I’ll never forget the first time I tasted the ranch dressing at Texas Roadhouse. It was smooth, tangy, and just the right amount of garlicky.

After countless dinner visits and way too many salads, I finally decided to crack the code. This Texas Roadhouse Ranch Salad Dressing Recipe became my kitchen obsession for weeks.

What started as curiosity turned into a full-blown mission. I tested different ratios, tweaked the seasonings, and enlisted my family as taste testers until I finally nailed it.

Now, I make batches of this dressing every week. It’s become my go-to for salads, dipping veggies, and even drizzling over grilled chicken.

The best part is how simple it is to whip up. You probably have most of the ingredients sitting in your fridge and pantry right now.

Quick Recipe Summary
Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	0 minutes
Total Time	10 minutes
Servings	2 cups (16 servings)
Difficulty Level	Easy

Texas Roadhouse Ranch Salad Dressing Recipe – Perfect for Meal Prep

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Texas Roadhouse Ranch Salad Dressing Recipe

This dressing brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your home kitchen. You’ll save money and avoid the preservatives found in store-bought versions.

The texture is incredibly creamy without being heavy. It clings perfectly to salad greens and makes every bite memorable.

Here’s what makes this recipe special:

Restaurant copycat accuracy: Tastes just like the real thing from Texas Roadhouse
Quick and easy: Ready in just 10 minutes with minimal effort
Budget-friendly: Costs a fraction of buying ranch at the restaurant
Customizable: Adjust the garlic, herbs, and spice level to your preference
Versatile: Works as a dressing, dip, or sauce for countless dishes
No weird ingredients: Made with real, recognizable foods you trust
Make-ahead friendly: Stays fresh in the fridge for up to two weeks
Crowd-pleasing: Everyone from kids to adults requests seconds

I love serving this alongside my broccoli salad recipe for potlucks.

Ingredients

This dressing comes together with simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients. The key is using quality mayonnaise and buttermilk for that authentic restaurant taste.

1 cup (240ml) mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base
½ cup (120ml) buttermilk: Adds tanginess and thins the consistency
½ cup (120g) sour cream: Contributes richness and body
2 teaspoons (4g) dried parsley: Provides classic ranch flavor
1 teaspoon (2g) dried dill weed: Adds herbaceous notes
1 teaspoon (3g) garlic powder: Brings savory depth
1 teaspoon (3g) onion powder: Enhances overall flavor
½ teaspoon (3g) salt: Balances all the flavors
½ teaspoon (1g) black pepper: Adds mild heat
¼ teaspoon (0.5g) paprika: Gives subtle sweetness and color
1 tablespoon (15ml) fresh lemon juice: Brightens the entire dressing

Kitchen Equipment Needed

You don’t need fancy equipment to make this dressing. Just a few basic kitchen tools will get the job done perfectly.

Medium mixing bowl: For combining all ingredients
Whisk: To blend everything smoothly
Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient portions
Glass jar with lid: For storing the finished dressing
Rubber spatula: To scrape down the sides and transfer dressing

Another favorite: potato salad recipe.

Recommended Products for This Recipe

After making this dressing countless times, I’ve found a few products that really elevate the final result. These aren’t absolutely necessary, but they make a noticeable difference.

1. Duke’s Real Mayonnaise

This mayonnaise is tangier and creamier than most brands, which gives the dressing that authentic restaurant quality. I switched to Duke’s after reading countless online reviews, and I immediately noticed the difference. It has more egg yolks and no added sugar, which makes the flavor richer and more balanced.

Get it on Amazon

2. Organic Valley Buttermilk

The quality of your buttermilk directly affects the texture and tang of this dressing. Organic Valley’s version is thick, fresh-tasting, and has the perfect acidity. I’ve tried several brands, and this one consistently delivers the best results without any off-flavors.

Get it on Amazon

3. OXO Good Grips Salad Dressing Shaker

While you can whisk this dressing in a bowl, this shaker makes it incredibly easy to mix everything thoroughly and store it in the same container. The measurements on the side help you scale the recipe, and the flip-top pour spout prevents messy drips. It’s become an essential tool in my kitchen.

Get it on Amazon

4. Frontier Co-op Organic Dill Weed

Fresh herbs are ideal, but high-quality dried dill like this one from Frontier Co-op is the next best thing. The flavor is vibrant and aromatic, not dusty or bland like some store brands. A little goes a long way, and the bottle stays fresh for months.

Get it on Amazon

Texas Roadhouse Ranch Salad Dressing Recipe – Fresh & Flavorful

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Texas Roadhouse Ranch Salad Dressing

Making this dressing is straightforward and foolproof. Follow these detailed steps for perfect results every time.

1. Gather and Measure All Ingredients

Set out all your ingredients on the counter before you begin
Measure each ingredient precisely using proper measuring cups and spoons
Let the mayonnaise and sour cream come to room temperature for easier mixing
Have your mixing bowl and whisk ready to go

2. Combine the Creamy Base

Add the mayonnaise, buttermilk, and sour cream to your mixing bowl
Use your whisk to blend them together until completely smooth
Make sure there are no lumps of sour cream remaining
The mixture should look pale and uniform in color

3. Add the Dried Seasonings

Sprinkle in the dried parsley, dill weed, garlic powder, and onion powder
Add the salt, black pepper, and paprika
Whisk vigorously for about 30 seconds to distribute the seasonings evenly
Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula to catch any dry spots

4. Incorporate the Lemon Juice

Squeeze the fresh lemon juice directly into the bowl, avoiding any seeds
Whisk everything together for another 20 to 30 seconds
The dressing should become slightly thinner and more pourable
Taste the dressing and adjust seasonings if needed

5. Let the Flavors Develop

Transfer the dressing to a clean glass jar or airtight container
Seal the container tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving
During this time, the dried herbs will rehydrate and the flavors will meld
The dressing will also thicken slightly as it chills

Read Also: Coleslaw Recipe

Texas Roadhouse Ranch Salad Dressing Recipe – Homemade Goodness

Tips for The Best Texas Roadhouse Ranch Salad Dressing

These tips will help you achieve the perfect consistency and flavor every time. I learned most of these through trial and error.

Use fresh buttermilk: Check the expiration date, as old buttermilk can taste sour or bitter
Don’t skip the resting time: The hour in the fridge is essential for flavor development
Adjust consistency: Add more buttermilk if you want it thinner for drizzling, less for dipping
Taste before storing: Adjust salt, pepper, or garlic to match your preference
Bring to room temp: Take it out of the fridge 10 minutes before serving for easier pouring
Shake before using: The ingredients can separate slightly, so give it a good shake
Use quality mayo: Generic brands work, but premium mayo makes a noticeable difference
Fresh lemon juice only: Bottled lemon juice tastes artificial and harsh
Store in glass: Glass containers don’t absorb odors like plastic can
Double the batch: This dressing keeps well, so make extra and save time later

You might also enjoy: Mexican street corn recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Texas Roadhouse Ranch Salad Dressing Recipe

This versatile dressing works beautifully in so many ways beyond just salads. I’ve found dozens of creative uses for it in my kitchen.

This dressing pairs perfectly with crisp green salads, especially those with romaine lettuce and fresh vegetables. Try it drizzled over a classic wedge salad with bacon and tomatoes.

It makes an excellent dipping sauce for:

Fresh vegetable crudités like carrots, celery, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes
Chicken wings hot from the air fryer
Onion rings or mozzarella sticks
Crispy French fries as an alternative to ketchup
Buffalo cauliflower bites or spicy appetizers
Pizza slices for an unexpected but delicious twist

Use it as a sauce or spread on sandwiches and wraps. It adds incredible flavor to turkey clubs, grilled chicken sandwiches, and veggie wraps.

Drizzle it over roasted vegetables, baked potatoes, or grilled chicken breasts for an easy flavor boost.

Variations of Texas Roadhouse Ranch Salad Dressing

Once you master the basic recipe, these variations let you customize the flavor profile. Each one adds a unique twist while maintaining that signature ranch taste.

Spicy Ranch: Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of hot sauce and a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat
Bacon Ranch: Stir in 4 tablespoons of crumbled cooked bacon and a teaspoon of bacon grease
Herb Ranch: Mix in 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped herbs like chives, basil, or cilantro
Buffalo Ranch: Combine equal parts ranch and buffalo sauce for wing dipping
Avocado Ranch: Blend in half a ripe avocado for extra creaminess and healthy fats
Blue Cheese Ranch: Add ¼ cup of crumbled blue cheese for a tangy twist
Jalapeño Ranch: Mix in 2 tablespoons of finely minced fresh or pickled jalapeños
Southwestern Ranch: Add cumin, chili powder, and a squeeze of lime juice
Dill Pickle Ranch: Stir in 2 tablespoons of finely chopped dill pickles and pickle juice
Light Ranch: Replace the mayo with Greek yogurt and use low-fat buttermilk

Another favorite: Healthy alfredo sauce recipe.

Storage and Reheating

Proper storage keeps this dressing fresh and delicious for up to two weeks. Follow these guidelines to maintain the best quality and flavor.

Refrigerate immediately: Store in an airtight container in the fridge within 2 hours of making
Use glass containers: They don’t retain odors and keep the dressing fresher longer
Keep it cold: Store on a middle shelf, not in the door where temperature fluctuates
Shake before using: Separation is normal, just give it a good shake or stir
Check for freshness: If it smells off or changes color, discard it immediately
Date your container: Write the date on the lid so you know when you made it
Don’t freeze: Freezing ruins the texture and causes separation
Portion control: Consider storing in smaller jars for easy grab-and-go portions
Avoid cross-contamination: Always use a clean spoon when serving
Best within 7 days: While it lasts 2 weeks, the flavor is brightest in the first week

Read Also: Healthy Coleslaw Recipe

Nutritional Facts

Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per 2-tablespoon (30ml) serving:

Calories: 110
Total Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 180mg
Total Carbohydrates: 2g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 1g
Protein: 1g

Note that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use. Using light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt will reduce the calories and fat content significantly.

Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

While ranch dressing is an indulgence, several ingredients offer nutritional benefits. Understanding these can help you feel better about enjoying this delicious condiment in moderation.

The buttermilk in this recipe provides probiotics that support digestive health and contains calcium for strong bones. It’s also lower in fat than regular milk while delivering the same protein benefits.

Here are more health highlights:

Garlic powder: Contains compounds that may support heart health and boost immunity
Parsley: Packed with vitamins K, C, and A, plus antioxidants
Dill: May aid digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties
Lemon juice: High in vitamin C and helps with iron absorption
Buttermilk: Easier to digest than regular milk due to fermentation
Sour cream: Provides probiotics and vitamin B12
Black pepper: Contains piperine, which may enhance nutrient absorption

For a lighter version, try my healthy guacamole recipe as another flavorful dip option.

FAQs About Texas Roadhouse Ranch Salad Dressing

1. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

No, regular milk won’t give you the same tangy flavor or thick consistency. If you don’t have buttermilk, make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to ½ cup of regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

2. How can I make this dressing dairy-free?

Replace the mayonnaise with vegan mayo, use coconut cream instead of sour cream, and substitute the buttermilk with a plant-based milk mixed with lemon juice. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

3. Why is my dressing too thick?

If your dressing is too thick, simply whisk in additional buttermilk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. The dressing also thickens as it sits, so check the texture before serving.

4. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Yes, but you’ll need to use more since fresh herbs are less concentrated. Use about 2 tablespoons of fresh herbs for every teaspoon of dried herbs called for in the recipe.

5. How do I make this dressing lower in calories?

Substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt and use low-fat or fat-free sour cream. You can also thin it out with extra buttermilk instead of adding more mayo for a lighter option that still tastes great.

You might also enjoy: Healthy egg salad recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Texas Roadhouse Ranch Salad Dressing Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, and I’m confident it will in yours too. The creamy, tangy flavor rivals anything you’d find at the restaurant.

Making your own dressing at home gives you control over the ingredients and saves money in the long run. Plus, you can adjust it to match your exact taste preferences.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family does. Give it a try this week and see how it transforms your salads and snacks!

Leave a comment below and let me know how your ranch dressing turned out. I’d love to hear about any creative ways you’ve used it in your cooking!

Recommended: