Homemade Ranch Dressing with Hidden Valley Packet

Published: Apr 8, 2024 by Megan Porta · This post may contain affiliate links.

My favorite recipes combine simple methods and ingredients with amazing results. And this dressing is exactly that. With just 4 ingredients and 5 minutes of your time, you can have thick, delicious homemade ranch dressing with Hidden Valley packet chilling in your refrigerator. That’s less time than it would take just to find your car keys to go to get store-bought ranch.

Why This Ranch Recipe Works

Did you know the original ranch dressing was created by a plumber in Alaska trying to get his crew to eat their vegetables? That’s why I started making this homemade version too! To get my crew, I mean kids, to eat their veggies!

And it’s the real deal! My entire family is a fan of ranch. We love this diy ranch dressing made with Hidden Valley ranch dressing mix on everything from chicken to taquitos to pizza, and on salads and veggies too, of course. 

It’s simple and quick to make your own ranch dressing to make and just perfect for everything from party trays to casseroles to just a simple veggie snack. Use it for everything from fried pickles to fried chicken and more!

• 4 ingredients and 5 minutes of your time!
• Great for party salads and veggie trays. 
• Such a quick, delicious, and easy way to make your own dressing.
• You get all the secrets of Hidden Valley kitchens in the contents of one tiny store-bought packet of ranch mix.
• All ingredients are probably in your kitchen, minus buttermilk which is super easy to make!
• The flavor of the dressing and creamy blend of herbs and spices make your taste buds sing every time.
• Nothing beats that great ranch taste!

Recipe Ingredients

This homemade ranch dip recipe uses super simple ingredients you probably have in your kitchen already. And even if you don’t have buttermilk, it is so easy to make your own in less than two minutes with some regular milk and an acid like apple cider vinegar.

Buttermilk – Grab some from the grocery store or make your own homemade buttermilk using a few simple ingredients!

Sour cream – Use full-fat for the tastiest end result. To slim down the recipe, use reduced fat variety.

Mayonnaise – Replace with light mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt for a slimmer dressing.

Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning packet – Hidden Valley ranch packets work like magic! No other seasonings necessary.

How to Make Homemade Ranch Dressing with Hidden Valley Packet

This buttermilk ranch dressing could not possibly be easier to make. Just add the ingredients, mix well, and chill.

Step 1

In a medium bowl, combine the buttermilk, sour cream, mayo and the dry mix seasoning packet. 

Step 2

Give all the ingredients a good whisk to mix everything well. Cover with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve for optimal thickness.

Recipe Notes

• Use full-fat sour cream and mayonnaise for the tastiest results. To slim down the recipe, use reduced fat variety.
• Make sure you chill the dressing before serving so it has a chance to really develop for the best flavor.
• If you don’t have or can’t find buttermilk, you can make your own buttermilk at home with whole milk and an acid like lemon juice or vinegar
• Add a little extra garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, or dried herbs as flavor enhancers for extra zingy dressing.
• Fresh herbs like fresh dill or fresh parsley are great additions to add depth of flavor to your dressing too.

Ranch Dressing Uses

One of the best things about ranch salad dressing is how versatile it is as an everyday condiment. These are just a few of the easy ways my family loves to use ranch dressing.

• Salad – the obvious and classic choice.
• Veggie dip – and not just crudités. Try it with some fried pickles or tempura battered broccoli.
• Chip dip – potato or pita chip!
• As a sauce or a marinade for grilled chicken or fish.
• Use it in recipes like this Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole or this Buffalo Chicken Dip
• Put it on burgers or chicken sandwiches instead of ketchup or mayo
• It’s a great dipping sauce for chicken tenders or nuggets
• Dunk french fries or onion rings into it

How to Store Homemade Ranch Dressing

Place your ranch in an appropriately-sized glass jar or airtight container to store. That means a jar big enough to hold it without a lot of extra room for air. Air causes bacteria. Keep your homemade ranch back in the coldest part of the refrigerator for best storing results.

How Long Does Ranch Dressing Last in the Fridge

Homemade ranch dressing can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator when stored properly in an air-tight container.

Can You Freeze Ranch Dressing

It is not recommended to freeze ranch dressing. The freezing can drastically alter the texture and ruin the dressing.

Substitute for Buttermilk in Dressing

There are a few options to use instead of buttermilk for this homemade ranch dressing. You can use plain, unflavored yogurt or kefir. You can use extra sour cream thinned with a little milk. Or you can also make your own homemade buttermilk using just a couple simple ingredients!

Who Invented Ranch Dressing

The world’s most popular dressing was invented by an American plumber named Steve Hanson in the late 1940s. Hanson had taken a position in Alaska and wanted to create a sauce that would get his crew to eat their vegetables.

More Easy Sauce and Dressing Recipes

Homemade Ranch Dressing with Hidden Valley Packet

My favorite recipes combine simple methods and ingredients with amazing results. And this homemade ranch dressing is exactly that. With just 4 ingredients and 5 minutes of your time, you can have thick, delicious ranch dressing chilling in your refrigerator ready to use however you can think. That’s less time than it would take just to find your car keys to go to get store-bought ranch.