Made with almond milk and cashews, this is the best Vegan Ranch Dressing you’ll ever taste! It has the perfect flavor profile thanks to an array of wholesome ingredients like zesty lemon juice, flavorful herbs and fresh garlic. Gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, keto, low carb and Whole30 compliant.
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Easy Homemade Vegan Ranch Dressing
Ranch is one of the most popular salad dressings out there, and it’s used for a lot more than just salad. People crave its creamy texture and its zesty, savory flavor for dips, toppings, spreads and so much more. But traditional ranch includes ingredients like sour cream and buttermilk that don’t cater to vegan diets.
This recipe brings you the ultimate ranch dressing with none of those items included! It has the same texture and taste that the condiment is famous for without the use of any animal products. Even if you’re not vegan, you’re guaranteed to love this easy recipe!
And if you need more healthy dressing recipes to try, be sure to check out our these 10 delicious homemade salad dressings.
What You’ll Need
Not only are these ingredients ideal for those on the vegan diet, but they’re also better for you than the stuff that goes into your average ranch.
- Raw Cashews: Soak your cashews in in very hot water for 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can store them in cool water overnight.
- Almond Milk: Unsweetened.
- Fresh Dill: Dried dill will work here too.
- Fresh Parsley: You’ll need 1 tablespoon.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed.
- Fresh Chives: You may substitute with dried chives if you must.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: I recommend using a high-quality brand with antioxidants and amino acids.
- Maple Syrup: Make sure you’re not using artificial syrup, which is just maple flavored sugar. You can sub with Lakanto Sugar-free syrup or preferred low carb liquid sweetener and leave out for Whole30
- Fresh Garlic: A high-quality garlic powder may be used instead.
- Sea Salt: To taste.
- Onion Powder: This provides a sweet and savory flavor that you can’t get from fresh onions.
- Black Pepper: Freshly cracked, to taste.
How to Make Vegan Ranch Dressing
This versatile condiment comes together in a snap. You just have to pulse everything up in a blender or food processor.
- Combine Ingredients: Add all the ingredients to a small food processor or a high-speed blender and puree until creamy and smooth.
- Adjust Consistency: Add filtered water, only as needed, 1-2 teaspoons at a time, to thin out the dressing to your desired consistency. After each addition, blend the mixture again until it’s smooth.
- Adjust Flavor: Taste your dressing and adjust any seasonings if needed.
- Serve or Store: Chill your ranch in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
Tips for Success
Don’t gather your ingredients until you’ve checked out this list of tips and tricks. Let’s make this dressing as tasty as possible!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: With the exception of the onion powder, fresh ingredients are the way to go for this recipe. They give you a different flavor than their dried counterparts.
- Tailor the Consistency: The consistency of your ranch is up to you. If you like it thick, you may not have to add any water. If you want to thin it out, just blend in a teaspoon or two at a time until you’re satisfied.
- Tweak the Flavor: I always recommend tasting your salad dressing before serving or storing it. That way, if you want to adjust any seasonings, you can do so right then and there.
- Keep it Chilled: Don’t let your dressing hang out on the counter if you’re not serving it right away. It should be kept in the fridge.
Variation Ideas
Want some easy ways to incorporate different flavors into your vegan ranch? Try one of these recipe variations!
- Make it Spicy: If you like a spicier flavor, go ahead and throw in some jalapeño, sriracha sauce or chili powder.
- Make Cilantro Lime Ranch: Substitute the lemon juice for lime juice and add fresh cilantro to taste.
- Add Vegan Cheese: Sprinkle some vegan parmesan or cheddar over your ranch to add a cheesy twist. You can also blend the cheese in with the other ingredients if you’d like.
- Make Buffalo Ranch: I like to swirl some vegan buffalo sauce into my finished ranch, especially if I’m serving it as a dip. Such a fun and yummy combination!
- Add Avocado: To make this ranch even more creamy, add in a small avocado. You’ll get some extra flavor, too!
Serving Suggestions
You probably already have some go-to ways for serving your ranch, but it’s always nice to try something new! Especially when it’s as delicious as the following options.
- Serve with Vegan BBQ Wings: Enjoy the best comfort food of your life with these easy BBQ Cauliflower Wings! Paired with this tangy vegan ranch, they’re going to disappear so fast.
- Spoon into Mushroom Tacos: Every taco needs a creamy condiment. This ranch is an amazing addition to my Portobello Mushroom Tacos! Truthfully, it’s a great option for any taco of your choice.
- Spread onto Sandwiches: I often spread some of this ranch onto my bread or bun if I’m making a sandwich or burger. Especially when I’m preparing these Buffalo Chicken Sliders! Although they’re obviously not vegan, they can be made dairy-free.
- Add to Veggie Burger Salad: How about a burger that is vegan? This Veggie Burger Salad is a fun and yummy meatless twist on the classic idea of a burger. It’s also grain-free since it omits the buns!
How to Store Leftovers
Leftover ranch should be kept in an airtight jar or container in the fridge. It lasts for up to 5 days! Be sure to shake it very well before you use it.
Can I Freeze Vegan Ranch?
Unlike normal ranch dressing, vegan ranch freezes quite well. Simply place it in a freezer bag, leaving plenty of extra room for expansion and squeezing out the air before sealing it. Lay it down flat in the freezer and avoid placing other items on top of it.
Frozen ranch lasts for up to 4 months. Thaw it out in the fridge before using it, and mix it extremely well. You may find that it is thicker after it’s been frozen. To thin it back out, simply stir in a little bit of almond milk or filtered water at a time until you’re happy with the consistency.
More Salad Dressings to Try
We have plenty of vegan dressing recipes that we know you’ll love. Here are a few of our favorites!
Made with almond milk and cashews, this is the best Vegan Ranch Dressing you'll ever taste! It has the perfect flavor profile thanks to an array of wholesome ingredients like zesty lemon juice, flavorful herbs and fresh garlic. Gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, keto, low carb and Whole30 compliant.
- 1 cup raw cashews soaked in very hot water for 20 minutes, or overnight in cool water
- 2/3 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tbsp fresh dill or 2 tsp dried dill
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley
- 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tbsp fresh chives or ½ teaspoon dried chives
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp pure maple syrup , you can sub with Lakanto Sugar-free syrup or preferred low carb liquid sweetener and leave out for Whole30
- 1 clove garlic or 1 tsp high-quality garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- freshly cracked black pepper to taste
In a small food processor or a high-speed blender, add all the dressing ingredients and puree until creamy and smooth.
Add filtered water, only as needed, 1-2 teaspoons at a time, only as needed to thin out the dressing to desired consistency. Then blend again until smooth.
Adjust seasoning to taste, then chill in the fridge until ready to use.
Store any leftovers in a resealable jar or airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Shake well before using.
How to Store Leftovers
Leftover ranch should be kept in an airtight jar or container in the fridge. It lasts for up to 5 days! Be sure to shake it very well before you use it.
How to freeze
Simply place it in a freezer bag, leaving plenty of extra room for expansion and squeezing out the air before sealing it. Lay it down flat in the freezer and avoid placing other items on top of it.
Frozen ranch lasts for up to 4 months. Thaw it out in the fridge before using it, and mix it extremely well. You may find that it is thicker after it's been frozen. To thin it back out, simply stir in a little bit of almond milk or filtered water at a time until you're happy with the consistency.
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