Ranch Seasoning Substitute: Complete Guide to Dry Mix, Packets & Hidden Valley Alternatives
Find the best ranch seasoning substitutes including dry mix, packets, Hidden Valley ranch, and dairy-free options. Learn proper ratios, homemade recipes, and international alternatives for perfect ranch flavor.
Quick Answer
The best ranch seasoning substitutes are homemade ranch mix (1:1), Italian seasoning with garlic powder (1:1), or onion soup mix (1:1). For Hidden Valley ranch, use the same homemade blend. For dairy-free options, omit buttermilk powder and add nutritional yeast.
Best Substitutes
Homemade Ranch Mix
1:1Make your own ranch seasoning blend with dried herbs, garlic, and onion powder for authentic flavor
Best for:
Mix 1 tbsp dried dill, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp dried parsley, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp buttermilk powder (optional).
Italian Seasoning + Garlic Powder
1:1 with equal parts Italian seasoning and garlic powderMix Italian herbs with garlic powder for similar flavor profile to ranch seasoning
Best for:
Mix Italian seasoning with garlic powder and onion powder. Add salt to taste. This works well for ranch seasoning packet substitutes.
Onion Soup Mix
1:1Seasoning mix with similar herbs and onion flavor, great for ranch seasoning substitute
Best for:
Similar flavor profile but may be saltier than ranch seasoning. Works well as a substitute for ranch seasoning mix.
Dill + Garlic + Onion Powder
1:1 with 2 parts dill, 1 part garlic powder, 1 part onion powderMix dried dill with garlic and onion powder for authentic ranch seasoning flavor
Best for:
Mix 2 tbsp dried dill, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, and salt to taste. This is the closest to Hidden Valley ranch seasoning.
Dairy-Free Ranch Mix
1:1Ranch seasoning substitute without dairy products, perfect for vegan and dairy-free diets
Best for:
Mix 1 tbsp dried dill, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp dried parsley, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp nutritional yeast instead of buttermilk powder.
Fiesta Ranch Seasoning Substitute
1:1Spicy ranch seasoning blend with added chili powder and cumin for fiesta ranch flavor
Best for:
Add 1/2 tsp chili powder and 1/4 tsp cumin to the basic ranch seasoning mix for fiesta ranch flavor.
Red River Ranch Seasoning Substitute
1:1Homemade blend to replace Red River Ranch Original Seasoning
Best for:
Mix 1 tbsp dried dill, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp dried parsley, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp paprika for Red River ranch flavor.
Ranch Dressing as Seasoning
1 packet ranch seasoning = 1/4 cup ranch dressingUse prepared ranch dressing as a substitute for ranch seasoning in recipes
Best for:
Reduce other liquid ingredients in your recipe when using ranch dressing as seasoning substitute. Works best in dips and marinades.
Cooking Tips
- 💡For the most authentic ranch seasoning substitute, make your own blend with dried dill, garlic powder, and onion powder
- 💡Store homemade ranch seasoning in an airtight container for up to 6 months
- 💡When substituting ranch dressing for ranch seasoning, reduce other liquid ingredients in your recipe
- 💡For dairy-free ranch seasoning, replace buttermilk powder with nutritional yeast
- 💡Add a pinch of sugar to homemade ranch seasoning to balance the acidity
- 💡For spicy ranch seasoning, add chili powder and cumin to the basic blend
- 💡Ranch seasoning works great in marinades, rubs, and dry seasoning applications
- 💡Test your homemade ranch seasoning by mixing a small amount with sour cream or mayonnaise
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I substitute for ranch seasoning?
The best substitutes for ranch seasoning are homemade ranch mix (dill, garlic powder, onion powder), Italian seasoning with garlic powder, or onion soup mix. For Hidden Valley ranch, use the same homemade blend with buttermilk powder.
Can you substitute ranch dressing for ranch seasoning?
Yes, you can substitute ranch dressing for ranch seasoning, but you'll need to adjust your recipe. Use 1/4 cup ranch dressing for every 1 packet of ranch seasoning, and reduce other liquid ingredients accordingly.
What is a good substitute for dry ranch seasoning?
A good substitute for dry ranch seasoning is a homemade blend of 1 tbsp dried dill, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp dried parsley, and 1/2 tsp salt. Add 1 tsp buttermilk powder for authentic flavor.
How do I substitute ranch seasoning mix?
Substitute ranch seasoning mix with equal parts Italian seasoning and garlic powder, or make your own blend with dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley. Use a 1:1 ratio for best results.
What can I substitute for Hidden Valley ranch seasoning?
For Hidden Valley ranch seasoning, use a homemade blend of 1 tbsp dried dill, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp dried parsley, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp buttermilk powder. This creates an identical flavor profile.
Is there a dairy-free substitute for ranch seasoning?
Yes, for dairy-free ranch seasoning, replace buttermilk powder with nutritional yeast in the homemade blend. Mix 1 tbsp dried dill, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp dried parsley, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp nutritional yeast.
What can I use to substitute ranch seasoning in the UK?
In the UK, you can use Italian seasoning with garlic powder, or make your own blend with dried dill, garlic powder, and onion powder. Look for dried dill in the spice section of supermarkets or online.
What's a substitute for ranch seasoning in Australia?
In Australia, use Italian seasoning with garlic powder, or create a homemade blend with dried dill, garlic powder, and onion powder. You can find these ingredients in the spice section of Coles, Woolworths, or specialty food stores.
How do I substitute ranch seasoning powder?
Substitute ranch seasoning powder with a homemade blend of dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, and salt. Use a 1:1 ratio and mix well before using in your recipe.
What can I substitute for ranch packet seasoning?
For ranch packet seasoning, use Italian seasoning with garlic powder, onion soup mix, or make your own blend with dried dill, garlic powder, and onion powder. All work well as 1:1 substitutes.
Summary
Find the best ranch seasoning substitutes including dry mix, packets, Hidden Valley ranch, and dairy-free options. Learn proper ratios, homemade recipes, and international alternatives for perfect ranch flavor.