Denny’s Ranch Dressing Recipe

There’s something about eating at Denny’s that always feels comforting. The food tastes like home, and the ranch dressing? It’s on a whole different level.

When Denny’s introduced their ranch dressing years ago, it became one of the most loved condiments on their menu.

Customers love dipping their fries, drizzling it over salads, and adding it to burgers.

This smooth, herby dressing became so popular that people started asking for the recipe. The blend of herbs and that perfect creamy texture made it a customer favorite.

Today, I’m sharing a copycat version that tastes just like the one from the restaurant.

This Denny’s Ranch Dressing Recipe is simple to make at home with easy ingredients and takes only a few minutes to mix up.

Why Is It Called Ranch Dressing?

Ranch dressing got its name from Hidden Valley Ranch in California. A man named Steve Henson created this dressing in the 1950s while working as a cook at his ranch.

Guests loved his special sauce so much that he started selling seasoning packets so people could make it at home. The dressing became wildly popular across America.

Now, ranch is the most loved salad dressing in the country, and almost every restaurant serves their own version, including Denny’s.

What Does Denny’s Ranch Taste Like?

Ranch has a creamy, slightly tangy taste with a mix of herbs like dill, parsley, and chives.

It’s smooth and rich from the mayonnaise and sour cream, while buttermilk adds a subtle tang.

Garlic and onion powders give it a gentle savory flavor, making it perfect for salads, veggies, or dipping wings and fries. It’s balanced, fresh, and comforting.

The Secret to a Good Ranch Dressing Recipe

The secret is in the balance. You need the right amount of creamy ingredients and the right mix of herbs.

Using fresh herbs when you can makes a big difference. But the most important secret is time.

After you mix everything, you must let it rest in the refrigerator. This waiting time lets the dried herbs soften and all the flavors come together. This step makes your dressing taste like the real thing.

Denny’s Ranch Dressing Ingredients

• 1/2 Cup of Buttermilk: This gives the dressing its smooth texture and light tangy flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, don’t worry—you can easily use whole milk instead. The dressing will still taste amazing.
• 1/2 Cup of Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise is the creamy base of the ranch. It gives that silky texture and rich taste that makes this dressing irresistible.
• 1/2 Cup of Sour Cream: Sour cream adds a little tang and makes the dressing thicker and creamier. It balances the mayo perfectly.
• 1 Teaspoon Fresh Chopped Parsley: Fresh parsley brings brightness and a touch of green color. It gives the dressing that fresh herb flavor.
• 1/2 Teaspoon Salt: Salt enhances all the other flavors. Use fine salt so it blends easily into the mix.
• 1/2 Teaspoon Coarse Black Pepper (or 1/4 Teaspoon Fine Black Pepper): Black pepper gives a little kick. If your pepper is finely ground, use less so it doesn’t overpower the flavor.
• 1 Teaspoon Dried Dill (or 2 Teaspoons Fresh Dill): Dill is a classic ranch flavor. If you have fresh dill, it will make the dressing taste even more lively.
• 1/2 Teaspoon Dried Chives: Chives add a mild onion taste that deepens the flavor without being too strong.
• 1/2 Teaspoon Dried Parsley: This helps strengthen the fresh herb flavor and adds a little green fleck that looks nice.
• 1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Powder: Garlic powder gives a gentle savory note. It makes the ranch more flavorful without being too garlicky.
• 1/4 Teaspoon Onion Powder: This works with the garlic to give that balanced ranch base flavor.
• 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice or Rice Wine Vinegar: This adds a bright and slightly sour note. Lemon juice is very fresh, and rice wine vinegar is a little more mellow. Both are excellent choices.

Essential Kitchen Equipment

1. Medium Mixing Bowl: For combining all ingredients.
2. Whisk (or Fork): To blend the dressing smooth.
3. Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredient amounts.
4. Spatula: Helps scrape the sides clean.
5. Jar or Container with Lid: For storing leftovers in the fridge.

How to Make Denny’s Ranch Dressing

Step 1 | Mix the creamy base

In your mixing bowl, add 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream, and 1/2 cup buttermilk. Use your whisk to blend until smooth and creamy.

Step 2 | Add the herbs and seasonings

Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, dried dill, dried parsley, dried chives, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir everything together so all the flavors start to mix.

Step 3 | Add the fresh parsley

Mix in the fresh chopped parsley for that beautiful color and fresh taste. It really makes a difference.

Step 4 | Add the lemon juice or vinegar

Pour in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or rice wine vinegar. Stir again. Taste the dressing—if you want more tang, add a bit more lemon juice.

Step 5 | Chill before serving

Cover the bowl or transfer your dressing to a jar with a lid. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors blend beautifully.

Chef’s Special Notes

Here are a few extra tips to make your dressing even better.

• For a Thicker Dip: If you want to use this as a veggie dip, use only 1/4 cup of buttermilk. This will create a much thicker, scoopable consistency.
• Fresh Herb Power: Using fresh dill and fresh chives instead of dried will make the flavor pop. The taste will be brighter and more vibrant.
• Flavor Development: The dressing tastes good right away, but it tastes even better the next day. Making it a few hours ahead is always a good idea.
• Buttermilk Shortcut: If you don’t have buttermilk, make your own. Put one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar in a measuring cup. Then, add enough whole milk to reach the 1/2 cup line. Stir and wait 5 minutes before using.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy dressing works beautifully with so many different foods. Pour it over a fresh garden salad loaded with crisp lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots.

Use it as a dipping sauce for raw veggies like celery sticks, bell pepper strips, and baby carrots.

The dressing also pairs wonderfully with hot foods like buffalo wings, chicken tenders, or crispy onion rings.

How to Store Leftovers

Store your homemade ranch dressing in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator. Glass jars work best because they don’t absorb odors.

The dressing will stay fresh for up to 7 days. Always use a clean spoon when scooping it out. Never leave the dressing at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Give it a good shake before each use since the ingredients may separate slightly. If it smells sour or looks discolored, throw it away and make a fresh batch.

Denny’s Ranch Dressing Recipe FAQs

1. Why does my ranch taste bland?

The flavors need time to develop. If it tastes bland right after mixing, it probably just needs to chill. The salt and herbs will get stronger after 30 minutes in the fridge. You can also add a tiny pinch more salt.

2. How thick should the dressing be?

It should be creamy but pourable. Add a little more buttermilk to thin it or extra sour cream/mayo to thicken. Adjust consistency to your preference.

3. My ranch dressing is too thin. How can I fix it?

The easiest way to thicken your ranch is to add more mayonnaise or sour cream. Start with one extra tablespoon. Stir it in and check the thickness. You can add a little more until it is just how you like it.

4. Why does my ranch taste bitter?

Sometimes, if you use too much black pepper or certain dried herbs, it can taste a little bitter. Next time, try measuring your pepper carefully. Using fresh lemon juice can also help balance the flavor.

5. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just make sure to mix in a larger bowl and adjust seasonings gradually to taste.

Continue to Content

Denny's Ranch Dressing Recipe

Yield: 6

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Additional Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Make Denny's Ranch Dressing Recipe in just 40 minutes. Creamy, tangy, and herby, this copycat dressing is perfect for salads, dips, and more!

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Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Buttermilk – For smooth texture and tang. Can substitute whole milk.
• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise – Creamy base for richness. Light mayo works too.
• 1/2 cup Sour Cream – Adds tang and thickens dressing. Greek yogurt is an alternative.
• 1 teaspoon Fresh Chopped Parsley – Adds fresh green flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt – Enhances all flavors. Fine or sea salt works.
• 1/2 teaspoon Coarse Black Pepper (or 1/4 teaspoon Fine) – Adds a gentle kick.
• 1 teaspoon Dried Dill (or 2 teaspoons Fresh Dill) – Classic ranch herb flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon Dried Chives – Mild onion taste. Can use finely chopped green onions.
• 1/2 teaspoon Dried Parsley – Strengthens herb flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder – Gentle savory flavor. Fresh garlic can be substituted.
• 1/4 teaspoon Onion Powder – Complements garlic flavor.
• 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice or Rice Wine Vinegar – Adds bright acidity and freshness.

Instructions

1. Add 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream, and 1/2 cup buttermilk to a mixing bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
2. Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, dried dill, dried parsley, dried chives, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until well combined.
3. Mix in 1 teaspoon fresh chopped parsley for color and fresh flavor.
4. Pour in 1 tablespoon lemon juice or rice wine vinegar. Stir again and taste. Adjust tang if needed.
5. Cover or transfer to a jar with a lid. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors blend.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 110Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 200mgCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 1g

Getting this Denny’s Ranch Dressing Recipe just right was a goal of mine. This copycat version lets you enjoy that classic taste any day of the week.

It is simple to prepare with common ingredients. Enjoy your creamy, homemade ranch!