What Is Ranch Dressing?

Ranch dressing is one of the most ubiquitous condiments in the United States, and for good reason.

How To Make Ranch Dressing

Making ranch dressing is surprisingly simple.

Southern Living Herbed Buttermilk Ranch Dressing in the bottle to serve

Credit:Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

Check out the notes at the bottom of this recipe for specific directions.

glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.

Cover and shake vigorously to blend.

Southern Living Herbed Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

Credit:Robby Lozano; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

Refrigerate in covered jar up to 1 week.

Shake well before serving.

extra virgin olive oil, and 2 tsp.

Southern Living Herbed Buttermilk Ranch Dressing combining the ingredients in the jar

Credit:Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

honey to jar before shaking.Makes about 2 cups.

Active: 20 min., Total: 50 min.

Blue Cheese Ranch:Prepare Herbed Buttermilk Ranch Dressing as directed, adding 2 oz.

Southern Living Herbed Buttermilk Ranch Dressing after shaking in the jar

Credit:Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

mashed blue cheese, 2 oz.

crumbled blue cheese, 2 tsp.

chopped chives, 1/2 tsp.

Southern Living Herbed Buttermilk Ranch in a bottle to serve

Credit:Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

ground black pepper, and 1/2 tsp.

paprika to jar before shaking.Makes about 2 cups.

Active: 20 min., Total: 50 min.

Herbed Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

Credit: Alison Miksch

Avocado Ranch:Prepare Herbed Buttermilk Ranch Dressing as directed, adding 1 ripe mashed avocado, 2 Tbsp.

minced jalapeno pepper, 2 Tbsp.

hot sauce, 4 tsp.

fresh lime juice; and 1/2 tsp.

kosher salt to jar before shaking.Makes about 2 1/2 cups.

Active: 20 min., Total: 50 min.