I’d like to properly introduce you to the most fabulous buttermilk ranch dressing, EVER.

With a boatload of fresh herbs (which, in my opinion completely makes it) fresh garlic, kitchen-made mayo and zippy buttermilk. I of course love ranch on salads, especially when topped with crumbled hardboiled egg, crisp bacon and pepitas! But there are other flavor-packed ways to enjoy it other than on top of leafy greens. My girls dip their pizza in it, it’s great with chicken tenders and in this potato salad. And if you reduce the buttermilk by a 1/4 cup, it makes a great veggie dip. So creamy and flavor-packed and so universally loved.

Unlike packet ranch dressing mixes, this does take a few more minutes than whisking a dry mix in with some sour cream and buttermilk. However what you taste, TASTES like restaurant-style ranch. But better. SO much better.

For this Ranch Dressing Gather:

mayonnaise (I made from-scratch mayo, which you can find the recipe in my cookbook or use store bought)
sour cream
buttermilk
garlic
chives
dill
parsley
kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
dried oregano
marjoram
paprika
cayenne <— but only a pinch.

Start by adding 3/4 cup of mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream and 1 to 2 cloves of garlic (2 if small) into a medium bowl.

Pour in a 1/2 cup of buttermilk (1/4 cup if looking for more of a dip consistency).

Stir until velvety smooth.

For the fresh herbs you’ll need 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley, 2 tablespoons minced dill and 2 tablespoons snipped fresh chives.

Measure in a 1 teaspoon of oregano and 1/4 teaspoon marjoram into your palm and with your other palm, grind the dried herbs directly into the bowl. Then add in the 1/4 teaspoon paprika and a pinch of cayenne pepper and season with 3/4 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.

Mix until combined, then cover and refrigerate for 2 hours at the least.

However overnight is dependable.

Giving the buttermilk ranch dressing time in the fridge will allow the herbs to soften, release flavor and truly make the dressing ranch-like. Trust me, it’s worth the wait.