Buttermilk Ranch Dip

Why This is the Best Recipe

You could just buy a bottle of ranch dressing at the store but I believe that this is the best homemade ranch dip recipe because:

1. From Scratch: When you make it homemade, you know exactly what you're adding to the recipe.
2. Perfect Texture: You can make this dip as thick or as pourable as you want just by adjusting the ratio of mayo to buttermilk.
3. Fresh Flavor: With a mix of dried seasonings and fresh chives, you cannot beat a freshly made batch of homemade ranch. You'll never buy the bottles again.

Ingredients

This simple recipe uses just a handful of easy ingredients:

• Buttermilk: If you don't have buttermilk, just use my easy buttermilk substitution in the notes below.
• Sour Cream: I used light sour cream but you could use fat-free or full-fat sour cream as you prefer.
• Mayonnaise: You can use a regular mayo or a lighter mayo made with olive oil.
• Minced Garlic
• Salt & Pepper
• Dried Dill: I used dried dill out of convenience but you could substitute fresh dill if you have an herb garden.
• Dried Parsley: I used dried parsley for ease, but you could also substitute fresh for this if you have it.
• Onion Powder
• Lemon
• Fresh Chives: This is the one herb I strongly recommend using fresh. Fresh chives have a flavor that cannot be beat. If you don't have them handy, dried chives could work in a pinch. A bit of green onion would be another acceptable substitute but would add a much stronger flavor.

Easy Buttermilk Substitute

If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can substitute 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice or white vinegar.

Stir the milk and lemon juice or vinegar together and let sit for 5 minutes before using in the recipe.

Mix the Dip Together

I like to start by whisking together the herbs and seasonings with the mayo, buttermilk, and sour cream.

Then I add the chopped fresh chives and lemon juice and whisk a little more gently so I don't totally crush the chives.

Make Ahead Tips

You'll definitely want to prep the ranch dip in advance so you can chill it for one hour before using.

This lets the flavors mingle and helps the dip to taste even better.

You can store the ranch dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

I don't recommend you freeze the dip, the texture will become quite runny and off when it thaws.

Serving Suggestions

You can use this thick homemade buttermilk ranch dip with your favorite baked chicken.

I recommend pairing it with my buttermilk fried chicken that's baked in the oven.

If you don't want a breaded chicken, I suggest seasoning a batch of chicken tenderloins with my easy chicken wing dry rub seasoning and then broil them or pop them in the air fryer.

You could also use the ranch dip with a raw veggie platter for dunking, add it to a platter of crispy breakfast potatoes, or serve it with my warm fresh baked pretzels.

Of course this ranch dip also works as a ranch salad dressing. If you want to thin it out a little, just add a splash more buttermilk. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasonings before drizzling over your lettuce.

Chicken Wing Dry Rub Seasoning

Easy Broiled Chicken Tenderloins

Crispy Breakfast Potatoes Skillet

Easy Pretzels to Bake With Kids

More Easy Dip Recipes

If you enjoy homemade dips for dunking, I think you will also love these easy recipes:

Homemade Yum Yum Sauce

Cilantro Lime Ranch Dressing

Copycat Chick-Fil-A Sauce

Honey Mustard Dip

More Buttermilk Recipes

Looking for ways to use up the leftover buttermilk after making your ranch dip? Don't miss these family favorite recipes:

Homemade Buttermilk Pancakes

Grandma's Buttermilk Cornbread

Easy Buttermilk Drop Biscuits {4 Flavor Variations}

Easy Buttermilk Waffles