Ranch Dip
A cool, creamy, and tangy homemade dip packed with fresh herbs and a hint of garlic. Way better than store-bought, this classic American favorite comes together in 10 minutes and is perfect for game-day crudités, chips, or wings.
For 8 servings
- prep · ~5 min
Prep the fresh herbs and garlic.
1.Mince 2 garlic cloves until very fine.2.Finely chop the dill, parsley, and chives. - mix · ~2 min
Combine the base.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream, buttermilk, and mayonnaise until smooth and fully combined.
- mix · ~1 min
Mix in the aromatics and seasonings.
Add the minced garlic, chopped dill, parsley, chives, lemon juice, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is evenly distributed.
- rest · ~30 min
Rest the dip in the fridge.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. The dip will thicken slightly as it chills.
TIPDon't skip the rest. The flavors need time to come together and the herbs need time to infuse the base. - serve
Stir and serve.
Give the dip a quick stir before serving. Adjust salt and pepper if needed. Serve cold with fresh vegetables, chips, or wings.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, let the dip rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the herbs and garlic to meld.
- 2Use full-fat sour cream and mayonnaise for a richer, creamier texture that won't separate.
- 3Finely mince the garlic or use a microplane to avoid biting into large raw chunks.
- 4If you don't have fresh herbs, use 1 teaspoon each of dried dill, parsley, and chives instead.
- 5Stir in a splash of extra buttermilk just before serving if the dip thickens too much after chilling.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-fat
Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and use low-fat mayonnaise to reduce calories while keeping a thick, tangy texture.
veganVegan
Replace sour cream and mayonnaise with vegan versions, and use a plant-based buttermilk (milk + lemon juice). The dip will still be creamy and herbaceous.
spicy southwesternSpicy southwestern
Add 1 tablespoon of finely chopped pickled jalapeños and a pinch of cumin for a smoky-spicy kick that pairs well with tortilla chips.
ranch dip with roasted garlicRanch dip with roasted garlic
Swap raw minced garlic for 2 roasted garlic cloves for a sweet, mellow, nutty flavor that's gentler on the palate.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Probiotics
The sour cream and buttermilk in this dip provide live cultures that can support gut health.
Fresh Herb Antioxidants
Dill, parsley, and chives deliver vitamins A, C, and K along with antioxidant compounds that help fight inflammation.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, use dairy-free sour cream and mayonnaise and make a quick plant-based buttermilk by adding 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to 1/4 cup of unsweetened almond or oat milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
