Ranch dressing is truly one of life’s simple pleasures. That cool, tangy, creamy blend of herbs and spices takes any salad or veggie platter from boring to brilliant.
But while bottled ranch dressings are convenient, they often lack the fresh, homemade taste of restaurant-quality ranch. So I decided to develop my own recipe for ranch dressing as delicious as the kind served at Dairy Queen, my all-time favorite fast food place.
With just a handful of ingredients likely already in your fridge and pantry, you can make quick, easy copycat Dairy Queen Ranch Dressing Recipe that’s even better than the store-bought bottles.
Check another delicious recipe by Dairy Queen, called Dairy Queen Hot Fudge
Why is Restaurant Ranch Dressing So Good?
What makes the Dairy Queen ranch stand out from the rest? After carefully tasting and comparing, I pinned down a few key factors:
- Creaminess – A good ranch needs a rich, indulgent texture. Sour cream and mayo ensure smooth, creamy body.
- Herby Flavor – Dried dill and parsley provide fresh green flavor that makes ranch iconic.
- Balanced Seasoning – Many ranch dressings go overboard on pepper or other spices. A light hand keeps the herbs at the forefront.
- Mild Onion/Garlic – Subtle allium flavor adds depth without overpowering. Powdered forms work best.
- Cool Dairy Tang – A bit of milk brightens up the creamy base for that cool, tangy taste.
- No Artificial Flavors – Real ingredients like fresh herbs and spices provide genuine, restaurant-quality flavor.
Follow my easy homemade recipe below to get that authentic Dairy Queen ranch taste you love!
Ingredients Needed
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried dill
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
Kitchen Tools
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or Spoon
- Measuring cup
How To Make Dairy Queen Ranch Dressing Recipe
Step-01: Make sure you have all the ingredients handy before you start – mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, dried parsley, dried dill, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
Step-02: Measure out ½ cup of mayonnaise and add it to a medium mixing bowl. Measure out ½ cup of sour cream. Add it to the bowl with the mayonnaise.
Step-03: Measure out ¼ cup of milk and add it to the bowl. Measure ½ tsp of dried parsley flakes and sprinkle over the ingredients in the bowl.
Step-04: Measure ½ tsp of dried dill and sprinkle it over the top. Measure ½ tsp of onion powder and sprinkle it evenly over the ingredients.
Step-05: Measure ½ tsp of garlic powder and sprinkle over the top. Add salt and pepper as desired. Start with ¼ tsp of each and add more to your liking.
Step-06: Use a whisk or wooden spoon to thoroughly combine all the ingredients until uniform in texture and color. Transfer dressing to a serving bowl. Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh dried herbs rather than ground versions.
- If the dressing seems too thick, whisk in more milk 1 tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- For a quick ranch variation, add 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 1/4 teaspoon dried basil.
- Ranch dressing pairs perfectly with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, grilled chicken, buffalo wings and more!
- For easy dipping, serve dressing alongside cut veggies, chicken tenders or fries.
How to Use Dairy Queen Ranch Dressing
Here are some of my favorite ways to use this creamy, flavorful dressing:
1. For salads – Drizzle as dressing over green, grain or pasta salads. Also perfect for potato salad or coleslaw!
2. As a sauce – Use for dipping veggies, fried foods or grilled meats. Great for chicken nuggets or fries!
3. For sandwiches – Spread on burgers, chicken sandwiches or wraps for extra flavor.
4. For grilled foods – Brush over chicken, shrimp, salmon or veggies while grilling.
5. For snacking – Dip your chips, pretzels or crackers into it for a creamy, tangy treat.
6. For marinades – Mix with oils, vinegar and spices to marinate meats like steak tips or chicken.
Ranch Dressing Storage Tips
To keep this ranch tasting fresh, follow these storage guidelines:
- Store dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- If separating occurs, mix again before serving to re-emulsify.
- For longer storage, transfer to a freezer bag or container and freeze for 2-3 months.
- Let thaw overnight in the fridge before using. Mix well once thawed.
- Don’t store at room temperature or dressing may spoil more quickly.
- If mold appears, discard immediately. Don’t taste or try to salvage.
- With proper storage methods, you can enjoy this ranch for quick meals all week long!
Dairy Queen Ranch Dressing FAQs
Here are some common FAQs about Dairy Queen Ranch Dressing Recipe:
1. Is homemade ranch dressing safe to store?
Yes, stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, this dressing will keep for 5-7 days.
2. Do I need fresh or dried herbs?
You can use either fresh or dried herbs in this recipe. Dried will give a more concentrated flavor.
3. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt can be substituted in a 1:1 ratio for the sour cream.
4. What are some serving ideas for ranch dressing?
This versatile dressing is great with salads, wings, subs, veggie dips, chicken tenders, fries and much more!
5. What’s the difference between bottled and homemade ranch?
Homemade dressing has a fresher, more restaurant-quality flavor from real ingredients. Bottled dressing relies more on thickeners, preservatives and artificial flavors.
Recreate the Dairy Queen Taste at Home
Homemade ranch dressing can be so quick and easy to make, and so much tastier than store-bought. This Copycat Dairy Queen Ranch Dressing Recipe recreates that cool, creamy restaurant flavor with simple pantry ingredients.
With its fresh herb flavor and rich dairy taste, it’s the perfect dip, dressing or topping for all your favorite foods. Keep a batch of this ranch in your refrigerator, and you’ll find yourself discovering new ways to use it every day of the week!
Feel free to share your experience with this recipe by trying it out. Don’t forget to drop a comment and provide your feedback on the blog for us to read.
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