Homemade Ranch Dressing
This recipe offers a healthier twist on homemade ranch dressing using Greek yogurt. It’s a simple way to recreate the classic ranch flavor from scratch. With minimal effort, you will have a dressing that tastes like restaurant quality.
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Homemade dressings are one of my favorite wholesome eating hacks. They are ridiculously easy, and the flavor can’t compare. Try this easy balsamic vinaigrette dressing or this honey mustard vinaigrette next. For more inspiration, browse through all of our salad dressing recipes.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Homemade dressings allow you to use the best quality ingredients, which results in a far superior product than store-bought.
- Free from any preservatives or additives, this dressing is for you if you are into more natural food options.
- This ranch dressing recipe is naturally gluten-free and kid-friendly. Bonus!
Ingredients
Find the complete ingredient list, with measurements, in the recipe card below.
- Greek Yogurt – A thick, creamy unflavored Greek yogurt is the tangy base of this dressing. Make sure you use plain yogurt.
- Milk – Whole milk is our go-to, but you can also use 2% or skim.
- Parsley – We love using fresh chopped parsley but dried herbs also work.
- Pepper – Freshly ground black pepper is a must for this recipe.
- Salt – A pinch of fine sea salt brings out the best flavors in your ingredients.
- Dill – Again, fresh dill or dried both works.
- Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Thyme – These round out the seasonings for the ranch flavor.
Expert Tip!
Ensure the pepper is coarsely ground to add a burst of flavor with the occasional bite of a larger peppercorn piece in your dressing.
- Turn the screw on the top of the grinder, and adjust the coarseness easily.
- Made from wood, stainless steel, and ceramic.
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl – Since we are whisking liquids, we recommend using a large bowl to minimize any splattering or spilling.
- Whisk – This is for blending the dressing, You could also use a large spoon.
- Jar with Lid – This is for storing your dressing in. They are also really great for shaking the dressing in before using it.
- Air-tight lid.
- Glass construction - no plastic.
- Useful for making dressings or storing dried goods.
Instructions
Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the FULL recipe details.
Step 1
Start by measuring out the Greek yogurt and milk and adding them to the large mixing bowl.
Step 2
Then, combine the Greek yogurt and milk with a whisk or spoon.
Whisk it so it is smooth and well combined.
Step 3
Next comes the fresh parsley.
Using the fresh herbs adds a punch of flavor and color.
Step 4
Finally, whisk in the rest of the spices.
Step 5
Transfer it to an airtight glass jar and refrigerate it for an hour or two to set and allow the flavors to develop.
Expert Tip!
For the best ranch dressing, be sure to shake the jar well before each use to ensure all the ingredients are evenly mixed and the flavors are well distributed.
Substitutions
- If you want a creamier, richer version, you can substitute sour cream or mayo instead of Greek yogurt. Try using this delicious lemon mayonnaise for a little tang.
- Balkan yogurt would also work. The difference between Greek yogurt and Balkan yogurt is that Balkan yogurt has lower protein and higher fat.
- Instead of parsley, fresh chives are also delicious.
- Use buttermilk instead of whole milk for a classic buttermilk ranch dressing.
Recipe Variations
- Like a little spice? Try this spicy ranch dressing. It is great for a savory dip.
- Mix in crispy bacon bits for a savory, smoky addition. Coconut bacon tastes delish!
Serving Suggestions
- Use this dressing for dipping sauce for cut veggies like celery and carrots.
- Obviously, it is great in salads. Try this Pulled Pork Salad and this Easy Chicken Taco Salad. So much yum!
- We also suggest it as a sauce for french fries and baked chicken wings.
FAQS
It really is about the same as far as cost goes because store-bought dressings can be pretty cheap, but the main idea is control of your ingredients.
Homemade ranch can be healthier since you control the ingredients and can use healthier options like Greek yogurt and fresh herbs.
Storage Tips
To Store: Keep unused portions in the sealed mason jar in the refrigerator for up to a week. Be sure to shake it well when you use ut out the fridge.
We don’t recommend freezing homemade ranch dressing, as it can cause the texture to become grainy and separate once thawed. It’s weird. Trust me.
More Homemade Salad Dressing Recipes
**This recipe was originally posted on February 7, 2014. Updated on December 8, 2020, and again on June 17, 2024, with new recipe notes, writing, and photos.**
If you’ve tried this ranch salad dressing recipe, please rate it and let me know how it turned out by leaving me a comment below. I’m always interested in feedback!
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Homemade Ranch Dressing
Ingredients
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley (or ½ tbsp dried)
- 1 tsp coarsely ground fresh pepper
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp dried dill
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ⅛ tsp dried thyme
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the yogurt and milk together until well combined.
- Whisk in the parsley, followed by the remaining seasonings.
- Transfer to a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate for two hours.
- Shake the jar well before using.
This missed the mark in my opinion. Ranch is typically made with fresh parsley, fresh dill, and fresh chives; the powered onion and garlic are fine. It needed a bit of acid so I added a teaspoon or two of vinegar and that added the punch I was looking for.
LIke you, I generally stick to vinaigrettes (and I haven’t purchased salad dressing in YEARS), but this is so easy, and with the swap to Greek yogurt, a lot less guilty. Don’t get me wrong, I love sour cream, but if you’re planning to use a lot of ranch in a recipe, this is a superb way to go! Cheers!
Yes, true this is really good when larger amounts are needed to healthy things up a bit. 🙂 Thanks, Sean!
We’re big ranch fans in this house so having it homemade is so much better than store bought. Thanks for sharing.
Ranch is such a classic, right? Thanks, Kristen.
I had planned to figure out how to make Ranch Dressing with Greek yogurt and you beat me to it! 🙂 This looks delicious and I can’t wait to try it!
I absolutely love using Greek yoghurt in dressings. This sounds delish!
It turned out so good! We love ranch dressing and now I have a much healthier recipe, thank you!
I’m a huge fan of ranch also! 🙂
This is my favourite ranch dressing! I love the spice level of the pepper and I love dill (I used fresh). Thanks for giving me a guilt free alternative!
Thanks for providing us with a healthier version of Ranch dressing. It’s very tasty and creamy!
Sooo creamy!
I was looking for a healthier ranch dressing This is amazing! i love the new modern take to it!
It is a keeper!
I was looking for a healthier ranch dressing and I’ve found it. I just love Greek yogurt with everything. It’s so good. Thanks for sharing this recipe.
Thanks so much! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, there is noting more empowering than making your own dressing. 😉 Enjoy the rest of your week!
Add some avacado for extra creaminess and mix in some jalapeños for a spicy kick
Great idea! Love the added spice. 🙂
It ain’t ranch without buttermilk.
Would you suggest a substitute for dill or could I eliminate it altogether? I’m really not a fan. Thanks!
Don’t worry about the dill if you don’t like it. 🙂
What kind of milk did you use?
I used 1% organic dairy milk, but any kind of milk should be fine. Just no flavoured ones, like vanilla or something. Enjoy it! 🙂
I tried making this and it was WAY too peppery the first time – I ended up tossing it. The second time I added the pepper at the end to taste and it was much better. Probably ended up being about half as much.
Only because I didn’t have any yogurt on hand, I used mayo instead, and it STILL turned out great! This might even be preferable for those who like a thick texture. Thanks for the recipe!
Awesome! Thanks so much, Angela. 🙂
I added a few dashes of liquid smoke and worcestershire. Delicious!
Oooh! Smoke! Great idea. 🙂 Thanks so much.
Looking forward to making this for my kids veggie tray today! Thank you so much for the recipe.
Yay! You will all love it. 🙂 Thanks Elyse.
Can make with buttermilk to make buttermilk ranch, you think?
Absolutely! I would sub the milk for buttermilk. Great idea! Have a great weekend, Andrea. 🙂
Just made this, and it is delicious Sharon! I used non-fat plain yogurt with the addition of a little water. Yum yum! 🙂 Have a great Sunday girl!
SO close to the original, right? Enjoy the rest of the weekend! What’s left. 😉
Just made this using plain, regular yogurt and without the addition of milk…excellent! Thanks for sharing the recipe – will be using this one again for sure. And I will definitely try it with the originally posted Greek yogurt next time, too.
So easy and so much better than the bottles, right? Thanks so much for letting me know you enjoyed it! 🙂
How long can this be stored up to in the fridge? Just a rough idea. Thanks and love this recipe!
It would depend on the freshness of your milk and yogurt. Check the expiry date on those and that should be your guide. I hope you love it! 🙂
Thanks for the heads up on this recipe….will try with the picky son…do a few push ups at 440 for me whilst I am away. Love the blog
Thanks Julie! I’m doing pushups right now! 😉 Have a great holiday!
I want to try this recipe but have a dairy allergy. Can you substitute Veganaise (mayo) for the yogurt?? Thanks!
Hmmm…the veganaise might have to thick of a texture to it. Is there some kind of dairy free sour cream? That would be the closest substitute.
Yeah I’ll have to look! Thanks!
This is perfect! I love ranch for dipping cucumber, carrots, celery…oh boy I think I just may have realized I like ranch more than I thought…but I’m the same as you. I never buy it & don’t really think I remember the last time I ate it. I guess I’ll just have to try out your recipe & discover my old love for ranch again! 🙂
I know! It’s a total blast from the past. 🙂 Maybe add some chipotle? 😉
Can any type of yogurt be substituted for the Greek? My Daughter is gluten and dairy free.
Hey George! That one is kind of hard. I know there are great coconut yogurts but I can’t see that flavour working with this recipe. Dairy allergies can be tough … Sorry I couldn’t be more helpful.
I use Just Mayo instead of Greek Yogurt to and it is fabulous!
Just remember that a cup of mayo is about 1500 calories, while a cup of Greek yogurt is 100 calories. There are several brands of nondairy yogurt. I personally like to make my ranch dressing with 1 c of buttermilk and 1/4 c of mayo–not as low calorie as the yogurt version, but I adore the tang of buttermilk and still get about a 1 1/2 c of dressing for about 400 calories total, or about 65 calories per serving
You can try silken tofu.
Could I use whipping cream instead of milk?
I haven’t tried with whipping cream but I think it would work! It would definitely be a richer flavour.
Love, love, love that this is made with Greek Yogurt!
I love the Greek yogurt! So versatile…