Basil Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
There's a reason ranch dressing tops every list of America's favorite condiments, but once you try this basil ranch dressing, you'll never go back to the bottled kind. Fresh basil turns classic buttermilk ranch into something bright, herby, and downright addictive.
Simple, everyday ingredients and clear, step-by-step instructions — every recipe made in Dorothy’s kitchen before it reaches yours. Jump to the full recipe card below.
Basil Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
A creamy, tangy buttermilk ranch dressing loaded with fresh basil, garlic, and herbs, ready in 10 minutes with no cooking required.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk until smooth and fully combined.
- Add the chopped basil, chives, and parsley to the bowl and stir to distribute the herbs evenly.
- Mix in the minced garlic, lemon juice, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne if using.
- Whisk everything together until the dressing is creamy and uniform in color.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
- Give the dressing a good stir before serving, and thin with a splash of buttermilk if you prefer a lighter consistency.
Notes
Store this basil ranch dressing in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavor gets even better after a few hours as the basil and garlic infuse into the buttermilk base. For a thinner consistency to use as a salad dressing, whisk in extra buttermilk 1 tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes basil ranch dressing different from regular ranch?
Basil ranch dressing swaps out (or supplements) the usual dried herbs with fresh basil, giving the dressing a brighter, slightly peppery, and more aromatic flavor than traditional buttermilk ranch.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Fresh basil is best for this basil ranch dressing because it delivers a more vibrant flavor and color, but if needed you can substitute 2 teaspoons of dried basil, though the taste will be milder.
How long does homemade basil ranch dressing last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, this dressing stays fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Give it a stir before each use since the ingredients may separate slightly.
Can I make this dressing without buttermilk?
Yes, you can make a quick buttermilk substitute by mixing 1/2 cup regular milk with 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.
What can I serve with basil ranch dressing?
This basil ranch dressing is delicious drizzled over salads, used as a dip for vegetables and wings, spread on sandwiches and wraps, or served alongside crispy fries and roasted potatoes.
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