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The Recipe · No.828 · Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

Buttermilk Ranch Dressing, and where to source it

Buttermilk Ranch Dressing — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Buttermilk Ranch Dressing American 5best2buy.com

Use fresh chives and dill, not a dry seasoning packet. The fresh herbs release oils that give ranch its bright, garden snap; dried versions taste dusty and flat by comparison.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep10 min
Cook0 min
Makes1.5 cups
CuisineAmerican
Cost$$
VegetarianGluten-free
Contains  dairy · eggs
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 1 cups
Our ratio, your call. The amounts below are a tested starting point — a version, not the one and only. Anything tagged to taste is the knob you turn: start there, then make it yours.
Mayonnaise
The rich, smooth base. A real egg mayo is best.
1/2 cuprecommended
Source it →
Sour cream
For body and a lactic tang. A cultured sour cream is tangiest.
1/2 cuprecommended
Source it →
Buttermilk
Thins it to pourable and adds sharpness. A cultured buttermilk is best.
1/2 cuprecommended
Source it →
Chives and dill
Minced fine for the fresh herb snap. Bought local.
3 tbsprecommended
Source it →
Garlic powder and lemon
A little garlic for savor and lemon to lift the herbs. Fresh lemon.
to tasteto taste
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The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Barely a splurge
A light hand — your arteries say thanks.
EffortEasy
Cook it with
No-cook
The Method
  1. Chop the herbsMince the chives and dill as fine as you can.
  2. Whisk the baseWhisk the mayo, sour cream, and buttermilk smooth.
  3. SeasonStir in garlic powder, salt, and a little lemon.
  4. Fold and chillFold in the herbs and chill an hour to thicken.
The Toolkit

Mixing bowl · Whisk · Chef's knife

Straight Answers
Can you freeze Buttermilk Ranch Dressing? — Not ideal

Not really — the cream, custard, or emulsion turns grainy or splits once thawed. This one is best kept fresh in the fridge.

Can you make Buttermilk Ranch Dressing ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it keeps in the fridge for several days; stir or shake it before serving.

Is Buttermilk Ranch Dressing gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Buttermilk Ranch Dressing vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan

It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy and egg. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.

Community Notes

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