Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix: Bold Flavor Without the Chemicals

The day my pantry was missing just one crucial ingredient – a ranch dressing packet that my recipe called for – changed my cooking forever. In desperation, I cobbled together herbs and spices, attempting to recreate that tangy flavor. My family declared it better than any store-bought mix they’d ever tasted!

Now, this DIY ranch dressing mix is a staple in my kitchen arsenal. It bursts with bold, tangy flavors that take recipes to new levels of yum while eliminating preservatives and unpronounceable chemicals. One simple batch saves money compared to those single-serve packets and works in everything from classic dressings to creative snacks.

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Why This Recipe Works

This homemade ranch mix succeeds because it captures that perfect balance of herbs, aromatics, and tanginess that makes ranch flavor so addictive. The combination of dried herbs provides visual appeal and fresh flavor notes, while the powdered ingredients create that savory depth we associate with classic ranch. By using buttermilk powder, you get the authentic tangy foundation that defines ranch flavor. Plus, making it yourself means you control the sodium, can skip the preservatives, and can customize the flavors to your preference.

Dry Ranch Dressing Mix ingredients

To mix up a DIY ranch dressing mix, you’ll need:

• Dried chives – Provide mild onion flavor and attractive green specks throughout the mix
• Dried parsley flakes – Add color and a subtle freshness to balance the richness
• Dried dill – Contributes the distinctive herbal note that defines ranch flavor
• Onion powder – Delivers concentrated savory flavor without texture issues
• Garlic powder – Adds depth and aromatic quality throughout the mix
• Salt – Enhances all other flavors and provides necessary seasoning
• Ground black pepper – Contributes subtle heat and complexity
• Dry mustard powder – Adds tanginess and helps emulsify when made into dressing
• Monosodium glutamate (MSG) – Optional ingredient that enhances savory flavors
• Buttermilk powder – Provides the classic tangy dairy foundation of ranch flavor

Buttermilk powder can be tough to find in your local store, but you can easily order it online. Saco Pantry Cultured Buttermilk Powder is a popular and inexpensive option.

To turn the dry ranch seasoning into a dip, you’ll need:

• Sour cream 
• Dry ranch seasoning
• Buttermilk or milk 

To make a ranch salad dressing, you’ll need:

• Mayonnaise 
• Whole milk 
• Dry ranch seasoning

How to make Dry Ranch Mix

To prepare the ranch dressing mix recipe:

1. Dump all the Dry Ranch Dressing Mix ingredients into a mixing bowl.
2. Whisk them together. 
3. Transfer the Dry Ranch Mix to an airtight container. Shake well before using. 

How to use Dry Ranch Dressing Mix

Sticking to just using this seasoning mix to whip up a salad dressing or a dip would have you missing out on so many opportunities to enjoy the flavor. Try sprinkling the ranch seasoning on popcorn instead of salt, mixing it in with boxed mac ‘n cheese, or tossing it with French fries. Of course, you can use it in any recipe that calls for a store-bought dry ranch mix. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Chuys Creamy Jalapeño Dip. Don’t be fooled by the name of this recipe. It’s not as spicy as you think. The jalapeno peppers are pickled, and the tomatillo salsa and cilantro really bring out the freshness of this Creamy Jalapeno Dip. The mayo and sour cream give the dip its creamy tang, and the ranch mix adds the perfect amount of zesty flavor. 
• Frank’s Buffalo Chicken Dip. With Frank’s RedHot Sauce and chunks of fresh chicken, the irresistible taste of Buffalo Chicken Wings comes through in this hearty dip. The addition of two kinds of cheese and ranch dressing guarantees that Frank’s Buffalo Chicken Dip is extra creamy and delicious. 
• Buffalo Chicken Sliders. Not content with a Buffalo chicken-flavored dip? These Buffalo Chicken Sliders are more like the original. They deliver all the heat and flavor of classic Buffalo Wings and a way to enjoy all that great taste without making a mess. Using Dry Ranch Dressing Mix keeps the total ingredient list to just five, so preparing Buffalo Chicken Sliders is a snap.  
• Ranch Pretzels. Are you tired of boring mini pretzels? These pretzels are coated in a mix of dry ranch seasoning, dill weed, and garlic powder for a punch of flavor. Tossed in oil and seasonings and then dried in the oven, these Ranch Pretzels become an addictive snack that’s fresher and bolder than anything you can find premade in the supermarket. 
• Cafe Rio Tomatillo Dressing. This creamy, citrus dressing with a hint of heat and plenty of freshness will kick up the intensity of any salad. If you haven’t cooked with tomatillos before, you may feel intimidated, but don’t worry; this Cafe Rio Tomatillo Dressing recipe is easy to make. 
• Suddenly Salad Ranch & Bacon. Over the years, cafeterias have given pasta salads a bad reputation, but Suddenly Salad Ranch & Bacon is full of flavor and perfect for summer meals. The fresh peas and carrots add crunch, while the creamy, ranch-flavored dressing adds tons of tanginess. Topped with plenty of savory bacon bits, you can’t go wrong with this pasta salad.

To turn the dry ranch seasoning into a dip:

1. Place the sour cream into a mixing bowl. 
2. Whisk the dry ranch mix into the sour cream. 
3. Drizzle half the buttermilk or milk into the mixing bowl with the sour cream and whisk well.
4. Add more seasoned milk and continue to mix until you reach the right consistency.
5. Serve the dip immediately or store it in the fridge for up to two days. 

To make ranch dressing with this homemade Ranch Dressing Mix:

1. Place the mayo in a mixing bowl.
2. Measure the milk into a large measuring cup with a spout.
3. Stir the DIY ranch dressing mix into the milk. 
4. Pour the seasoned milk into the mixing bowl with the mayo and whisk to combine. 
5. Serve immediately or store in the fridge for up to two days. 

How to store Dry Ranch Dressing Mix?

Always store the homemade ranch dressing mix in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry. Do not store the seasoning mix in the fridge or anywhere else where it is humid. In the summer, the seasonings can clump, so it is an excellent idea to keep the dry mix in a mason jar along with a food-safe oxygen absorber. 

How long will it last?

While this copycat Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix recipe won’t last as long as the packets you buy in the store, they should stay fresh for two weeks or even longer when you use the optional oxygen absorbers. 

More homemade seasoning recipes

• Coffee Rub
• Cajun Seasoning
• Everything Bagel Seasoning
• Fines Herbes
• Old Bay Seasoning
• Pumpkin Pie Spice
• Steak Seasoning
• Taco Seasoning
• Vanilla Sugar

Favorite DIY pantry items

• Bisquick Mix
• Italian Breadcrumbs
• Panko Breadcrumbs
• Plain Breadcrumbs

Check out my DIY recipes and the best salad dressing recipes here on CopyKat!