The Best Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix (Better Than Store-Bought)
This Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix Recipe comes together in just a few minutes using simple pantry spices you probably already have on hand.
It’s yummy, inexpensive, and free from MSG and many of the additives commonly found in packaged seasoning mixes.
If you’ve ever reached into the pantry for a packet of ranch seasoning only to discover you’re out, you’re going to love this easy homemade alternative.
We use this ranch mix for everything—from creamy salad dressing and vegetable dip to seasoning roasted potatoes, chicken, popcorn, and casseroles.
I like to keep a jar in my pantry so it’s always ready whenever I need it.
To make things even easier, I’ve included a free printable jar label featuring the recipe. Just print it, attach it to your favorite spice jar, and you’ll always have the instructions right at your fingertips.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix
Ready in about 5 minutes
Made with simple pantry ingredients
No MSG or artificial flavors
Less expensive than store-bought packets
Makes multiple batches of dressing or dip
Perfect for meal prep
Great for seasoning meats, vegetables, and snacks
Includes a free printable recipe label
Why Make Your Own?
Making homemade seasoning mixes is one of the easiest ways to save money while knowing exactly what’s in your food.
Many store-bought ranch packets contain ingredients like MSG, maltodextrin, preservatives, and anti-caking agents. While they’re convenient, making your own allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor to your family’s taste.
Best of all, homemade ranch mix tastes fresh, rich, and full of flavor.
Ingredients for Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix
Four-Batch Ranch Seasoning Mix
Makes enough for approximately four batches of dressing or dip.
1 teaspoon garlic powder
4 teaspoons dried onion flakes
2 tablespoons dried parsley flakes (or 4 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley)
2 teaspoons black pepper
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons onion powder
1-2 teaspoons dried dill
Single Batch
If you’d rather make just enough for one batch, use:
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried onion flakes
1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes (or 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley)
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon dried dill
How to Make Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix
Add all of the dry ingredients to a small bowl or directly into a glass spice jar.
Stir or shake well until everything is evenly combined.
Transfer to an airtight container if needed.
Attach the free printable recipe label.
Store in a cool, dry pantry for up to 6 months.
Helpful Tip: Give the jar a quick shake before each use to redistribute the spices.
Ranch Dressing Recipe
This homemade dressing is creamy, fresh, and perfect for salads, wraps, vegetables, and more.
Ingredients
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup buttermilk
No buttermilk? No problem! Place 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar into a liquid measuring cup, then add enough milk to equal 1 cup. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before using.
1 tablespoon Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix
Instructions
In a medium bowl or mason jar, combine the mayonnaise, buttermilk, and ranch seasoning mix.
Whisk (or shake) until smooth and creamy.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the herbs and spices to fully develop their flavor.
Stir before serving.
Makes about 2 cups of ranch dressing.
Ranch Dip
Need a quick appetizer? This ranch dip comes together in just minutes and is so delicious!
Ingredients
1 cup sour cream (homemade yogurt works great too).
1 tablespoon Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix
Instructions
Mix the ingredients together until well combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Serve with:
Fresh vegetables
Potato chips
Pretzels
Crackers
Chicken wings
Potato wedges
How Much Homemade Ranch Mix Equals One Packet?
This is one of the most common questions I get!
2 tablespoons of this homemade ranch seasoning mix equals one store-bought ranch seasoning packet.
That means you can use it in any recipe that calls for a packet of ranch seasoning, including casseroles, slow cooker meals, dips, roasted vegetables, and more.
You may wonder…why does the homemade recipe use less mix? Here is the answer.
Commercial packets like Hidden Valley contain large amounts of dry buttermilk powder, corn starch, whey, and anti-caking agents to add volume.
Homemade recipes often leave these out—or use them in much smaller ratios—resulting in pure, undiluted herbs and spices.
Because the flavor isn’t padded out, 1 tablespoon of homemade mix can easily pack the punch of 2 to 3 tablespoons of a commercial packet.
Free Printable Ranch Jar Label
One of my favorite ways to organize homemade pantry staples is with printable labels.
I’ve created a free printable ranch seasoning label that includes the recipe right on the label, so you can remember the dressing measurements without searching through recipe cards or bookmarks.
Simply print, cut, and attach it to your jar for a pantry that’s both organized and beautiful.
***If you are interested in the Silhouette Label Template, send me an email, and I’ll get that cv file to you. This way you can print them onto sticker paper and have Silhouette cut them out for you.
So Many Ways to Use Homemade Ranch Mix
This seasoning isn’t just for salads!
Try it on:
Roasted potatoes
Baked potato wedges
Grilled chicken
Popcorn
Pasta salad
Potato salad
Deviled eggs
Homemade crackers
Pretzels
Roasted vegetables
Air fryer vegetables
Chicken wings
Slow cooker recipes
Casseroles
Homemade cheese balls
Once you start keeping a jar in the pantry, you’ll find yourself reaching for it all the time.
A Thoughtful Homemade Gift
Looking for an inexpensive handmade gift that’s actually useful?
Fill a pretty glass spice jar or small mason jar with your homemade ranch seasoning, add the printable label, tie on a ribbon or a wooden spoon, and you’ve got a thoughtful gift that’s perfect for:
Christmas neighbor gifts
Teacher appreciation
Hostess gifts
Housewarming baskets
Mother’s Day gift baskets
Bridal showers
Care packages
Thank-you gifts
I love these simple, clean-looking jars for my Ranch Dressing Mix gifting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will homemade ranch seasoning last?
Stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, this seasoning mix will stay fresh for about six months. For the best flavor, use fresh dried herbs and spices.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! I often make a double or triple batch so I always have some ready to go.
Is this a substitute for store-bought ranch packets?
Yes. This homemade mix works beautifully anywhere a ranch seasoning packet is called for.
Can I adjust the seasonings?
Of course! One of the advantages of making your own is that you can easily increase the dill, garlic, or pepper to suit your personal taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will homemade ranch seasoning last?
Stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, this seasoning mix will stay fresh for about six months. For the best flavor, use fresh dried herbs and spices.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! I often make a double or triple batch so I always have some ready to go.
Is this a substitute for store-bought ranch packets?
Yes. This homemade mix works beautifully anywhere a ranch seasoning packet is called for.
Can I adjust the seasonings?
Of course! One of the advantages of making your own is that you can easily increase the dill, garlic, or pepper to suit your personal taste.
Storage Tips
Store your ranch seasoning in:
A glass spice jar
A small mason jar
Any airtight container
Keep it away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight to preserve the freshest flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix has been a staple in my kitchen for years. It’s one of those simple recipes that saves money, tastes wonderful, and is always handy to have around.
Whether you’re making a quick salad dressing, seasoning roasted vegetables, stirring together a dip for a party, or putting together a thoughtful homemade gift, you’ll find yourself making this easy ranch mix again and again.
The Best Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix (Better Than Store-Bought)
This Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix Recipe usies simple pantry spices you probably already have on hand. It's yummy, inexpensive, and very easy to make.
15
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ranch Dressing Mix Ingredients
- 1 tsp
Garlic Powder
- 4 tsp.
Onion Flakes
- 2 TB
Dried Parsley
- 2 tsp.
Black Pepper
- 2 tsp
Salt
- 2 tsp.
Onion Powder
- 1-2 tsp.
Dried Dill
Ranch Dressing Mix Directions
Add all of the dry ingredients to a small bowl or directly into a glass spice jar.
Stir or shake well until everything is evenly combined.
Transfer to an airtight container if needed.
Attach the free printable recipe label.
Store in a cool, dry pantry for up to 6 months.
- Helpful Tip: Give the jar a quick shake before each use to redistribute the spices.
Did you make this recipe?
Tag @youmakeitsimple on Instagram and hashtag it with #youmakeitsimple
Like this recipe?
Follow @jannihowell on Pinterest
Join our Facebook Group!
Follow You Make It Simple on Facebook
The Best Homemade Ranch Dressing
This homemade dressing is creamy, fresh, and perfect for salads, wraps, vegetables, and more.
15
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ranch Dressing Ingredients
- 1 cup
buttermilk
- 1 cup
Mayonnaise
- 1 TB
Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix
Ranch Dressing Instructions
In a medium bowl or mason jar, combine the mayonnaise, buttermilk, and ranch seasoning mix.
Whisk (or shake) until smooth and creamy.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the herbs and spices to fully develop their flavor.
Stir before serving.
Store in a cool, dry pantry for up to 6 months.
- Makes about 2 cups of ranch dressing.
Did you make this recipe?
Tag @youmakeitsimple on Instagram and hashtag it with #youmakeitsimple
Like this recipe?
Follow @jannihowell on Pinterest
Join our Facebook Group!
Follow You Make It Simple on Facebook
The Best Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix (Better Than Store-Bought)
This marinara sauce recipe is the best tasting, easiest to make, and plate-licking delicious. It only takes 20 minutes to make.
- Prep Time5 min
- Cook Time15 min
- Total Time20 min
- Yield6
INGREDIENTS
- 1 (28-ounce) can whole San Marzano tomatoes, certified D.O.P. if possible
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 7 garlic cloves, peeled and slivered
- 1 small dried chile or pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 large fresh basil sprig, or ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
INSTUCTIONS
Pour the tomatoes into a large bowl and crush them with your hands. (yep, this is the fun part)
Add 1 cup of water to the empty can or bowl to get all the tomato juices. Set aside.
In a large skillet (not a deep pot), heat the olive oil over medium heat. When it’s hot, add the garlic.
.
Once the garlic is sizzling (but not browned), stir in the crushed tomatoes and reserved tomato water.
Add chile or pepper flakes and oregano (if using). Stir.
Place a basil sprig on top of the sauce. Let it wilt in as the sauce simmers.
Cook until the sauce thickens and the oil turns a rich orange/red—about 15 minutes. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
Remove basil and chile before serving.
