Craving Chick-fil-A’s Creamy Ranch? Try This Garden Herb Ranch Recipe at Home!

Ever find yourself craving that creamy, zesty burst of flavor from Chick-fil-A’s Garden Herb Ranch dressing? I know I have. That extraordinary, herb-packed richness is the perfect complement to crispy chicken nuggets, fresh salads, and even as a dip for fries. But the best part? You don’t have to wait in a drive-thru to get it. After testing and tweaking, I’ve recreated a spot-on copycat recipe for Chick-fil-A’s Garden Herb Ranch Dressing—and it tastes just like the real deal.

This homemade ranch is packed with fresh herbs, a creamy base, and a subtle tang from buttermilk and vinegar. Whether you want to drizzle it over a salad or use it as a dipping sauce for your favorite snacks, this version delivers every bit of that signature flavor in just minutes.

Let’s dive into exactly what you’ll need to make this delicious dressing right at home.

Ingredients List

I combine fresh herbs, creamy dairy, and a few pantry staples to recreate that authentic Chick-fil-A flavor. Here’s everything you’ll need:

• ½ teaspoon dry mustard
• ¼ teaspoon cold water
• 2¾ cups reduced-fat mayonnaise (I use Kraft for the closest taste)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 7 tablespoons reduced-fat sour cream (Cabot Light is my go-to)
• 2½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1½ tablespoons scallions, thinly sliced
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons fresh Italian parsley, minced
• 1½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce (low sodium, if available)
• 1 teaspoon fresh dill, minced
• ½ teaspoon fresh oregano, minced
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon fresh basil, minced

Fresh herbs make all the difference in this recipe. If you can, use freshly minced versions instead of dried—they’ll bring that garden herb flavor to life.

Required Kitchen Tools

Making this dressing doesn’t require fancy equipment—just a few basic kitchen tools you probably already have:

1. Small Mixing Bowl – This is used to make the mustard paste.
2. Medium Mixing Bowl – To combine the dressing base and herbs.
3. Whisk or Silicone Spatula – Helps blend everything evenly without breaking down the herbs.
4. Measuring Spoons & Cups – Precision matters for flavor balance.
5. Airtight Jar or Container – This is for storing the dressing in the fridge until it’s ready to use.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This ranch dressing comes together quickly, and the flavor deepens as it chills. Here’s how I make it:

Step 1: Make the Mustard Paste

In a small bowl, combine ½ teaspoon dry mustard with ¼ teaspoon cold water to form a paste. Let it sit for 10 minutes. This activates the mustard and gives it that sharp, tangy kick that helps balance the creaminess of the dressing.

Step 2: Combine the Base Ingredients

Mix the mayonnaise, buttermilk, and sour cream in a medium bowl until smooth. I usually whisk this slowly so everything blends evenly without becoming too airy.

Step 3: Add Flavor

Once your base is smooth, stir in the mustard paste, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and scallions. Then fold in the finely chopped fresh herbs—parsley, dill, oregano, basil, and a generous dash of black pepper.

Step 4: Chill

Transfer the dressing to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours—overnight is even better. This step lets the herbs fully infuse the creamy base, giving it that unmistakable Chick-fil-A flavor.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Ranch

• Let it sit: This ranch gets better with time. I always make it a day ahead if I can.
• Use fresh herbs: The fresh dill and parsley especially bring the garden flavor forward.
• Don’t skip the mustard paste: It adds depth and a tangy complexity you’d miss otherwise.
• Adjust to taste: Want it thinner? Add a splash of milk. Thicker? Use less buttermilk.

Serving Suggestions

Once chilled, this ranch dressing is creamy, tangy, and packed with herbaceous goodness—just like Chick-fil-A’s. Here’s how I love to use it:

• As a salad dressing, especially on crispy chicken salads or Southwest-style bowls.
• Dipping sauce: Perfect for nuggets, waffle fries, raw veggies, or even pizza crusts.
• Wraps and sandwiches: To elevate it, drizzle it into a grilled chicken wrap or onto a spicy chicken sandwich.

Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll find excuses to dip everything in it.

Storage Instructions

Keep It Fresh

Store the dressing in a sealed jar or an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 7 days.

Can You Freeze It?

I don’t recommend freezing this dressing, since it’s dairy-based, the texture tends to break once thawed. It’s best made fresh and enjoyed within a week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, but fresh herbs deliver a more vibrant flavor. If using dried, reduce quantities by one-third.

Is this dressing spicy?
Nope! It’s creamy and herbaceous with a slight tang. If you want heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne.

Can I make this dairy-free?
You can substitute plant-based mayo and sour cream, and use almond milk with lemon as a buttermilk replacement, though the flavor may vary.

How close is this to Chick-fil-A’s actual ranch?
It’s about as close as you can get to home, mainly if you stick to the ingredient brands listed (like Kraft mayo and Cabot sour cream).

Final Thoughts

If you’re anything like me, having your favorite Chick-fil-A flavors at home is a game-changer, and this Garden Herb Ranch Dressing is as close to the real thing as it gets. Creamy, tangy, and full of bold herb flavor, it’s a must-have in your fridge whether you’re meal prepping or need a go-to dip.

Try it once, and you might not return to store-bought ranch again!