The Recipe · No.1428 · How to Make Ranch Seasoning
How to Make Ranch Seasoning, and where to source it
Buttermilk powder is the whole thing. Every attempt at ranch seasoning that skips it tastes like herby garlic salt, because the tang people recognise as ranch is dairy acid, not vinegar. It sits in the baking aisle next to the milk powder and keeps for a year.
The ratio⅓ cup buttermilk powder + 2 tbsp dried parsley + 1 tbsp each dill, chive, garlic, onion powder.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep5 min
Cooknone
Makes½ cup
CuisineAmerican
Cost$
VegetarianGluten-free
Contains dairy
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for4servings
Buttermilk powder
A third of a cup. Non-negotiable — this is what makes it ranch.
Blitz the herbs finerA few pulses in a spice grinder so the dried herbs are closer to a powder. Whole leaves float in dressing and never soften.
Mix and jarEverything combined. Keeps six months airtight.
For dressingTwo tablespoons of mix into a cup of mayonnaise and half a cup of buttermilk. Rest an hour — it tastes thin immediately and right after resting.
For dipSame but with sour cream and no buttermilk, so it stays thick.
Make it yoursDust it on popcorn, fries or roast potatoes. Add smoked paprika and cayenne for a spicy ranch. Chili crisp stirred into the finished dressing is very good.
Can you make How to Make Ranch Seasoning in an air fryer? — Not needed
No cooking needed here — this one comes together without heat, so the air fryer sits it out.
Can you freeze How to Make Ranch Seasoning? — 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 How to Make Ranch Seasoning ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.
Is How to Make Ranch Seasoning 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 How to Make Ranch Seasoning vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan
It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.
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