This Greek Yogurt Ranch Dressing is creamy, tangy, and packed with herby flavor—no store-bought bottle can compete. Made with nonfat Greek yogurt and a splash of lemon, it’s a lighter take on the classic but still incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re drizzling it over a crisp salad, dunking veggies, or using it as a sauce, this easy homemade ranch will become a staple in your fridge.
I love a good dip as a snack or appetizer. You should try my Poblano Cream Sauce or my Jalapeño Lime Crema if you do too. Both recipes are easy, and they make great appetizers or toppings for your favorite Mexican dishes.
If you’re looking for more dressings, my Spicy Cashew Dressing and Caesar Salad Dressing without Anchovies are great options!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Lighter but Still Creamy: Greek yogurt gives it a rich texture without the heaviness of full-fat dressing.
- No Hidden Ingredients: Just pantry spices, fresh lemon, and garlic.
- Meal Prep–Friendly: Keeps well in the fridge for easy lunches and snacks.
- Customizable: Adjust the herbs, use oil or mayo, and make it your own.
- Tastes Better Than Store-Bought Ranch Dressing: Bold, fresh, and perfectly seasoned.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the dressing. Skip if you don’t have a fresh lemon, but it really enhances the flavor.
- Garlic Clove: Use a microplane to grate the garlic super fine so it blends seamlessly. If you prefer a milder flavor, just add an additional 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.
- Lemon Zest: Adds extra citrusy freshness. Skip if you don’t have a fresh lemon, but it really enhances the flavor.
- Nonfat Plain Greek Yogurt: This creates a thick, tangy base that’s still light. You can use 3/4 cup of 2% or whole milk Greek yogurt for a creamier texture.
- Mayonnaise or Avocado Oil: Mayo adds a classic richness. Avocado oil is a great lighter or egg-free alternative. Olive oil can also work, though the flavor is more pronounced.
- Onion Powder: Brings savory depth. No direct substitute, so it’s best to keep this one in.
- Dried Chives: Mild and oniony, they complement the other herbs. Swap with a small amount of finely chopped fresh chives if you have them.
- Dried Parsley: Adds a clean, herby note. Fresh parsley works too—use about three times more than dried.
- Dried Dill Weed: Essential for that classic ranch flavor. You can use fresh dill instead (about triple the amount).
- Garlic Powder: Adds a softer, more rounded garlic flavor alongside the fresh garlic.
- Kosher Salt: All of my recipes are tested with Morton kosher salt unless noted otherwise. It is the best salt for everyday cooking because of its size and flavor. If using table salt, the amount should be reduced. I highly recommend picking up some kosher next time you are at the store!
Complete list of ingredients and amounts is located on the recipe card below.
How to Make Greek Yogurt Ranch Dressing
Quick Overview
- Mix lemon and garlic.
- Mix remaining ingredients.
- Chill and serve.
Step by Step Instructions
Quick Tip From Bri
The flavor gets better as it sits—just stir it before serving!
- Bloom the Garlic: In a medium bowl, mix the lemon juice, lemon zest, and grated garlic. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to mellow the garlic flavor.
- Make the Dressing: Add the Greek yogurt, mayo or avocado oil, onion powder, chives, parsley, dill, garlic powder, and salt. Stir until well combined. Stir in cold water if needed to reach the desired consistency. The ranch can be eaten right away, but it’s best after chilling in the fridge for about 6 hours to let the flavors meld and the dried herbs and spices rehydrate.
Recipe Serving Suggestions
While you might use this for salad dressing, here are some main dish recipes that pair perfectly with this recipe as a dip!
- Blackened Wings: These wings are packed with bold flavor, perfectly crispy on the outside, and juicy on the inside.
- Pizza Tortilla Wrap: Craving pizza but short on time? This recipe takes less than 30 minutes to make a homemade version!
- Air Fryer Cornflake Chicken: This air fryer chicken is crispy, flavorful, and great for family dinners.
You can never go wrong with fresh veggies, either!
Expert Tips
- Grate the Garlic Finely: Use a microplane so the garlic melts into the dressing without leaving chunks.
- Use Cold Water To Thin: Cold water helps keep the dressing creamy and thick without separating.
- Consistency Preference: Leave it thicker for a dip or thinner for a dressing.
- Let It Sit Overnight: Make it the day before for the best flavor. The dried herbs will fully rehydrate and taste more balanced.
- Double It For Meal Prep: This dressing keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Most Common Mistakes
- Skipping the Garlic Bloom: Letting the garlic sit in lemon juice for a few minutes tones down its raw sharpness. Don’t skip it!
- Not Tasting Before Chilling: Season to your liking before it chills. It’s easier to adjust the flavor early on.
- Over-Thinning: Add cold water gradually to avoid a watery texture. It should be thick enough to coat a spoon.
- Using Sweetened Yogurt: Make sure your Greek yogurt is plain and unsweetened, or the flavor will be off.
- Serving Immediately: While it’s fine right away, it tastes way better after resting. Patience pays off.
Additions & Variations
- Fresh Herb Ranch: Use fresh herbs in place of the dried herbs if you have them on hand.
- Spicy Ranch: Stir in a dash of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little kick.
The 10 Best Substitutes for Avocado Oil
Avocado oil has gained immense popularity in recent years, thanks to its rich flavor, versatility, and numerous health benefits. However,…
Recipe FAQs
Can you substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream in Ranch Dip?
Yes! It is a healthier alternative and, in my personal opinion, tastes better.
Can I mix a ranch packet with Greek yogurt?
You definitely can, but I prefer a homemade dressing with fresh ingredients!
More Sauce & Dip Recipes
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Homemade Greek Yogurt Ranch Dressing
This Greek Yogurt Ranch Dressing is creamy, tangy, and packed with herby flavor—no store-bought bottle can compete. Made with nonfat Greek yogurt and a splash of lemon, it’s a lighter take on the classic but still incredibly satisfying. Whether you're drizzling it over a crisp salad, dunking veggies, or using it as a sauce, this easy homemade ranch will become a staple in your fridge.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- zest 1/2 small lemon
- 1 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 mayo or 2 Tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried chives
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Morton Kosher Salt
Instructions
- Bloom the Garlic: In a medium bowl, mix the lemon juice, lemon zest, and grated garlic. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to mellow the garlic flavor.1 teaspoon lemon juice, zest 1/2 small lemon, 1 garlic clove, grated
- Make the Dressing: Add the Greek yogurt, mayo or avocado oil, onion powder, chives, parsley, dill, garlic powder, and salt. Stir until well combined. Stir in cold water if needed to reach the desired consistency. The ranch can be eaten right away, but it’s best after chilling in the fridge for about 6 hours to let the flavors meld and the dried herbs and spices rehydrate.1 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt, 1/4 mayo or 2 Tablespoons avocado oil, 1 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon dried chives, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon Morton Kosher Salt
Did you make this recipe? Leave a comment below!
Notes
- Kosher Salt: All of my recipes are tested with Morton kosher salt unless noted otherwise. It is the best salt for everyday cooking because of its size and flavor. If using table salt, the amount should be reduced. I highly recommend picking up some kosher next time you are at the store!
- Use Cold Water To Thin: Cold water helps keep the dressing creamy and thick without separating.
- Consistency Preference: Leave it thicker for a dip or thinner for a dressing.
- Let It Sit Overnight: Make it the day before for the best flavor. The dried herbs will fully rehydrate and taste more balanced.
