How to Make Ranch Seasoning

5 from 6 votes

Learn how to make ranch seasoning without buttermilk powder. A blend of herbs, spices, and nutritional yeast for a tangy and herbaceous flavor. Perfect for meats, veggies, and dips!

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There’s something remarkably versatile about a good ranch seasoning. A sprinkle here, a dash there, and suddenly, your dish has that zesty kick of flavor. I love this homemade ranch seasoning recipe, not just for its delicious taste but also for the special touch it adds to veggies and protein. What sets this blend apart is its unique, dairy-free twist—instead of the usual buttermilk powder, that can be hard to find, I use nutritional yeast.

Ranch seasoning in a spice jar.
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This ranch season mix is straightforward and packed with herbs and spices that offer that classic ranch flavor. The best part? The nutritional yeast adds a slightly cheesy and savory nuance, which makes it perfect for those who want the flavor without the dairy. Whether you’re jazzing up your popcorn, whipping up a dressing, or seasoning your favorite dishes, this is a homemade dry ranch seasoning you’ll find yourself reaching for time and time again.

WHY learn How to Make dry Ranch Seasoning

  • Made with pantry staples. If you have a well-stocked pantry, you likely already have all the ingredients on hand. This means you can whip up this ranch seasoning whenever the craving strikes, without needing a special grocery run.
  • Homemade seasonings are cost-effective. If you love ranch, you know how quickly the cost of those little seasoning packets can add up. Save money by purchasing spices and herbs in bulk and make the seasoning blend yourself.
  • Quality control. What’s better than saving money on food? Saving money on food while ensuring the highest quality and taste. No fillers, gums, or artificial additives here – just pure, natural ingredients coming together to make the most delicious homemade dry ranch seasoning.

Ingredients to make Homemade Ranch Seasoning

  • Nutritional yeast: Adds a savory, cheesy flavor resembling the buttermilk in traditional ranch dressing. You can use dried buttermilk powder instead if you are okay with dairy.
  • Dried herbs: Dried parsley, dill, and chives bring a fresh and herbaceous flavor that is reminiscent of classic ranch seasoning. It also adds a welcoming pop of green.
  • Onion powder: Gives a concentrated onion flavor without the texture of onions.
  • Garlic powder: Adds a robust and aromatic garlic flavor.
  • Sugar: To balance the flavors and add a touch of sweetness.
  • Mustard powder: Brings a subtle tang and a hint of spiciness that complements the rest of the ingredients.
  • Salt and black pepper: Salt enhances the flavor, ensuring a well-rounded ranch seasoning, while black pepper brings a mild heat and a touch of spiciness.
Ingredients for recipe in individual bowls: dried buttermilk powder, dried parsley, dill, and chives, onion powder, garlic powder, sugar, mustard powder, black pepper, and salt.

HOW TO MAKE Ranch Seasoning with Nutritional Yeast

  1. Add all ingredients to a bowl.
  2. Stir to combine well. Transfer to a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
2 image collage of seasonings in a bowl before mixing together and after.

TIPS FOR Making the best Homemade Ranch Seasoning

  1. Customize to your tastes. Add a touch of heat with red pepper flakes, extra tanginess with lemon zest, or even a smoky element with smoked paprika. Similarly, if you prefer a certain flavor to be more pronounced, feel free to adjust the quantity accordingly.
  2. Skip the bowl to avoid extra dishes. Add all the ingredients directly to your container, like a pint-size jar or spice jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake until combined.
  3. Shake before using. Some ingredients may settle over time – give the jar a good shake before each use to ensure even distribution of herbs and seasonings.
  4. Make a larger batch. Scale up the recipe and make a larger batch as part of your meal prep on the weekend. That way, when you’re pressed for time, you can quickly season your protein or whip up homemade ranch dressing to go with your dinner salad.

recipes to make with Dairy-Free Ranch Seasoning

HOW TO STORE ranch Seasoning

Store ranch seasoning in an airtight container like a spice jar or mason jar in the refrigerator.

HOW LONG WILL Ranch Seasoning LAST IN THE FRIDGE?

While dried herbs and spices have a long shelf life, it’s still a good idea to periodically check your homemade dry ranch seasoning for any changes in aroma or flavor. For best results, store the seasoning in the fridge for up to 1 month.

CAN I FREEZE Homemade Ranch Seasoning?

Yes! You can freeze ranch seasoning. Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags to minimize exposure to moisture and freeze for up to 4 months. The seasonings will not freeze as a solid block, however, it will become slightly firmer and might clump together.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are popular ranch seasoning uses?

Besides mixing it into yogurt and mayonnaise for a salad dressing or dip, homemade ranch seasoning can be used as a dry rub for chicken and sprinkling over roasted vegetables. It’s also great for marinating meats, seasoning burgers, enhancing flavor in casseroles, and adds a unique taste to snacks like popcorn or roasted nuts.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried in this recipe?

You can experiment with fresh herbs but keep in mind that their high water content will affect the texture and shelf life of the overall seasoning. If you use fresh herbs, I recommend storing the seasoning in the fridge for up to 4 days and avoid freezing it.

How much homemade dry ranch seasoning equals one packet of store-bought mix?

This usually depends on the brand but typically, a standard store-bought packet of ranch seasoning contains about 1 – 1.25 ounces of the seasoning mix. Therefore, you would need approximately 2 tablespoons of homemade seasoning.

Ranch seasoning in a spice jar with a spoon with some on it and bowl of seasoning nearby.

This simple guide shows you how to make ranch seasoning with just a handful of basic ingredients and a few minutes of your time. Make a batch today so you’re ready to whip up homemade ranch dressing when the craving for this classic dip strikes.

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How to Make Ranch Seasoning

Learn how to make ranch seasoning without buttermilk powder. A blend of herbs, spices, and nutritional yeast for a tangy and herbaceous flavor. Perfect for meats, veggies, and dips!
5 from 6 votes
Servings 0.75 cup
Calories 199
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup nutritional yeast or dried buttermilk powder
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 1 tablespoon dried dill
  • 1 tablespoon dried chives
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon mustard powder
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients to a clean, dry pint-sized jar with a tight fitting lid. Shake until well combined. Store in the refrigerator for up to one month.

Notes

Storage: Store ranch seasoning in an airtight container like a spice jar or mason jar in the refrigerator for up to one month. You can also freeze it for up to 4 months. Be sure to freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags to minimize exposure to moisture.
Tips: 
Customize to your tastes. Add a touch of heat with red pepper flakes, extra tanginess with lemon zest, or even a smoky element with smoked paprika. Similary, if you prefer a certain flavor to be more pronounced, feel free to adjust the quanity accordingly.
Skip the bowl to avoid extra dishes. Add all the ingredients directly to your container like a pint-size jar or spice jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake until combined.
Shake before using. Some ingredients may settle over time, give the jar a good shake before each use to ensure even distribution of herbs and seasonings.
Make a larger batch. Scale up the recipe and make a larger batch as part of your meal prep on the weekend. That way when you’re pressed for time, you can quickly season your protein or whip up homemade ranch dressing to go with your dinner salad. 

Nutrition

Calories: 199kcal, Carbohydrates: 32g, Protein: 18g, Fat: 2g, Saturated Fat: 0.1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g, Sodium: 805mg, Potassium: 960mg, Fiber: 10g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin A: 472IU, Vitamin C: 8mg, Calcium: 136mg, Iron: 5mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.

Diet: Vegan
Cuisine American
Course: Spices, Tutorial

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