Homemade Ranch Dressing

What's the difference between buttermilk ranch and regular ranch?

Surprise! There's no difference between buttermilk and regular ranch. Traditional ranch recipes, like this one, use buttermilk as their base. Buttermilk gives your dressing that tang and creaminess we all know and love. If you don't have buttermilk on hand, try making this buttermilk recipe, or a handy buttermilk substitute.

How can I use ranch dressing?

There are plenty of ways to use ranch dressing. Splash it on a side salad, or mix it in to certain potato salads or pasta salads. Dip carrots, cherry tomatoes, celery and broccoli in homemade ranch dressing, as well as chicken wings and potato skins or French fries. It can even work for pizza or chicken burgers! A few more of our favorite recipes that use ranch dressing: turkey and pasta ranch salad, avocado ranch chicken wraps and breaded pork chops.

How long will homemade ranch dressing last?

Homemade ranch dressing should last for 5 to 7 days in the refrigerator—if you don't eat it up before then. Learn more about how long condiments last—from mustard to barbecue sauce.

What are some variations of this homemade ranch dressing recipe?

If you want to spice up your dressing, add a dash of your favorite hot sauce or chopped jalapenos. (Keep the seeds in if you can handle the heat.) Otherwise, get creative with the seasonings in the recipe. Add more of what you love! You can even make dairy-free vegan ranch dressing using almond or soy milk instead of buttermilk.

—Lauren Pahmeier, Taste of Home Associate Editor