Spicy Ranch Dressing

What is Spicy Ranch Made Of?

You need just a few simple ingredients to put together this dressing! 

• Mayonnaise: We used Duke’s mayonnaise, but feel free to use whatever variety of mayonnaise you prefer.
• Buttermilk and Milk: Buttermilk is the key to that classic tangy ranch dressing flavor. As for the milk, I usually use whole milk, but 2%, 1%, or even a neutral tasting alternative milk like soy or almond milk will work too. 
• Seasonings: We season our dressing with a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, chipotle powder, dried dill, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper.

How to Make Spicy Ranch Dressing

This simple spicy ranch salad dressing comes together in just a few minutes!

1. Add all of the ingredients to a medium bowl and whisk to combine.

Yep. That’s it. This recipe is easier than running to the store to grab a bottle of ranch dressing!  

Tips for the Best Spicy Ranch Dressing

• Use buttermilk! There really is no substitute for buttermilk in this recipe. You need the real deal for that classic flavor.
• Mix it well. We want that flavor distributed evenly all throughout the dressing.
• Refrigerate before serving. I recommend mixing everything up, then setting the dressing in the fridge for about an hour before serving. This helps all the flavors meld together and gives the dressing time to thicken up a bit.
• If the dressing is too thick, add additional milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the desired thickness is reached. 
• For a thicker consistency, use 2 tablespoons of milk. For a thinner consistency, use the full ¼ cup.
• For a mildly spicy ranch, use ⅛ teaspoon of cayenne. For a very spicy ranch, use ¼ teaspoon.
• Adjust to taste. Any of the seasonings can be adjusted to your preference. I recommend starting with less and adding more to taste.

Variations

• Make it spicier. Not spicy enough for you? Add in more cayenne pepper or mix in a dash of your favorite hot sauce. 
• Lighten it up. Swap the mayo out for low fat mayo or even Greek yogurt and use almond milk instead of whole milk.
• Make it vegan. Just sub in vegan varieties of all the dairy products.

Serving Suggestions

There are plenty of ways you can serve this delicious spicy ranch salad dressing! 

Enjoy it as a dressing on a simple green salad or Chicken Salad, as a sauce for Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Burgers, Spicy Chicken Sandwiches, or Shredded Beef Tacos, or as a dip for fresh veggies, Chicken Tenders, fries, onion rings, you name it! 

How Long Does Homemade Ranch Last?

This homemade ranch dressing will last in an airtight container or bottle in the fridge for 4-5 days. 

I do not recommend freezing it because the texture will become thin and watery.

What Does Spicy Ranch Taste Like?

Spicy ranch dressing tastes just like the classic ranch dressing we know and love, but with a little extra heat!

More Homemade Dressing Recipes You’ll Love

• Creamy Southwest Dressing
• Easy Dill Salad Dressing
• Creamy Garlic Dressing
• Southern Coleslaw Dressing
• Homemade Italian Dressing
• Honey Mustard Salad Dressing