Substitute for Ranch Dressing
A creamy, herbed dressing used on salads, as a dip, and on pizza and wings.
The Best Substitute
The Professor's top pick for replacing ranch dressing is DIY Ranch at a ratio of 1/2 cup mayo + 1/2 cup buttermilk + 1/2 teaspoon each: garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, dried parsley + pinch of salt and pepper = about 1 cup ranch dressing. This works well for all applications. Scroll down for complete details on every option, including what to use each one for and what to avoid.
Best Substitutes
DIY Ranch
Flavor impact: Better than most bottled ranch. Customize the herbs to your preference.
Homemade ranch takes 2 minutes and tastes significantly better than bottled. The secret is buttermilk for tanginess and fresh (or at least recently-bought) dried herbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
About 5-7 days in the fridge in a sealed container. It thickens as it sits; thin with a splash of buttermilk before serving.
The Bottom Line
If you are out of ranch dressing, the best all-around substitute is diy ranch. Pay attention to the ratio, since substitutes rarely work at exactly 1:1. Consider what role ranch dressing plays in your recipe; whether it provides flavor, texture, acidity, or structure; and choose the substitute that best fills that specific role. When in doubt, start with less and adjust to taste.
Source: Culinary reference | Last verified: March 19, 2026 | Our methodology