Cheddars Ranch Dressing Recipe

This homemade Cheddar's ranch dressing is creamy, tangy, and packed with flavorful herbs. Perfect for salads, dipping fries, or pairing with chicken tenders, it’s an easy, quick recipe that brings restaurant-quality taste right to your home!

When it comes to creamy, zesty ranch dressing, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen has mastered the art of creating the perfect balance of flavors. This version of ranch dressing is exactly what you need to take your salads, veggies, and even your fries to the next level. With its creamy texture, tangy undertones, and a delightful blend of seasonings, this homemade Cheddar's ranch dressing is going to make your taste buds dance.

If you’re a fan of the signature ranch dressing served at Cheddar’s, you’re going to love this recipe. The great thing about making it at home is that you can adjust the ingredients to your taste, ensuring it’s just the way you like it. Whether you enjoy a more herb-forward flavor or a creamier base, this ranch will meet all your expectations and more.

What is Cheddar's Ranch Dressing?

Cheddar's ranch dressing is one of the restaurant's most beloved condiments. It’s not just a salad dressing—it’s a versatile companion to nearly every dish on the menu. Whether you’re dipping crispy chicken tenders, slathering it over a hearty salad, or serving it alongside fried appetizers, this ranch dressing enhances everything it touches. Its perfect blend of tanginess, creaminess, and fresh herbs makes it a fan favorite.

This homemade version brings that same delicious flavor into your own kitchen with simple ingredients you can find at your local store. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dressing that’s as good as the one served at Cheddar’s.

The Ingredients You'll Need for Cheddar's Ranch Dressing

To get that signature ranch flavor, you'll need a handful of ingredients that come together to create the perfect dressing. Here’s the list:

• Mayonnaise: The base of the dressing, giving it the rich and creamy texture you love.
• Sour Cream: Adds a subtle tang and smoothness that rounds out the dressing’s flavor.
• Buttermilk: Provides the essential tang that ranch dressing is known for. It also helps to thin out the dressing to a perfect consistency.
• Garlic Powder: For that hint of aromatic garlic flavor.
• Onion Powder: Brings depth and a savory undertone to the dressing.
• Dried Dill: An essential herb that gives ranch its fresh, green flavor.
• Dried Parsley: A classic herb that lightens up the flavor profile.
• Salt and Pepper: To enhance all the flavors and season to your taste.
• Lemon Juice or Vinegar: For an extra burst of tanginess, elevating the freshness of the dressing.

Each ingredient plays a role in building the rich, herby flavor that makes ranch dressing a beloved classic.

Why You’ll Love This Cheddar’s Ranch Dressing Recipe

There’s so much to love about this ranch dressing. First, it’s incredibly easy to make. All the ingredients blend quickly into a smooth, creamy dressing that’s perfect for dipping or drizzling.

Second, the flavor balance is spot on. The tanginess from the buttermilk and lemon juice is perfectly complemented by the richness of the mayo and sour cream. The herbs—garlic, onion, dill, and parsley—give the dressing a burst of freshness without being overpowering.

Finally, making this dressing at home allows you to control the ingredients and customize it to suit your taste. Like it spicier? Add a bit of cayenne or hot sauce. Want a smoother texture? Add more buttermilk for a thinner consistency.

This ranch dressing is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner, a barbecue, or a game day snack. It's also great for meal prep, allowing you to have fresh dressing on hand throughout the week.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cheddar's Ranch Dressing

Making Cheddar’s ranch dressing at home is simple, and once you’ve done it, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought versions. Here’s how to make it:

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before you start, make sure you have all the ingredients on hand. You’ll need:

• 1 cup of mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup of sour cream
• 1/2 cup of buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried dill
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper

These are the basic ingredients for a delicious, creamy ranch dressing. You can find most of these in your pantry or local grocery store.

Step 2: Combine the Mayonnaise and Sour Cream

In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise and sour cream. The mayo gives the dressing its creamy consistency, while the sour cream adds a bit of tang.

Mix them together until smooth, and don’t worry if there’s a slight separation at first. It’ll come together nicely in the next steps.

Pro Tip: If you're looking for an even smoother dressing, use a hand blender to emulsify the mixture further. This will ensure a silky, uniform texture!

Step 3: Add the Buttermilk and Lemon Juice

Pour in the buttermilk and lemon juice (or vinegar) into the bowl. The buttermilk adds that classic ranch tang, while the lemon juice gives it a fresh citrusy kick.

Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined. If you like a thinner consistency, you can add a little more buttermilk. If you prefer a thicker dressing, reduce the amount of buttermilk slightly.

Step 4: Season the Dressing

Now, it’s time to add the garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and dried parsley. These ingredients bring the ranch flavor to life.

Add salt and pepper to taste, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Taste as you go, adjusting the seasoning until it’s just right for you.

Personal Note: I’ve found that the dried dill and parsley are essential for that fresh herb flavor. If you want a bolder ranch, feel free to add more of these herbs. Some people like to add fresh parsley as well, though dried works just fine.

Step 5: Let the Dressing Rest

Once everything is mixed together, cover the bowl and refrigerate the ranch dressing for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together, giving the dressing its signature depth.

Pro Tip: The longer the dressing sits, the better the flavor. If you have time, let it sit overnight in the fridge.

Perfect Pairings for Cheddar's Ranch Dressing

This ranch dressing is versatile enough to pair with just about anything. Here are some ideas:

• Salads: Drizzle it over your favorite greens for a refreshing, creamy addition.
• Fries: Perfect for dipping alongside crispy fries or potato wedges.
• Buffalo Wings: This ranch makes an excellent accompaniment to spicy buffalo wings, cooling down the heat.
• Veggies: Serve it as a dip for fresh veggies like carrot sticks, celery, or bell peppers.
• Chicken Tenders: A great pairing with crispy fried chicken tenders for that classic restaurant-style experience.

If you're in the mood for more dipping sauces or fun salad recipes, check out these air fryer crunchy bream potatoes or this delicious cheesesteak tortellini in rich provolone sauce for more ways to enjoy creamy ranch.

Tips for Customizing Your Cheddar's Ranch Dressing

While this recipe is already packed with flavor, there are ways to customize it to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few options:

• Add Heat: For a spicier ranch, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
• Fresh Herbs: If you prefer fresh herbs over dried ones, feel free to substitute fresh parsley and dill. Just chop them finely before adding them to the dressing.
• Vegan Version: To make this ranch dressing vegan-friendly, you can use vegan mayonnaise and plant-based sour cream. Swap the buttermilk with non-dairy milk like almond or soy, and you’ve got a dairy-free version.

Cheddars Ranch Dressing Recipe

Cheddar's ranch dressing is a creamy, tangy, and herb-packed dressing that’s perfect for salads, dipping fries, or topping chicken tenders. This easy-to-make recipe brings the delicious flavors of your favorite restaurant right to your kitchen!

Ingredients

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise and sour cream. Stir them together until smooth and fully incorporated.
2. Add the buttermilk and lemon juice to the mixture, stirring well until the dressing achieves a creamy consistency.
3. Mix in the garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and dried parsley. Stir to combine.
4. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as necessary for flavor.
5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Once the dressing is chilled, give it a good stir before serving. Enjoy with your favorite salads, fries, or as a dip for chicken tenders.

15 minutes prep time with No cook time.

Serves 6 and contains approximately 150 calories per serving.

American / Dressing

Rated 4.8 by 1375 reviewers.

Recipe Tags: ranch dressing, homemade ranch, creamy ranch, ranch dip, Cheddar's ranch, easy ranch dressing, salad dressing, dipping sauce

Published by: Show Recipe

The flavors are simple but elevate any dish you pair it with, whether it's fresh veggies, crispy chicken tenders, or just a big ol' salad.

This homemade ranch is a game-changer, and you’ll be hooked once you taste it. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself making it over and over again.