Calling all ranch lovers! You can now have homemade dry ranch seasoning on hand at all times. This means you’ll have an easy, go-to seasoning mix to flavor side dishes and dinner recipes, homemade popcorn, and make ranch dressing in a minute.

Jar of ranch seasoning with measuring spoon.

This recipe takes the place of store-bought ranch seasoning packets in the best way possible. It’s loaded with more herbs (hello, flavor!), made without any artificial ingredients, and made in bulk, it’s much more budget-friendly in the long run.

You’ll want to keep this bulk recipe on hand for any time the ranch craving strikes, especially because it can be used in SO many different ways.

What is Dry Ranch Seasoning?

Ranch seasoning is comprised of the zesty flavors that make up the beloved ranch dressing. You’ll likely have many of these dried herbs in your pantry already.

  • Dried Parsley, Dill, and Chives: these three dried herbs contribute to the herbaceousness of ranch. I like to add the chives to up the onion aspect of the seasoning.
  • Onion and Garlic Powder: there’s no ranch without these two! Be sure you have powder; granules will technically work, but the texture will be more gritty. I also prefer powder to flakes for a smoother texture.
  • Salt and Black Pepper: salt is a MUST to bring out the flavor of the seasoning. Black pepper is essential for a pop of spice in ranch, too. Both can be adjusted to taste.
Bowl with dried ingredients in sections next to small whisk and linen.

What is Buttermilk Powder?

The other main ingredient in ranch seasoning is buttermilk powder. When making homemade ranch dressing, it would be buttermilk. But since this is a dry seasoning mix, here we are.

Buttermilk powder is buttermilk that has been dehydrated and turned into a fine powder, similar to milk powder. It has the texture of flour and can be used for a variety of uses. Once you buy the can, know that it can rescue you in a pinch when you need buttermilk but don’t have any.

Even better? It lasts for a very long time stored in your fridge, unlike the fresh stuff.

Where to find Powdered Buttermilk

When you first hear ‘buttermilk powder’ it’s easy to think that it’s an obscure, or hard-to-find ingredient. I’m so happy to report that in fact, it should be pretty easy to find in your local grocery store.

It comes in a can, generally in the baking aisle or near other powdered milk products. This buttermilk powder is the one I get in my grocery store – the link is for a 4 pack on Amazon and is much more expensive, but I wanted to give you visual.

While you will purchase it shelf-stable, it’s important to note that once it’s opened, you must store it in the fridge since it is a dairy product.

Tips for Making Homemade Ranch Seasoning

Really, it’s as simple as whisking together the dried herbs, spices, and buttermilk powder to make ranch dressing mix.

While there aren’t any tips for the actual process of making it because it is so easy, there are a few things to keep in mind to have the best seasoning possible.

Whisk mixing dry ranch seasonings.
  • Make sure your dried herbs are fresh… which sounds oxymoronic. But if your dried herbs are expired or…really old…they will lose their flavor. You want super flavorful dried herbs, so make sure they aren’t past their best selves.
  • Use a spice grinder or food processor if you want a super smooth powder seasoning, like the packet. I don’t mind the dried herb pieces, so I skip this step.
  • Omit the buttermilk powder if you’d prefer to just have the herb seasoning of ranch without the dairy.
  • Store in an airtight jar in the fridge. These 8-ounce mason jars are a perfect size. Gently tap the bottom of the jar to remove the air if you need to fit more seasoning.

To replace 1 packet of ranch in recipes, use 3 tablespoons of this bulk seasoning!

Seasoning Variations

If you’re looking to customize the seasoning due to preferences or dietary needs, try one of these versions:

  • Low Sodium: easily adjust the salt level, or omit it completely, depending on how you’ll use the seasoning. That way, you can add as little or as much as needed.
  • Crank up the Heat: add in a cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to make it a little spicy.
  • Make it Cheesy: add grated parmesan cheese (it will incorporate into the seasoning better). Note the date on the package of your cheese, though, because it won’t last as long as the seasoning itself will.
Jar of ranch seasoning with whisk on wooden tray.

Ways to Use a Ranch Mix

Oh, let me count the ways to use this ranch seasoning mix! The most obvious is to make a dressing or dip. From there, you can use it to really add a ranch flavor to so many recipes.

  • Dressing: to make ranch dressing combine it with a mixture of mayonnaise and sour cream. Sometimes I find the buttermilk powder to be a little sweet, so I like to add a splash of vinegar or soy sauce to balance it out.
  • Dip: make a veggie dip a little thicker than the dressing by combining it with sour cream.
  • Popcorn: ranch popcorn is a family favorite!
  • Potatoes: toss it with diced potatoes before roasting or mix it into mashed potatoes.
  • Roasted Veggies: similarly, toss with vegetables before roasting – it’s excellent with broccolini!
  • Meats: pair it with chicken or add it to a crispy panko coating.
Ranch dressing in glass pitcher.

Did you make this recipe? Please leave a star rating and review in the form below. I appreciate your feedback, and it helps others, too!

Hand scooping dry ranch seasoning mix.
5 (6 ratings)

Get the Recipe DIY Dry Ranch Seasoning Mix for Dressing & More

Make your own dry Ranch Seasoning Mix at home! This zesty mix of dried parsley, dill, chives, garlic, and onion powder can make dressing, dips, and season various recipes. It's as easy as mixing together simple ingredients, and it keeps well in the fridge for months, so you can always have it on hand.

Ingredients

Equipment

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, add all of the ingredients and whisk or stir until completely incorporated.
  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to six months (check the buttermilk powder container to confirm its date). Use to make homemade ranch dressing (recipe below), or ranch dip for veggies. See the post for lots of other ideas, too!

Notes

  • Yield: approximately 1 1/4 cups of seasoning.
  • 1 Packet = 3 Tablespoons
  • Ranch Dressing: combine 1/4 cup mayonnaise and 1/4 cup sour cream or greek yogurt with 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix. Add approximately 1/4 to 1/2 cup milk or water to thin to desired consistency, plus a splash of white vinegar or soy sauce.
  • Ranch Dip: combine 2 cups sour cream (16 ounces) with 3 tablespoons ranch seasoning until combined. Add a splash of lemon juice, white vinegar, or soy sauce as desired, to taste.
  • When making dressing or dip, prepare at least 1 hour in advance to allow the flavor to develop.
Serving: 3TBSP, Calories: 52kcal, Carbohydrates: 8g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 0.3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 6mg, Sodium: 52mg, Potassium: 229mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 89IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 132mg, Iron: 1mg
Did you make this recipe?Please leave a star rating and review in the form below. I appreciate your feedback, and it helps others, too!