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!
