Rich, creamy, and perfectly dip-able, this Ranch Dip is my go-to for a quick and easy veggie platter or as a dip for all kinds of foods. It’s simple (only 6 ingredients including salt and pepper), but the flavors are just right with a tangy sour cream base, brightness from the fresh herbs, and just the right amount of seasoning.
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Easy Ranch Dip Video
Watch my quick video tutorial where I teach you how to make this smooth and creamy ranch dip! It’s great as a quick snack for a gathering (I love that you don’t have to wait to enjoy it), but it tastes even better after it’s left to marinate in the fridge for a few hours. Bookmark this easy recipe!
Homemade Ranch Dip Recipe
Everyone needs a staple party dip—and this ranch dip recipe is it! We make this recipe for snack time, party time, and meal times, and honestly, it helps encourage us to eat more veggies – this is why I keep it stocked in my refrigerator now.
This homemade ranch dip has incredible flavor, similar to my Buttermilk Ranch Dressing used for salads, but this is thicker to really coat whatever you’re dipping – from raw vegetables to Air Fryer French Fries and homemade Chicken Nuggets. The sour cream and mayo make a perfectly thick and tangy base. No dripping and mess here!
I was inspired to make this ranch dip from Makena Held’s cookbook, Mostly French. Apparently, we share the same cookbook agent, who sent me a copy of her book. I was immediately smitten with the cookbook, but also fascinated by Makena’s story, because she purchased the property in France where Julia Child wrote Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Incredibly, she started a cooking school there!
I’ve flagged so many recipes I want to try, but started with her simple Ranch Dip recipe, since it was more approachable and quick to make. I’ve learned over the years that you all love to keep it simple, and truly, some of the simplest recipes end up being the best and most popular.
Ingredients for Ranch Dip
Homemade Ranch Dip couldn’t be easier with only 6 ingredients you probably already have stocked. You’re just 5 minutes away from enjoying this tangy dip.
- Sour cream – or swap with plain Greek yogurt for a higher protein dip.
- Mayonnaise – store-bought mayo works, but I love using my Homemade Mayonnaise.
- Chives – use about 1 small bunch of fresh chives rinsed, patted dry, and chopped. Swap with a mix of 1/4 tsp of onion powder and either 2 Tbsp minced fresh dill or 2 Tbsp finely chopped parsley for that Ranchy herby brightness similar to a ranch seasoning packet.
- Garlic powder – I prefer the mildness of garlic powder, but you can also use 1-2 medium garlic cloves or 2 teaspoons of grated garlic, although the dip will taste more punchy or spicy.
How to Make Ranch Dip
Make the dip for spur-of-the-moment snacking for light flavor and freshness. You can also stir it up and let it meld overnight for a deeper flavor.
- Mix – stir the ingredients together in a medium bowl
- Store – cover the bowl and store in the fridge until you’re ready to serve, preferably at least 2 hours or overnight.
Can I use Ranch Dip as a Salad Dressing?
You can in a pinch, but it is a bit thick for a dressing. You can loosen it up by adding a bit of buttermilk and season with salt ot taste. I use my Homemade Ranch Dressing as my go-to salad dressing.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This ranch dip is great for parties—especially since you can make it ahead—but you can also make a bowl to snack on throughout the week.
- Make-Ahead: Mix, cover, and refrigerate the dip in the fridge until ready to plate and serve.
- To Refrigerate: stays fresh, covered in the fridge for up to 5 days
- Freezing: I wouldn’t recommend freezing since it won’t keep the same creamy texture when thawed.
How to Serve Ranch Dip
I love serving this ranch dip on a crudités platter – basically a raw veggie platter. So many fresh vegetables pair well with ranch dip. Arrange the veggies such as broccoli, carrots (like these adorable carrots I found at Trader Joe’s), cucumbers, mini bell peppers, grape tomatoes, snap peas, and radishes (I could go on and on) in stick or bite-size pieces on a platter with the dip in a bowl in a center. Don’t forget a spoon for serving!
Besides this fresh veggie platter dip, try these other delicious ways to use my ranch dip recipe:
- Wing dip – Air Fryer Chicken Wings or Buffalo Wings
- With Potatoes – Smashed Potatoes, Roasted Potatoes, or Baked Potato Wedges
- Finger Foods/appetizers – Stromboli, Jalapeno Poppers, Mozzarella Sticks, Onion Rings, Fried Zucchini
- Roasted Veggies – Roasted Broccoli, Roasted Cauliflower, Roasted Carrots
- With Chicken – Popcorn Chicken, Chicken Tenders, Breaded Chicken Skewers, Chicken Strips
Homemade Ranch Dip is a staple for any party menu, and this recipe will quickly become your go-to dip recipe! Use it for a quick and tasty veggie platter or as a condiment for roasted vegetables, chicken, and your favorite appetizers. It’s a keeper!
Ranch Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup sour cream, or plain Greek yogurt
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup chives, super finely chopped (about 1 small bunch fresh chives)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Mix – In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, chives, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk to combine.
- Chill – Cover and store in the refrigerator until ready to use. For the best flavor, let the dip meld for 2 hours or overnight. It will keep well in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Sour cream – try plain Greek yogurt, full fat or low fat
- Mayo – store-bought or homemade is fine
- Chives – try 1/4 tsp onion powder along with 2 Tbsp minced fresh dill or 2 Tbsp finely chopped parsley to keep the herby brightness
- Garlic – try 1-2 medium garlic cloves grated, although fresh garlic will make it a little more punchy or spicy while garlic powder is a bit more kid-friendly.
Nutrition Per Serving
Filed Under
More Homemade Dips and Sauces
Making your own homemade condiments saves you money and tastes better than anything you can buy at the store. Start with Ranch Dip and then try some of these other favorite make-at-home dips and sauces.
- Tzatziki sauce
- Pesto Sauce
- Tartar Sauce
- BBQ Sauce
- Creamy Caesar Dressing
- Easy Marinara Sauce
- Horseradish Sauce
Love this, Natasha. We’ve been enjoying it today.
So glad to hear that, Carl!
Natasha, I love all of your recipes. I found you online a few years ago and fell in love with your testimony, recipes and beautiful personality. I have a giant binder with printed recipes for your website. I bought your cookbook as soon as it was released and use it all the time. Thank you for sharing your love of cooking, your family and your faith with all of us. Prayers to you and yours.
I’m so happy you love our recipes! Thank you so much for the fantastic review and your encouraging words. I am smiling big reading your comment, and thank you for purchasing my book! I can’t wait for you to try more recipes.
Yummy! And so easy to make. Will definitely try it asap. I love your cooking and your inspiration that you share with your viewers thru your videos. Wish u had your kitchen though.
I hope it becomes an instant hit for you like it did for us! Let me know what you serve your ranch dip with, when you make it.