BBQ Ranch Dressing
BBQ Ranch Dressing is smoky, creamy, tangy, and downright addictive. This simple dressing doubles as a dip and elevates any salad, sandwich, or snack!
You’ll Love This Recipe Because…
- It’s ready in under 5 minutes with pantry staples.
- You can use it as a dressing or a dip (hello, versatility).
- Tastes better than anything in a bottle.
- It’s the ultimate shortcut to making any dish feel more fun.
- Ideal for meal prep, cookouts, or a “make it special” dinner moment.
Here’s the Dish on This Dressing 🥗
There’s ranch, and then there’s BBQ Ranch. And let’s be honest: sometimes you want your salad (or fries, or tenders, or pizza crust…) to feel like it came straight off a summer cookout plate. This dressing is smoky, tangy, creamy, and sweet in all the right ways.
It’s ranch dressing’s slightly rebellious cousin—showing up with that BBQ swagger and making your lettuce taste like a main dish. Whether you’re pouring it over a wedge salad or setting it out for your chicken nugget-loving kiddos, this is the sauce that brings people to the table.
Ranch vs. BBQ Ranch: What’s the Difference?
Ranch = creamy, herby, cool.
BBQ Ranch = creamy + herby + SMOKY + SWEET.
You’re taking the base of traditional ranch and swirling in BBQ sauce for depth and kick.
It’s the perfect balance of zingy and cozy.
Tips & Tricks
- Use a bold BBQ sauce if you like spice, or a honey-style one for a sweeter twist. I used this Carolina Barbecue Sauce, it’s a favorite bottled sauce!
- Thin with buttermilk if you want a pourable dressing consistency. It will add that tangy flavor you’re craving!
- Chill for 30 minutes before serving—this lets the flavors really mingle.
- Meal prep win: Make a batch on Sunday and enjoy all week.
- Want it smoky? Add a dash of smoked paprika or chipotle powder.
What to Serve With This
Tools & Equipment
- Mason jar or small mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Airtight container (for fridge storage)
I am LOVING this new Measuring Cup with Lid (it’s the one in the picture!) for making dressings. It pours well, and the lid makes this a one-stop item!
FAQ
Q: Can I use store-bought ranch as a base?
A: Absolutely. Shortcut queens, unite! Just mix BBQ sauce into your favorite ranch until you love the flavor.
Q: Is this kid-friendly?
A: Yes! Just choose a BBQ sauce without too much heat. Kids LOVE this with chicken tenders or pizza dippers.
Q: How long does it keep in the fridge?
A: About 5–7 days in an airtight container—if it lasts that long. 😉
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Totally. Use a dairy-free mayo and unsweetened plant-based milk. Still delish!
Serving Suggestions:
Toss with romaine and black beans for a southwestern salad, use as a burger spread, or pair with a veggie tray for an easy appetizer win.
BBQ Ranch Dressing
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 5 min`
- Total Time: 10 min
- Yield: 8+ 1x
- Category: salads
- Method: no cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup milk
- 4 TBS Ranch Powder (Or one packet, plus a tablespoon. See my notes!)
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce
- Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl or jar, whisk everything together.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor.
- Serve as a dressing, dip, or drizzle on literally everything.
Notes
I make my “homemade” ranch according to how my grandmother made it. She would use four tablespoons. One packet of ranch seasoning (Hidden Valley brand, I haven’t tested others!) is three tablespoons. Now, I buy the shaker jar of the ranch powder and measure with a tablespoon. If you don’t have this jar, and don’t want to open another packet, three tablespoons is just fine!
