Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Homemade Light Ranch Dressing offers the classic creamy, tangy flavor of traditional ranch with fewer calories and fat. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, it’s a healthier alternative perfect for salads, dips, or drizzling over roasted vegetables. You’ll love how easy it is to make and customize to your taste.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
low-fat buttermayoplain Greek yogongarlic powderonion powderdried dilldried parsleydried chivessaltblack pepperlemon juicewhite vinegarwater (to thin, if needed)
directions
In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, low-fat buttermilk, and light mayo until smooth.
Add garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, parsley, and chives.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Stir in lemon juice and a splash of white vinegar for extra tanginess.
Adjust consistency by adding water a tablespoon at a time until desired thickness is reached.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 1 cup of dressing.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Chilling time: 30 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a more vibrant flavor.
Swap lemon juice for lime juice for a twist.
Add a touch of honey or maple syrup for subtle sweetness.
Mix in a bit of hot sauce for a spicy version.
storage/reheating
Store Homemade Light Ranch Dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Shake or stir well before each use as separation may occur. Not suitable for freezing.
FAQs
Can I use regular mayo instead of light?
Yes, but it will increase the calorie and fat content.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use plant-based yogurt and milk alternatives.
Is it gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but check labels to be sure.
How can I make it thicker?
Reduce or omit the water or use more Greek yogurt.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely, it scales easily for meal prep.
Can I skip the vinegar?
Yes, but it adds a nice tang. Consider replacing with extra lemon juice.
Is it suitable for kids?
Yes, it’s mild and creamy—great for dipping veggies!
Conclusion
Homemade Light Ranch Dressing is a quick, healthy, and flavorful alternative to store-bought versions. With its creamy texture and customizable ingredients, it’s perfect for adding a delicious touch to your meals without compromising your health goals.
PrintHomemade Light Ranch Dressing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 1 1/4 cups (10 servings)
- Category: Dressings & Sauces
- Method: No Bake/No Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Homemade Light Ranch Dressing is creamy, tangy, and full of flavor—just like the classic, but made lighter with Greek yogurt. It’s perfect for salads, dipping veggies, or drizzling over grilled chicken. Quick to make and so much better than store-bought!
Ingredients
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1 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
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1/4 cup low-fat buttermilk (more to thin if desired)
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1 tablespoon olive oil mayonnaise
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1 tablespoon lemon juice (or white vinegar)
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1 teaspoon dried dill
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
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1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
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1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, buttermilk, and olive oil mayonnaise until smooth.
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Add the lemon juice, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined.
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Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add a splash of buttermilk if a thinner consistency is desired.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors blend.
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Stir before serving. Keep refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 1 week.
Notes
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You can substitute fresh herbs for dried if preferred. Use 3x the amount of fresh.
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For extra tang, add a splash of white vinegar or pickle juice.
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Great as a dip for veggies, wings, or fries too!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 35
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 135mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 2mg
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