There’s nothing better than homemade ranch that tastes just as good (if not better) than the bottled stuff.
This Original Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Recipe delivers that creamy, tangy flavor to your kitchen using fresh herbs and ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
In 5 minutes, you can have a ranch dressing or dip to use as a salad dressing, dip, or sandwich spread.
What I love about this recipe is the ratio of creamy mayo, bright lemon juice, and fresh flavor of dill, chives, and parsley. You get that headline nostalgic ranch flavor, and it is still free of artificial ingredients and preservatives.
And since we already have some other favorites on our site, hidden valley ranch secret sauce recipe, olive garden garlic herb sauce recipe, bjs restaurant honey mustard dressing recipe, etc., you can have plenty of delicious sauces and dressings to compliment your ranch dressing!
Why You’ll Love Original Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing
It is so quick to make whisk and go! You can whip up this dressing in less than five minutes with simple ingredients from your fridge. It’s great for busy weeknights or last minute get-togethers.
The taste is so rich and customizable. If you like a thicker dip, or a pourable dressing, you simply add more, or less milk, and it’s made easier to veganize with any plant-based mayo and oat milk.
And lastly, you really just can’t beat the freshness of the herbs. It really has that homemade vibe!
The flavor and aroma are just so much fresher than other bottles, which is why this dressing is a staple for weekly meal prep!
Ingredients Required for Original Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Recipe
Before you start, make sure you have all the following ingredients listed below for this Original Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Recipe
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or vegan mayo for dairy-free option)
- ½ cup sour cream (or dairy-free sour cream)
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh chives (or 2 tsp dried)
- 2 tsp finely chopped fresh parsley (or ½ tsp dried)
- 2 tsp finely chopped fresh dill (or ½ tsp dried)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼–½ tsp salt, to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ¼–½ cup buttermilk (or full-fat oat milk for vegan option)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Airtight jar or glass bottle for storing
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Copycat Original Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Recipe
Just follow these easy steps to make your own Original Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing at home
1. Mix the Base
Begin with adding to a medium-sized mixing bowl ½ cup mayonnaise and ½ cup sour cream. Whisk them together until the texture is smooth, creamy, and well combined. This forms the rich base for your ranch dressing.
2. Add Fresh Herbs
Stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped chives, 2 teaspoons of chopped parsley, and 2 teaspoons of chopped dill. These herbs bring that signature ranch aroma and fresh green color. You can use dried herbs if needed, but reduce the amount slightly. Step 3: Season the Dressing Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ¼–½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Add 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice to make it tangy. Whisk everything until well combined.
3. Season the Dressing
Incorporate ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ to ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Mix in 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice to give it a hint of sourness. Mix all the above components well.
4. Pouring in the Buttermilk
Gradually add ¼ cup buttermilk (or oat milk if you want to make it vegan), whisking constantly. This will thin out the dressing slightly and give it enough creaminess to pour.
5. Adjust Thickness Check the texture;
if you want a thin dressing, add more milk one tablespoon at a time until you get the desired consistency.
6. Chill and Serve.
Let the Place the dressing in an airtight container or jar. Refrigerate the dressing for at least 1 hour before serving. The dressing will be ready to be served chilled over salads and veggies.
How to Store Original Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Properly?
Put the ranch dressing in a sealed jar or container and keep it in the fridge for up to a week. Since the herbs might sink to the bottom, give it a shake or whisk each time before you use it. It’s best served cold, so no need to reheat.
What to Pair and Serve with Original Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing
1. Classic Veggie Dip:
Honestly, there’s nothing better than a cold bowl of ranch surrounded by crisp carrot sticks, celery, and cucumber. We serve it this way at every get-together and it always disappears first!
2. Pizza Crust Partner:
If you’ve never dipped your leftover pizza crusts in ranch, you’re missing out. It’s that perfect creamy-cool contrast to the warm, cheesy bite.
3. Crispy Chicken Wings:
Toss your wings in buffalo sauce, then dunk them in this homemade ranch. We’ve tested it both ways drizzle or dip-and trust us, dip wins every time.
4. Loaded Potato Wedges:
Drizzle ranch over hot, crispy potato wedges, then top with green onions and shredded cheese. It turns a simple side into something everyone fights over.
5. Burger Sauce Upgrade:
Swap your usual mayo for ranch on your burger buns. The tanginess balances the juicy beef or grilled chicken perfectly.
6. Salad Game-Changer:
We love using this dressing on a simple salad of romaine, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers. It adds restaurant-style flavor without any effort.
7. Wraps and Sandwiches:
Spread a thin layer of ranch inside chicken wraps or turkey sandwiches-it keeps them juicy and flavorful even after hours in the fridge.
8. French Fry Dip:
Move over ketchup. We started dipping fries in ranch one lazy weekend-and never went back.
9. Baked Potato Topping:
Top a warm baked potato with a spoonful of ranch, a sprinkle of cheddar, and crumbled bacon. Pure comfort in a bowl.
10. Buffalo Cauliflower or Veggie Bites:
Our go-to snack when craving something lighter! Ranch cools down the heat from buffalo-coated cauliflower perfectly.
My Personal Experience With this Recipe and Some Tips
I whipped up some ranch dressing last weekend, and it was surprisingly simple and tasted great! The family enjoyed it with carrots and fries. It reminded me of Hidden Valley Ranch, but it tasted fresher. I felt good about making it myself- it’s become our go-to dip now.
Tips for This Recipe
1. Use fresh herbs – they make your ranch smell and taste amazing.
2. Whisk well so everything mixes nice and smooth.
3. Add milk slowly to control how thick or thin it gets.
4. Taste and adjust – a little more salt or lemon can make it perfect.
5. Let it chill – it tastes better after resting in the fridge.
6. Store in a jar with a lid to keep it fresh all week.
FAQs on Original Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Recipe
Here are some common questions I’ve got you covered about the Original Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Recipe .
1. What are the ingredients in Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing?
From our experience, the original Hidden Valley Ranch includes mayonnaise, buttermilk, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and fresh herbs like parsley, chives, and dill. Our homemade version keeps all those classic flavors- just fresher and cleaner!
2. Is Hidden Valley Ranch the original?
Yes! Hidden Valley Ranch was the very first ranch dressing, created in the 1950s by Steve Henson on his California ranch. Our recipe is inspired by that same creamy, tangy flavor, but made fresh at home in just minutes.
3. What are the basic ingredients in ranch dressing?
The basic ingredients are mayo, sour cream, buttermilk, herbs, and seasonings. Once you mix them together, you get that creamy, herby dressing we all love!
4. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! We’ve tried it using vegan mayo, dairy-free sour cream, and oat milk instead of buttermilk- it still tastes amazing and keeps that same ranch flavor.
5. How long does homemade ranch dressing last?
From our experience, it stays fresh for about 7 days in the fridge if stored in a sealed jar. Give it a quick stir before each use.
6. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?
Yes, we do this often! Just reduce the amount to about half since dried herbs are stronger in flavor. It’s still delicious and super convenient.
7. Why do you add both garlic and onion powder?
We’ve found that using both gives the best classic ranch flavor. Garlic adds depth, and onion brings that soft savory note that makes the dressing taste authentic.
8. Can I skip the lemon juice?
We don’t recommend skipping it- it adds brightness and balances the creamy texture. If you don’t have lemon juice, a splash of white vinegar works too!
9. How can I make the dressing thicker or thinner?
If you want it thicker for dipping, just use less milk. For a pourable salad dressing, add more milk one tablespoon at a time until it’s just right.
10. What can I serve with homemade ranch dressing?
Homemade ranch dressing is super versatile! We love using it with fresh veggies like carrots and celery, as a dip for chicken wings or fries, drizzled over salads, or even as a spread on sandwiches and wraps. It really makes any meal tastier!
Making your own Original Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing is easier than you think, and the results are always worth it. Fresh herbs, creamy mayo, and a touch of tangy buttermilk come together to create a dressing that’s flavorful, versatile, and far better than store-bought.
From dipping veggies to topping salads, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time. Give it a try, experiment with thickness and seasoning, and make it your go-to homemade ranch.
Don’t forget to check out our other sauce recipes like hidden valley ranch secret sauce recipe, olive garden garlic herb sauce recipe, and bjs restaurant honey mustard dressing recipe to keep your meals exciting!
I’d love to hear your thoughts-leave a comment on the blog and let me know How it came out! Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest, Facebook and YouTube for more delicious updates. Your support truly means everything to me.