How To: Easy Ranch Dressing Variations That Beat Store-Bought Hands Down

We admit it: we are ranch dressing fanatics. We like to put it on our simple salads, spread it across our chicken wings, and dip homemade sweet potato fries in it. Plus, since childhood, neither of us can eat pizza without ranch dressing to accompany it.

There's a pizza place we go to in Portland, Hotlips Pizza, where they make their own ranch dressing daily. Once we realized how simple it was to create, we ditched the store-bought stuff too: the ease and unbelievable taste of homemade ranch dressing beats it by a million percent.

The Base Ingredients

• mayonnaise
• buttermilk
• a splash of apple cider vinegar
• ¼ tsp. garlic powder (or 1 garlic clove, chopped)
• sea salt and black pepper

The Base Directions

Use one part mayonnaise to two parts buttermilk to create however much ranch you want, be it for one salad or a whole bunch. Mix in the splash of vinegar, the garlic, and the sea salt and black pepper. From there, build on your base and get creative.

1. Traditional Ranch

This classic variation is super versatile. Just mix it up and use it with everything from vegetable platters to iceberg salads. You will never buy a bottle of ranch dressing again after you taste how delicious homemade is!

• ranch base
• 1 tsp. fresh chives
• 1 tsp. fresh parsley
• 1 tsp. fresh dill

2. Spicy Herb Ranch

This variation is wonderful alongside barbecued chicken drumsticks or wings. It also tastes great with Southwestern-style egg rolls or on a panini dripping with gooey cheese.

• ranch base
• 1 tsp. chives
• 1 tsp. cilantro
• 1 tsp. dill
• ½ tsp. paprika
• ¼ tsp. cumin
• a dash of cayenne pepper

3. Basil Ranch

The subtly bright flavor of basil ranch pairs beautifully with a traditional caprese salad or alongside any sort of pizza. Don't forget to dip your crust!

• ranch base
• 1 Tbsp. fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tsp. oregano
• 1 tsp. dill

4. Bacon-Dill Ranch

This ranch dressing variation is amazing on almost everything. From burgers and pizza to green salads and french fries... bacon makes everything better, right?

• ranch base
• 1 Tbsp. chopped bacon
• 1 tsp. dill

5. Additional Variations

The above recipes are just a few of our favorite ranch options. But with homemade ranch, the flavor variations are endless. Here are a few more ways to put more ranch dressing in your life:

• Sweet ranch made by adding a tiny bit of maple syrup or honey.
• Cilantro-lime ranch using fresh lime juice and cilantro.
• Beer ranch with a splash of your favorite brew.
• Hawaiian ranch dotted with finely-diced pineapple.

Whether you're using your homemade ranch as a dip or a dressing, our hope is that these variations have inspired you to get creative and follow your ranch-loving heart.

Have any favorite things you like to eat with your ranch? Let us know in the comments below!

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