Copycat Applebee’s Ranch Recipe – Easy Restaurant-Style

Every time I visit Applebee’s, my first order includes their tasty chicken wings served with a special side – their famous Mexi-Ranch.

That creamy, flavorful sauce has made me and my friend Smith want to go back just for the ranch dressing itself.

It’s hard to explain why, but there’s something about Applebee’s ranch that feels different – just right.

When I wanted a version of my own, I spent a long time reading their site and checking chats on Reddit.

After studying all that, I learned the blend that makes their ranch so rich and smooth.

Now I can share it here, and you can taste a true copy of Applebee’s Ranch Recipe at your table.

Why is Applebee’s Ranch so Different?

Applebee’s ranch dressing has a special creamy texture. Most store-bought or restaurant versions taste thin or too tangy.

This recipe uses the perfect balance of mayonnaise and sour cream. The dried herbs blend together beautifully. The milk thins it out just enough without making it watery. The garlic and onion powders add that signature kick.

This mexi-ranch version has become one of their most requested condiments. Customers love how it complements everything from wings to salads.

Ingredients for Applebee’s Ranch Dressing

Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): This creates the creamy base. Mayonnaise adds richness and body to the dressing. You can use light mayo for fewer calories, but regular mayo works best.

Sour Cream (1/2 cup): Sour cream adds tanginess and extra creaminess. It balances the richness of the mayonnaise. Greek yogurt can substitute here for a healthier option.

Milk (1/4 cup): Milk thins the dressing to a pourable consistency. Whole milk works great, but any milk works. You can use buttermilk for extra tang.

Dried Parsley (1/2 teaspoon): Parsley adds a mild, fresh herb flavor. Dried parsley works better than fresh because it blends smoothly. Fresh parsley can be used, but double the amount.

Dried Dill (1/2 teaspoon): Dill gives that classic ranch taste. This herb is what makes ranch dressing unique. Fresh dill can substitute, but use one teaspoon instead.

Onion Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Onion powder provides savory depth. It blends better than fresh onion pieces. Granulated onion can work too, but powder is smoother.

Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Garlic powder adds a subtle punch. It mixes evenly throughout the dressing. Fresh garlic can be too strong and chunky for this recipe.

Salt and Black Pepper: These enhance all the other flavors. Add just a pinch of each. Adjust to your taste after mixing.

Essential Kitchen Equipment

1. A Medium-Sized Mixing Bowl – for combining everything together
2. A Whisk – blends ingredients until smooth
3. Measuring Cups and Spoons – ensures accurate ingredient amounts
4. An Airtight Container – keeps dressing fresh longer

How to Make Applebee’s Ranch from Scratch

1. Combine the Creamy Bases: Grab your medium-sized mixing bowl. Scoop one-half cup of mayonnaise into the bowl. Add one-half cup of sour cream right next to it.

These two ingredients create that thick, creamy texture everyone loves.

2. Add the Milk: Pour one-quarter cup of milk into the bowl. The milk loosens up the thick mayo and sour cream mixture. This makes the dressing easy to pour and drizzle over your food.

3. Add All the Herbs and Spices: Now comes the flavor part. Measure out one-half teaspoon of dried parsley and sprinkle it into the bowl. Add one-half teaspoon of dried dill next.

Then add one-half teaspoon of onion powder and one-half teaspoon of garlic powder. Finish by adding a small pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper.

4. Mix Everything Together: Pick up your whisk and begin stirring all the ingredients. Use a circular motion and scrape the sides of the bowl as you go.

Keep whisking for about one to two minutes. You want the mixture to become completely smooth with no lumps or streaks.

The herbs should spread evenly throughout the white creamy base. The dressing should look uniform in color with tiny flecks of green herbs throughout.

5. Let it Rest: Cover your bowl with a lid, plate, or plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator for at least one hour. During this time, the dried herbs will absorb moisture and soften.

The flavors will blend together and become more pronounced. The longer it sits, the better it tastes. Two hours is even better than one.

After the resting time, take the bowl out of the refrigerator. Give it one final stir with your whisk. The dressing should be smooth, creamy, and pourable.

Transfer it to an airtight container for storage. Now your homemade Applebee’s Ranch Recipe is ready to use.

Tips for Making Perfect Ranch

Adjust the Consistency: The thickness of ranch dressing is a personal preference. For a thicker dressing that clings to salads, use less milk or skip it entirely.

For a thinner dressing that drizzles easily over tacos or pizza, add an extra tablespoon or two of milk. Stir well after each addition until you reach your desired consistency.

Fresh is Better: Use fresh bottles of dried herbs. Old herbs lose their flavor. Check the dates on your spice jars before starting.

Cold Ingredients, Smooth Results: All ingredients should be cold from the fridge. This helps everything blend better. Cold mayo and sour cream mix more smoothly.

Adjust the Seasoning: Taste your dressing after it rests. Add more salt, pepper, or garlic powder as needed. Everyone has different preferences.

How To Serve Applebee’s Ranch Dressing

I love serving this dressing with so many different foods. At Applebee’s, they bring it out in small cups alongside chicken wings and mozzarella sticks.

They also drizzle it over their chicken salads. I do the same thing at my place. I pour it into small bowls for dipping.

This dressing goes great with raw vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers. I also use it on my garden salads. Sometimes I spread it on sandwiches instead of regular mayo.

You can pour it over baked potatoes too. The creamy texture coats everything perfectly. I always keep a jar in my fridge for quick snacks and meals.

Storage Tips

Keep the dressing in a sealed container inside the fridge. It stays fresh for about four to five days. Cold air keeps the herbs calm and the mix smooth.

A sour smell, sharp taste, or watery layer on top shows the dressing is no longer good. At that point, it should not be used again.

Now you know how to create creamy, flavorful ranch dressing on your own. This Applebee’s Ranch Recipe gives the same rich taste you love from the original.

Mix the ingredients, let it chill, and enjoy that smooth, herby flavor with your favorite meals. Once you try this version, bottled dressing feels unnecessary.