I’ve been hooked on the creamy, tangy goodness of Texas Roadhouse ranch dressing ever since I first tried it at one of their restaurants. That perfect balance of herbs, buttermilk, and a little kick of garlic makes it the kind of dressing that can elevate any salad, veggie platter, or even a pile of crispy fries.
After plenty of trial and error in my kitchen, I’ve nailed a homemade version that tastes just like the real deal. This recipe is my go-to for potlucks, BBQs, or just jazzing up a weeknight salad at home. It’s super easy to whip up, and I’m excited to share it with you today!
This dressing isn’t just for salads—it’s a versatile dip or drizzle for everything from chicken wings to grilled veggies. Plus, it’s made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry or fridge. Let’s dive into why this recipe is a must-try, how to make it step-by-step, and some fun ways to use it.
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Why You'll Love This Texas Roadhouse Ranch Salad Dressing Recipe
This Texas Roadhouse-inspired ranch dressing is a game-changer for any home cook. It’s creamy, packed with flavor, and comes together in just 10 minutes. You can customize the herbs or spice level to suit your taste, and it’s way fresher than anything you’ll find in a store-bought bottle.
Whether you’re tossing it with a crisp green salad or using it as a dip for spicy buffalo wings, this dressing delivers that restaurant-quality taste without the hefty price tag. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep since it stores well in the fridge for up to a week.
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Ingredients For Texas Roadhouse Ranch Salad Dressing
To make about 1.5 cups (360 ml) of this delicious ranch dressing, you’ll need the following:
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) buttermilk
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) sour cream
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon (2 g) garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon (2 g) onion powder
- 1 tablespoon (3 g) finely chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon (3 g) finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon (2 g) dried chives
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon (1 g) salt
- 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) black pepper
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a slight kick)
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Kitchen Equipment Needed
You don’t need much to make this ranch dressing, but here’s what will make the process smooth:
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Measuring cups and measuring spoons
- Cutting board (for chopping fresh herbs)
- Chef’s knife (for chopping fresh herbs)
- Airtight container or mason jar for storage
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this ranch dressing is as easy as it gets, but I’ll break it down into detailed steps so you can nail it on your first try. Let’s get started!
1. Prep Your Fresh Herbs
Grab your cutting board and chef’s knife. Finely chop 1 tablespoon (3 g) of fresh dill and 1 tablespoon (3 g) of fresh parsley.
Make sure the herbs are chopped as finely as possible to evenly distribute their flavor throughout the dressing.
If your herbs are a bit wilted, give them a quick rinse in cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel before chopping.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add 1/2 cup (120 ml) of mayonnaise, 1/2 cup (120 ml) of buttermilk, and 1/4 cup (60 ml) of sour cream.
Use a whisk to blend them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This forms the base of your dressing, giving it that rich, velvety texture Texas Roadhouse is known for.
3. Add Acid and Seasonings
Pour in 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of white vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) of lemon juice to the bowl. These add a subtle tang that balances the creaminess.
Next, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon (2 g) of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon (2 g) of onion powder, 1 teaspoon (2 g) of dried chives, 1/4 teaspoon (1 g) of salt, 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) of black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper if you want a little heat.
Whisk everything together until the spices are fully incorporated.
4. Fold in Fresh Herbs
Add the chopped dill and parsley to the mixture. Gently fold them in with a spoon to avoid crushing the herbs. This step adds a burst of fresh flavor that makes this dressing stand out from store-bought versions.
5. Taste and Adjust
Give the dressing a quick taste. If you want it tangier, add a splash more white vinegar or lemon juice. Need more salt? Sprinkle in a pinch more. Adjust the seasonings to your liking, but go easy—small tweaks make a big difference.
6. Chill the Dressing
Transfer the dressing to an airtight container or mason jar. Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. This step is key for that authentic Texas Roadhouse taste. If you can, let it sit for a couple of hours—it gets even better!
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Serving Suggestions
This ranch dressing is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to enjoy it:
- Drizzle it over a crisp green salad with romaine lettuce, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes.
- Use it as a dip for fresh veggies like carrots, celery, or bell peppers.
- Pair it with air fryer spicy buffalo chicken wings for a classic combo.
- Spread it on a turkey burger lettuce wrap for extra flavor.
- Toss it with a chicken Caesar pasta salad for a creamy twist.
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Variations to Try
Want to switch things up? Here are some fun ways to tweak this ranch dressing:
- Spicy Ranch: Add an extra pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for more heat.
- Herb-Forward: Double the fresh dill and parsley for a greener, fresher flavor.
- Garlic Lovers: Increase the garlic powder to 1.5 teaspoons (3 g) for a bolder kick.
- Low-Fat Option: Swap the mayonnaise and sour cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Vegan Ranch: Use vegan mayonnaise and plant-based sour cream, and replace buttermilk with a mix of plant milk and lemon juice.
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Storage and Reheating
Store your ranch dressing in an airtight container or mason jar in the fridge for up to 7 days. Give it a good shake or stir before using, as it may separate slightly over time.
If it thickens too much, thin it out with a splash of buttermilk or water. This dressing doesn’t freeze well, so make only what you’ll use within a week.
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Nutritional Facts
Per 2 tablespoon (30 ml) serving (approximate):
- Calories: 80 kcal
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Sugar: 1 g
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Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
- Buttermilk: Contains probiotics that support gut health and provides calcium for strong bones.
- Dill: Rich in antioxidants and may help reduce inflammation.
- Parsley: Packed with vitamin C and K, supporting immune health and blood clotting.
- Garlic Powder: May boost immunity and has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Lemon Juice: High in vitamin C, aiding in digestion and skin health.
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Tips for Success
- Use fresh herbs whenever possible for the best flavor. Dried herbs work in a pinch, but they won’t have the same vibrancy.
- Let the dressing chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1/2 cup (120 ml) of milk with 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) of lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Taste as you go to adjust the seasoning to your preference.
- Double the recipe if you’re serving a crowd—it’s always a hit!
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FAQs
1. Can I make this dressing without buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with a mix of 1/2 cup (120 ml) of regular milk and 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle before using.
2. How long does homemade ranch dressing last?
It stays fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days. Stir or shake well before serving.
3. Can I freeze this ranch dressing?
Freezing isn’t recommended as the mayonnaise and sour cream can separate and become grainy when thawed.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this ranch dressing is naturally gluten-free, as none of the ingredients contain gluten. Always check labels to ensure your specific products are gluten-free.
5. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
You can, but fresh dill and parsley give a brighter flavor. If using dried, reduce the amount to 1 teaspoon (1 g) each.
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Final Thoughts
This Texas Roadhouse ranch dressing recipe is a total winner for anyone who loves that creamy, herby, restaurant-style flavor. It’s so easy to make, and the results are always a crowd-pleaser.
I love how it transforms a simple salad or a plate of veggies into something special, and it’s become a staple in my fridge. Whether you’re dipping, drizzling, or tossing, this dressing is sure to bring a little joy to your meals.
Give it a try and let me know how it turns out for you!
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