If you’ve ever turned a store-bought ranch packet over and looked at the ingredients, you already know why we created this recipe. We’re talking about preservatives, anti-caking agents, seed-oil derivatives, dyes, “natural flavors” that aren’t so natural, and fillers whose names we can’t even pronounce.
And honestly? That’s not how we feed our families anymore.
At Divine Appetit, we’re always asking ourselves: “How can we make this simple, clean, biblically friendly, and delicious?”
And this ranch mix checks all the boxes.
We’ve used this dry ranch seasoning for salad dressings, dips, roasted vegetables, chicken marinades, charcuterie boards, and even sprinkled over popcorn. Once we started making this at home, we never—truly never—went back to store-bought again.
Today we’re sharing both versions:
- Dry Ranch Mix with Buttermilk (the classic packet replacement)
- Dry Ranch Herb Blend (dairy-free and used with wet ingredients to make dressing)
Both are easy. Both are clean. Both are pantry-friendly.
And both taste better than the little white packet at the store.
Below is everything you need to make your own clean ranch dressing mix, plus storage tips, dip recipes, and the tools we personally love to use.
Why Homemade Ranch Mix Is the Only Way We Make It Now
Homemade seasoning mixes may seem like an extra step, but once we made this recipe for the first time, we immediately realized how different it tasted. Store-bought ranch packets are famously filled with:
- Maltodextrin (cheap filler that spikes blood sugar)
- MSG
- Silicon dioxide (anti-caking agent)
- Seed-oil derivatives
- Preservatives
- Artificial “flavor enhancers”
- Dried buttermilk from conventional dairy (unless organic certified)
And almost all of them contain hidden ingredients that don’t align with biblical clean eating.
Meanwhile, your homemade version uses:
- Herbs
- Spices
- Salt + pepper
- Optional clean buttermilk powder
- No fillers, no MSG, no chemical anti-caking agents
It’s a beautiful example of how simple foods blessed by God are always superior to processed foods designed for shelf life.
We truly believe this is the only way ranch dressing should be made.
Dry Ranch Mix Option 1: With Buttermilk (Classic Packet Replacement)
This option tastes closest to the familiar ranch packets—but without the chemicals.
Ingredients
- ½ cup dried buttermilk powder
- 2 tbsp dried parsley
- 1 tbsp dried chives
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 2 tsp dried dill
- 1½ tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp sugar (optional)
Dry Ranch Mix Option 2: Dairy-Free Herb Blend (Perfect for Wet Dressing)
This is the version featured in your Divine Appetit images—clean, dairy-free, and perfect for pouring into buttermilk, yogurt, sour cream, or mayo.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp dried parsley
- 1 tbsp dried dill
- 1 tbsp dried chives
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp sugar (optional)
How to Use This Mix to Make Ranch Dressing
Ranch Dressing Using Mix Option 1 (With Buttermilk)
Whisk together:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp ranch mix (start with 1, add more to taste)
- 1–3 tbsp water or milk to thin
- Optional: squeeze of lemon
Chill 15 minutes so the herbs hydrate.
Ranch Dressing Using Mix Option 2 (Dairy-Free Herb Blend)
Whisk together:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup buttermilk or milk alternative
- 1–2 tbsp herb mix
- Splash of vinegar or lemon juice
Tip: For a thicker dip, use sour cream or Greek yogurt instead of buttermilk.
Ranch Dip Recipe (Thick + Scoopable)
Mix together:
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp ranch mix (any version)
Chill 20 minutes. Serve with veggies, wings, sandwiches, charcuterie boards, and more.
Tips for the Best Flavor
- Let it sit. The flavor deepens after 10–20 minutes as the herbs rehydrate.
- Use clean buttermilk. Organic buttermilk powder tastes more like the real thing.
- Don’t skip the dill. It gives ranch its signature flavor.
- Adjust your salt. If you eat lower-sodium, you can cut it back.
Storage Instructions + Shelf Life
Storing homemade mix is easy and long-lasting.
If using buttermilk (Version 1):
- Store in an airtight mason jar
- Keep in a cool, dark pantry
- Shelf life: up to 3 months
- Refrigeration is optional but extends freshness
If using the herb-only version (Version 2):
- Store in any dry spice jar or mason jar
- Keep on the countertop or pantry
- Shelf life: 6–12 months
We always label the jar with the date so we remember when we made it. These mixes also make wonderful gifts, basket stuffers, or pantry staples for busy weeks.
Ways to Use Homemade Ranch Mix
This mix works in countless ways:
✔ Salad dressings
✔ Ranch veggie dip
✔ Sheet-pan chicken
✔ Roasted potatoes
✔ Popcorn seasoning
✔ Pasta salad
✔ Sandwich or wrap spread
✔ Marinades
✔ Soup seasoning
✔ Casseroles
It’s one of the most versatile blends we keep in our kitchen.
Tools We Love
- Gold Mason Jar Lids – perfect for pantry mixes
- 8oz & 16oz Mason Jars – pantry-friendly and aesthetic
- Wooden Salad Bowl – for serving beautiful salads
- Gold Salad Fork Set – matches your Divine Appetit style
- Countertop Herb Garden – grow your own
- Buttermilk Powder (Organic) – cleanest version for mix option 1
- Mini Whisk Set – blends dressing effortlessly
- Dip Bow Serving Platter – perfect for parties
We Hope You’ll See The Benefits Of Making Your Own Dry Mix Staples
Every time we blend this mix, shake it in its jar, and pull it out for a quick lunch or dinner, we feel grateful. God gives us simple ingredients—herbs, spices, milk, and good produce. And when we avoid the man-made fillers and additives, we can taste the difference immediately.
Our hope is that this dry ranch dressing mix becomes a staple in your kitchen the same way it has in ours. It’s quick. It’s clean. And it brings so much joy and flavor to everyday meals.
If you recreate this recipe, we would love to see your photos—tag us at @DivineAppetit so we can cheer you on in your clean-ingredients journey.
