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Make this homemade ranch seasoning mix with simple pantry staples in just 3 minutes – it’s bold, zingy, herby, and on hand for dressings, dips, dry rubs, and to season various recipes!
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What is ranch seasoning?
Dry ranch seasoning is the dry mix based on the popular American salad dressing, “Ranch dressing”. It’s savory, tangy, creamy, and made primarily of ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. This dry ranch seasoning relies only on dry ingredients and then you can mix it with a creamy liquid like mayonnaise or yogurt when needed. The result is a seasoning you can use to make a dressing/dip, flavor snacks, and mix into recipes.
This homemade ranch seasoning recipe has a very similar flavor to Hidden Valley ranch but without added sugar, preservatives, or MSG. It requires just 9 ingredients, and you could even make it dairy-free/vegan, control the sodium levels, and tweak the flavor profile to your liking.
- Buttermilk powder – provides the tangy flavor – use a dairy-free sub if required
- Dried parsley
- Dried dill
- Dried chives
- Onion powder
- Onion flakes
- Garlic powder
- Sea salt – don’t use table salt
- Black pepper
Optional add-ins
- Paprika – Sweet or smoked, for color
- Mustard powder – just a little for a subtle kick
- Cayenne pepper/red pepper flakes – for a kick of heat
- Other dried herbs – like basil or cilantro
- Sugar – a Ranch packet DOES contain some, so add a pinch if preferred – regular or a sugar alternative like erythritol.
How to make ranch seasoning
First, measure all the spices and place them into a small bowl or jar along with the buttermilk powder. Mix well, then transfer to an airtight jar.
Storage instructions
Store the homemade Ranch dressing mix in a clean, airtight glass jar (or another airtight container) in a cool, dry, dark place away from moisture and direct sunlight. Aim to use it within 3-4 months for the best flavor, up to 6 months before the flavors really decline.
Aim to use fresh ingredients as the quality of the ingredients can affect the shelf life of the mix. Label the jar with a “best by” and/or “use by” date to avoid unnecessary waste, and shake the jar between uses.
Recipes with ranch seasoning
Ranch seasoning is a versatile spice blend that adds a zest kick to dozens of recipes and snacks. You can use it to/with:
- Combine the ranch dressing mix with mayo, sour cream, and/or plain Greek yogurt to use over salads or as a ranch dip with veggies, chicken wings/tenders, etc.
- Mix it into cream cheese to spread over sandwiches, wraps, and burgers
- Sprinkle it over roasted/grilled vegetables – like broccoli, cauliflower, corn, etc.
- Potatoes – e.g., roasted potatoes, wedges/fries, mashed potatoes.
- As a dry rub or marinade – For burgers, chicken, steak, pork, meatballs, and seafood
- To add to Mississippi-style dishes – like pot roast or Mississippi chicken.
To replace a 1 oz Ranch seasoning packet, you’ll need 2 tablespoons of this homemade ranch seasoning mix.
If you try this easy recipe, let me know how it goes in the comments below. I’d appreciate a recipe card rating and would love to see your recipe recreations – tag me on Instagram @Alphafoodie!
Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix
Ingredients
- 1 cup buttermilk powder
- 3 Tbsp dried parsley
- 1/2 Tbsp dried dill
- 1 Tbsp dried chives
- 2 Tbsp onion powder
- 1 Tbsp onion flakes optional – for extra texture
- 1 Tbsp garlic powder
- 1/2 Tbsp sea salt NOT table salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Measure all the spices and place them into a small bowl or jar along with the buttermilk powder.
- Mix well, then transfer to an airtight jar.
- Store the mix in a clean, airtight glass jar in a cool, dry, dark place away from moisture and direct sunlight, and aim to use it within 3-4 months for the best flavor, up to 6 months before the flavors really decline.
Video
Notes
- Use fresh herbs and spices: This will produce the best flavor (and longest shelf life), so check to ensure they aren’t too old.
- For the smoothest spice blend: Omit the onion granules and process all the ingredients in a food processor or spice grinder.
- A glass container is best: It isn’t as porous as plastic, which can cause the aromas of the spices to ‘cling’ to the container and affect any future use.
- Adjust the ratio: Tweak the amount of any of the ingredients to suit your palate.
- Paprika (Sweet or smoked, for color)
- Mustard powder (just a little for a subtle kick)
- Cayenne pepper/ red pepper flakes (for a kick of heat)
- Lemon zest (dehydrated – For extra bright, citrusy flavor)
- Other dried herbs (like basil or cilantro)
- Powdered parmesan (or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor)
- Sugar (a Ranch packet DOES contain some, so add a pinch if preferred)
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
