Ranch fans, this one’s for you. If you reach for ranch with just about everything, keep a homemade ranch seasoning blend in your pantry for dressings, dips, and any recipe that benefits from that tangy-herby flavor. Bonus: you can easily make this mix dairy-free.
Why choose homemade ranch seasoning?
It’s tempting to grab a grocery-store packet, but packaged mixes often include additives like maltodextrin, added sugars, or MSG, and they can be more expensive per use. Making your own blend is just as quick, more economical, and gives you full control over the ingredients and flavor profile.
Homemade mixes are easy to scale: double or triple the recipe to keep a ready supply on the shelf. You can emphasize the herbs you like—dill lovers, add more dill! In minutes you’ll have a flavorful, customizable mix with only the ingredients you want.
What’s in ranch seasoning?
Most of the ingredients are common pantry staples. For a dairy-free version, combine:
- dried parsley
- onion powder
- garlic powder
- dried dill
- dried chives
- salt and pepper
Traditional commercial mixes often include dried milk or buttermilk powder to create a creamy flavor. If you plan to use the blend for creamy dressings or dips, consider adding 1/4 cup dried buttermilk powder to the batch; omit it to keep the mix dairy-free.
This recipe yields about 6 tablespoons of seasoning. For reference, most store packets are about 1 ounce (2 tablespoons), so one homemade batch replaces roughly three store packets.
Tips for the best homemade ranch seasoning
The method is simple: measure, mix, and store. Shake the container before each use to redistribute any settled particles.
Extra pointers:
- Keep everything dry: make sure bowls, measuring spoons, and storage containers are completely dry to prevent clumping.
- Store properly: keep the mix in an airtight container in a cool, dry place; it will stay fresh for a few months.
- Label it: add a sticker with the mix date and note whether it contains buttermilk powder or is dairy-free.
- Maintain options: keep one batch without buttermilk powder for a dairy-free all-purpose seasoning and another with the powder for creamy dressings.
Slow cooker recipes that use ranch seasoning
Ranch seasoning is a natural fit for comforting slow cooker meals. It adds bright herb flavor to casseroles, chilis, and sides. Use it in cheesy tater tot casseroles, buffalo chicken chilis, or ranch-style slow cooker potatoes to add instant savory depth.
Other ways to use ranch seasoning
Ranch is versatile—try it beyond salads:
Ranch dressing
To make a classic creamy ranch:
- Use 1 tablespoon of dairy-free mix or 2 tablespoons if your mix includes dried buttermilk powder.
- Combine the seasoning with 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, and add water by the tablespoon until you reach the desired consistency. Avocado oil mayonnaise is a good lighter choice, but any mayo works.
- Whisk or shake to combine. For a very smooth version suitable for kids, briefly blend in a mini food processor.
- This yields about 3/4 cup of dressing; refrigerate in an airtight jar for 3–4 days.
Ranch dip
Make a quick dip by stirring 1 tablespoon of the seasoning into 8 ounces of sour cream. Use it with raw veggies, chips, nuggets, or baked fries. Swap plain Greek yogurt for a lighter, higher-protein alternative.
Baking and sides
Ranch seasoning works well in savory baking and side dishes. Brush melted butter mixed with ranch over dinner rolls or biscuits. Add it to batters for fried chicken, fish, or vegetables. Stir a bit into mashed potatoes for a flavorful boost—this is a place where the buttermilk powder can be especially nice.
Snacks
Make your own ranch-flavored snack mix with cereals, pretzels, nuts, or popcorn. Toss crackers with melted butter mixed with the seasoning, then store in an airtight container for party-ready snacks.
Homemade Ranch Seasoning Recipe
Jennifer Draper
Equipment
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measuring spoons
Ingredients
Homemade Ranch Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon dried dill
- 1 tablespoon dried chives
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup dried buttermilk powder optional for a creamy version
Homemade Ranch Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise avocado oil mayo works well
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix use 1 tablespoon if the mix is dairy-free
- 1 tablespoon water add more by tablespoon to reach desired consistency
Instructions
Homemade Ranch Seasoning Instructions
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Whisk all spices together in a bowl until well combined.
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Store the blend in a dry, airtight container.
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Shake or stir before using to recombine settled spices.
Homemade Ranch Dressing Instructions
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Whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, ranch seasoning, and water in a bowl or jar.
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Add water by tablespoons until the dressing reaches your desired consistency.
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Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
- Packet substitute: Most store packets are 1 ounce (about 2 tablespoons). Use 2 tablespoons of this mix to replace a packet in recipes.
- Storage: The dry mix stays fresh for a few months in an airtight container. Prepared dip or dressing keeps 3–4 days refrigerated.
- Variations: For a different flavor, add chili powder or cumin for a Tex‑Mex twist, or lemon pepper for a citrus edge.
- Nutrition: Nutrition details below reflect the seasoning blend with buttermilk powder included.
Nutrition
More homemade seasoning blends to try
- The Best Homemade Taco Seasoning
- Chili Seasoning Recipe
- Homemade Cajun Seasoning
- Homemade Garlic and Herb Seasoning