• Gather the ingredients so you have everything close at hand on the counter or table.

Prepare the Ranch Dressing Mix

• Combine 12 individual saltine crackers, 1 cup parsley, 1/2 cup dried minced onion, 1/2 cup chives, 1/3 cup dry milk powder, 1 tablespoon dried thyme leaves, 1 tablespoon dill weed, 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt, 1/2 teaspoon onion salt, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika in a food processor bucket. Whirl together until crumbs are very small. Store this in an airtight container. This will make a little over 3 cups and will keep for up to a year in a cool, dry place.

Make the Homemade Ranch Dressing

• Place 1 cup mayonnaise in a medium mixing bowl and add to that 1/3 cup sour cream and 2 tablespoons ranch dressing mix. Stir together until combined.
• Gradually add in 1/2 cup buttermilk, mixing together with a whisk until completely blended. Season with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Taste and add more seasonings, if desired.
• Pour into a pint jar or serving vessel. Cover and allow to chill for 4 hours. Pour over your favorite lettuce salad. This will make a little less than 2 cups of dressing.