Ranch Vinaigrette (Semi-Homemade Salad Dressing)

This Ranch Vinaigrette recipe is an easy 5-ingredient salad dressing you can make in minutes! It features the bold, tangy flavors of classic ranch dressing in vinaigrette form. Pair with your favorite salads for an instant boost of fresh flavor!

I’m all about my salads that don’t suck, and one thing that’s non-negotiable is a delicious dressing. It brings the whole meal together and makes a salad feel much more satisfying and enjoyable!

Ranch dressing is a very popular option. And for good reason, it tastes great! But a thick, creamy dressing can sometimes overpower the other ingredients or flavors. Save this Ranch Vinaigrette recipe for the times you’re craving ranch flavor but need a lighter option to avoid a soggy salad.

Vinaigrettes are some of my most popular recipes! If you like experimenting with homemade salad dressings, check out my Yuzu Vinaigrette, Red Wine Vinaigrette, or Cumin Lime Vinaigrette. 

​Ranch Vinaigrette Ingredients

This semi-homemade salad dressing requires just a few simple ingredients:

• Ranch seasoning, homemade or storebought (see my tips and notes below)
• Olive oil
• Apple cider vinegar
• Dijon mustard
• Fresh dill, which is incredibly aromatic and adds a pop of bright flavor

Street Smart Nutrition Tip: Look for ranch seasoning blends in the spice section of your grocery store. You can also use a packet of Hidden Valley Ranch Mix, which also works well for dips, sauces, or seasoning blends. 

You can also make a DIY ranch-style seasoning blend with a mix of dried or fresh herbs and spices. Typically, ranch salad dressing mixes include dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and chives. But the real key to true ranch flavor is the powdered buttermilk. Don’t skip this unless you need a fully dairy-free option.

This Ranch Vinaigrette features those same flavors, but with the acidic and tangy flavors of a classic vinaigrette. The dijon mustard helps emulsify the oil with the apple cider vinegar, which adds just a touch of sweetness.

How to Make Ranch Vinaigrette

It’s so easy to make homemade dressings! All you need is a small bowl with a whisk or fork, or a small jar with a tight-fitting lid. 

Just measure and add all the ingredients to the bowl or jar. Whisk or shake until everything is well-mixed.

Don’t be surprised if you see some separation. This is totally normal, especially if you’re using a ranch seasoning blend with powdered buttermilk. If this happens, just give it a quick stir before adding it to your salad to combine the flavors again. 

Storage Tips

I usually make this ranch vinaigrette recipe in small batches, just enough for the salad I’m serving. But when I’m meal prepping, it helps to store a larger batch in the fridge for later use. 

Seal it in an airtight container and keep it chilled. Use within 1-2 weeks for best results. 

What to Serve with Ranch Vinaigrette

Drizzle this over your favorite salad, of course! It pairs will with just about any combo of fresh greens and crunchy, crispy vegetables. 

My personal favorite is my Chef’s Salad with Leftover Ham. It’s got everything you need for a filling, flavorful all-in-one salad.

But don’t stop there! This Ranch Vinaigrette adds fresh, tangy flavor to other types of salads, too. Think grain salads (like couscous or quinoa-based salads) or dense bean salads with chopped veggies. I even tried it with my Summer Split Pea Salad and it got rave reviews!

I hope you love this Ranch Vinaigrette recipe as much as we do! Come summertime, it’s one of my favorites for fresh salads with lettuce and veggies straight from the garden or farmers market. 

Leave a rating or comment to let me know what you pair it with. I’d love to hear about your salads that don’t suck! 

And as always, thanks for stopping by the Street Smart Nutrition blog. Cheers to more fearlessly nourishing meals, including amazingly satisfying salads!