As a kid, we ate ranch dressing like it was ketchup. We put it on everything from pizza to french fries, and even salad (haha). In fact, I think that’s how my mom got us to eat vegetables when we were little. Unfortunately, like most kids, the ingredients in the ranch dressing had little to no meaning. But, regardless of the nasty ingredients and high calories, I love ranch dressing. In order to continue to indulge in my ranch obsession, I made my own version of vegan ranch dressing.

Even though I stopped eating ranch dressing long before being plant-based, I missed the creamy herb dressing I adored when I was young. Despite trying many store-bought vegan ranch dressings, they all had an after taste that didn’t even come close to that Hidden Valley Ranch I loved.

Initially, I hoped I could just use the Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning mix, but I was shocked to read the ingredients. Not only is it not vegan, but most of the ingredients are also unknown.

WHAT’S IN HIDDEN VALLEY RANCH DRESSING?

According to the Hidden Valley Ranch Label, ranch dressing seasoning packet includes:

Maltodextrin
Buttermilk
Salt
Monosodium Glutamate
Garlic
Onion
Lactic Acid
Calcium Lactate
Spices
Citric Acid
Calcium Stearate
Artificial Flavor
Xanthan Gum
Carboxymetrcellulose
Natural Flavor
Dried Milk
Dried Soy

In other words, I ate processed goo for years and liked it. YUCK! So, let’s make a healthy vegan ranch dressing with whole food ingredients we can pronounce. And, of course, make vegan ranch dressing taste way better than Hidden Valley’s version.

WHAT INGREDIENTS DO I NEED TO MAKE HOMEMADE VEGAN RANCH DRESSING?

1 1/2 cups raw cashew pieces
3/4 cup water
2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar I like rice vinegar
1 large lemon juiced
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
3 Tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

HOW TO MAKE AND STORE VEGAN RANCH DRESSING

Place all ingredients except dill and parsley in a high-speed blender.
Blend until smooth.
Add chopped dill and parsley
Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Lasts one week in the refrigerator……if it lasts that long.

MY FAVORITE WAYS TO EAT VEGAN RANCH DRESSING

First, I’m still obsessed with ranch dressing! So, with that being said, I use vegan ranch often for a variety of recipes.

Drizzle over your favorite pizza or breadsticks

Dip your oil-free french fries!

Use vegan ranch on your favorite salads!

Or dip your favorite quesadilla recipe into a dish of vegan ranch!

Regardless of what you like to dip, dip into a healthy whole foods version of my vegan ranch, and enjoy!

LOOKING FOR MORE REASONS TO DIP INTO VEGAN RANCH DRESSING?

12 SERVINGS