easy Crockpot Creamy Ranch Chicken

The blend of creamy goodness mixed with the herbs and buttermilk ranch flavors send this chicken over the top!

Crockpot Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe Easy

Easy Bacon Ranch Chicken Crockpot Recipe

This tasty good Crock Pot recipe is the crave-worthy dinner idea you’ve been looking for!

Easy Crock Pot Ranch Onion Whole Chicken

Making a Whole Chicken in the slow cooker has never been easier than with this Crockpot Ranch Onion Whole Chicken Recipe!

More Easy Homemade Sauces

I’ve got even more tasty party dip recipes and totally tasty Sauce Recipes I know you’re gonna love.

Have fun getting inspired by these yummy homemade recipe ideas…

21 Homemade Seasoning Recipes

Cut your grocery bill and score big flavors with these DIY Seasoning Recipes. You’ll love these easy spices and seasonings you can make at home!

DIY Seasoning Recipes Easy

Best Honey Balsamic Salad Dressing (5 Ingredient Vinaigrette)

Transform your salad into the highlight of your dinner with this Best Honey Balsamic Dressing Recipe!

Honey Balsamic Dressing Recipe

Best Dill Dip Recipe

Skip the ranch tonight and give your burgers, chips, veggies or fries a major upgrade with this easy, creamy Dill Dip Recipe!

31 Tasty Sauce Recipes

If you love sauce, then you’ll love making your own at home with these easy homemade sauce recipes for chicken!

33 Easy Party Dips with Few Ingredients!

From easy cold party dips to delicious hot slow cooker dips, there’s something fun for everyone!  If you’re wondering how to make dips easier, you’ve just hit the jackpot!

75 Delicious Appetizer Recipes

What I love about these easy appetizer recipes is that they are so easy to make, take hardly any prep, and can be made well in advance of your party.

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Make your next trip to Walmart extra thrifty when you use my favorite money saving tips for scoring the best Walmart Grocery Deals!

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Start scoring yourself some fabulous Sam’s Club Deals and Steals when you are prepped with these little-known shopping hacks!

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How To Find The Best Grocery Deals (35 Best Ways)

Want to know how to cut your grocery bill in half?  Keep more cash in your wallet with these easy money saving tricks!

So have you tried this easy Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Mix Recipe yet?

Leave a comment & share!

Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Mix Recipe - from TheFrugalGirls.com
Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Mix Recipe at TheFrugalGirls.com
Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Mix Recipe from TheFrugalGirls.com
Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Mix Recipe - Hidden Valley Copycat - at TheFrugalGirls.com

Filed Under: Main Courses Sides, Recipes Tagged With: Salads, Sauce

Comments

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    • Tani says

      October 18, 2023 at 4:30 pm

      Can I just use 1 cup buttermilk instead of the dried buttermilk and milk combination?

      Reply
      • Heidi says

        October 18, 2023 at 5:08 pm

        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! 🙂

        Reply
        • Tani says

          October 19, 2023 at 6:49 am

          I wanted to use as a salad dressing, does that make a difference in your reply?

          Reply
          • Heidi says

            October 19, 2023 at 9:55 am

            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!

            Reply
    • DJ says

      September 14, 2021 at 12:58 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • Heidi says

        September 14, 2021 at 1:04 pm

        That’s a great tip, DJ… thanks so much for sharing!!

        Reply
    • Joan Ostler says

      April 17, 2021 at 11:48 am

      Are the minced onions in the recipe dried onions?

      Reply
      • Heidi says

        April 17, 2021 at 2:00 pm

        Hi Joan… yes, the minced onions are dried. 🙂

        Reply
    • Jennifer Lehman says

      December 8, 2016 at 12:03 pm

      How much mix does this make? 8oz?

      Reply
      • Heidi says

        December 8, 2016 at 5:31 pm

        Hi Jennifer,

        The recipes makes approx. 16 oz..

        Hope this helps ~ Heidi

        Reply
    • casey says

      November 4, 2015 at 1:27 pm

      i never heard of dry buttermilk? where do i find it.? casey

      Reply
      • Heidi says

        November 4, 2015 at 3:23 pm

        Hi Casey ~ I got in on Amazon here: http://amzn.to/1RwnVA9

        Hope that helps! 🙂

        Reply
      • Christie says

        May 25, 2016 at 12:24 pm

        I can find it at any of my local grocery stores. For me, its where the powdered milk and instand mashed potatoes are.

        Reply
        • Heidi says

          June 9, 2021 at 2:48 am

          Can I use whole milk and regular mayo as opposed to light?

          Reply
          • Heidi says

            June 9, 2021 at 4:06 pm

            Absolutely, that will work just fine.

            ~ Heidi

            Reply

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    Hi, I'm Heidi... I'm so glad you're here! I'm the Frugal Girl living here in sunny AZ with my hubby, and love sharing Easy Recipes & Frugal Living Tips!
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