Bolthouse Farms Classic Ranch contains inflammatory soybean oil and artificial natural flavors. This DIY version replaces the soybean oil with heart-healthy avocado oil and uses real herbs instead of synthetic flavors, delivering the same creamy ranch taste with superior nutrition and no inflammatory oils.
Based on: Classic ranch
· Makes approximately 15 servings
· Serving: 30g (2 tablespoons)
Why This Recipe is Seed Oil Free
Commercial Classic ranch from Bolthouse farms often contains inflammatory seed oils like canola, soybean, or sunflower oil. This homemade version replaces them with healthier fats like butter, ghee, coconut oil, or avocado oil — giving you the same great taste without the processed oils.
Ingredients
Organic cultured buttermilk
240ml (1 cup) · Organic Valley Cultured Buttermilk
Provides the signature tangy base and creamy texture that defines ranch dressing
Organic Greek yogurt
120g (1/2 cup) · Fage Total 0% Greek Yogurt
Adds protein and extra creaminess while reducing overall fat content compared to mayo-based versions
Cold-pressed avocado oil
60ml (1/4 cup) · Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil
Replaces inflammatory soybean oil with healthy monounsaturated fats and neutral taste
Organic pasture-raised egg yolks
2 large yolks (about 34g) · Vital Farms Pasture-Raised Eggs
Creates emulsification and richness while adding lecithin for smooth texture
Organic apple cider vinegar
30ml (2 tablespoons) · Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
Provides acidity to balance richness and enhance herb flavors
Raw honey
15ml (1 tablespoon) · Nature Nate's 100% Pure Raw Honey
Replaces pineapple juice concentrate with natural sweetness and balances acidity
Fresh lemon juice
15ml (1 tablespoon) · Fresh organic lemons
Provides citric acid naturally and brightens all flavors
Unrefined sea salt
5g (1 teaspoon) · Redmond Real Salt
Enhances all flavors and provides essential minerals
Organic onion powder
8g (1 tablespoon) · Simply Organic Onion Powder
Delivers the classic savory onion flavor essential to ranch
Organic garlic powder
8g (1 tablespoon) · Simply Organic Garlic Powder
Provides pungent garlic flavor that pairs perfectly with herbs
Organic dried dill
3g (1 tablespoon) · Simply Organic Dill Weed
Gives the signature herbal note that defines ranch dressing
Adds subtle heat and depth, enhancing the tangy profile
Fresh cracked black pepper
1g (1/2 teaspoon) · Simply Organic Black Peppercorns
Provides gentle heat and aromatic complexity
Organic xanthan gum
0.5g (1/4 teaspoon) · Bob's Red Mill Xanthan Gum
Creates smooth, pourable consistency and prevents separation
Instructions
Step 1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 240ml (1 cup) organic buttermilk and 120g (1/2 cup) Greek yogurt until completely smooth — no lumps should remain. The yogurt tends to clump, so whisk vigorously for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is uniform and creamy.
Step 2. In a separate small bowl, whisk the 2 organic egg yolks until smooth. Slowly drizzle in 60ml (1/4 cup) avocado oil while whisking constantly to create a light emulsion — this prevents the oil from separating later and ensures creaminess. The mixture should look pale yellow and slightly thickened.
Step 3. Add the egg yolk-oil mixture to the buttermilk base and whisk thoroughly for 1-2 minutes until fully incorporated. Add 30ml (2 tablespoons) apple cider vinegar, 15ml (1 tablespoon) honey, and 15ml (1 tablespoon) fresh lemon juice, whisking after each addition until smooth.
Step 4. In a small bowl, combine all dry seasonings: 5g (1 teaspoon) sea salt, 8g (1 tablespoon) onion powder, 8g (1 tablespoon) garlic powder, 3g (1 tablespoon) dried dill, 1g (1/2 teaspoon) ground mustard seed, 1g (1/2 teaspoon) fresh cracked black pepper, and 0.5g (1/4 teaspoon) xanthan gum. Mix the dry ingredients together first to prevent xanthan gum clumping.
Step 5. Slowly whisk the seasoning mixture into the wet ingredients, adding about 1/3 at a time and whisking vigorously between additions. The xanthan gum will thicken the mixture within 2-3 minutes — don't panic if it seems thin at first. Whisk for a full 3-4 minutes to ensure all seasonings are evenly distributed and no powder clumps remain.
Step 6. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed — add more salt for savoriness, more lemon juice for brightness, or more honey for sweetness. The flavor will develop and meld over the first hour of refrigeration, so don't over-season initially.
Step 7. Transfer to a clean glass jar or squeeze bottle and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld and texture to fully set. The dressing will thicken slightly as it chills. Store covered in refrigerator for up to 10 days — shake or stir before each use as natural separation may occur.
Storage
Store in refrigerator in glass jar or squeeze bottle for up to 10 days. Natural separation may occur — simply stir or shake before use. Do not freeze as dairy and egg components will separate.
Cost Comparison
Cost per serving (homemade)$0.19
Cost per serving (store-bought)$0.67
Savings72%
Significant upfront ingredient investment (~$89) but creates 200+ servings total. The bulk organic ingredients provide exceptional long-term value while delivering superior nutrition and zero inflammatory oils.