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). 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. So, to continue to indulge in my ranch obsession, I made my 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 aftertaste that didn't even come close to that Hidden Valley Ranch I loved.
Initially, I hoped I could 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 elements are also unknown.
WHAT'S IN HIDDEN VALLEY RANCH DRESSING?
According to the Hidden Valley Ranch Label, the 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?
- Raw cashew pieces (or substitute white beans or tofu)
- Water
- Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar I like rice vinegar.
- Lemon juice
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Fresh dill, chopped
- 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.
- It lasts one week in the refrigerator......if it lasts that long.
MY FAVORITE WAY TO EAT VEGAN RANCH DRESSING
First, I'm still obsessed with ranch dressing! So, with that being said, I use vegan ranch often for various 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?
- Buffalo Cauliflower Salad with Cashew Ranch Dressing
- BBQ Cauliflower
- Cauliflower Nachos
- AF Sweet Potato Fries
- Loaded Chili Fries
- Steak Fries & Air Fried and Crispy
- Vegan Muffuletta Sandwich
- Crunchy Baked Zucchini Coins
- Baked Onions Rings
- Zucchini Fries Vegan | Baked and Oil-Free
Vegan Ranch Dressing
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cup raw cashews or substitute white beans or silken tofu
- ¾ cup water
- 2 tablespoons rice or apple cider vinegar
- 1 large lemon juiced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ cup fresh chopped dill
- 3 Tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- 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.
- It lasts one week in the refrigerator......if it lasts that long.
Nutrition
Hi! My name is Kathy, I am a retired high school English teacher & vegan enthusiast and blogger. My entire blog is fully plant-based vegan. I truly believe what we eat & how we live determines our health & the preservation of our planet! 🙂
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Rachel
I just made this dressing. Entirely too much dill (1/4 cup would not work for me) I only added 1 Tablespoon and it was fine, Otherwise it is okay. I will make it again and play with different herbs. The consistency and creaminess is perfect.
Kathy Carmichael
Hi Rachel, thanks for the feedback. I love dill! I'm glad you enjoyed the dressing.
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Donna
Amazing! I love ranch and had given it up..... until now!
I made it with a teaspoon of dried dill and parsley and came out delicious!
Thanks
Kathy Carmichael
Hi Donna! I'm so glad you liked it. I thought ranch was gone forever too. My kids begged me to keep trying, and we finally got it right (according to my kids... the ranch fanatics! Try the southwest dressing! I think you might like that one too. Stay healthy. And thank you so much for reaching out. I appreciate the feedback.
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Laura McMinn
I have made it....and we loved it! I really enjoy making many of your posted recipes!
Kathy Carmichael
Hi Laura, thank you so much. WE love ranch at my house. I appreciate your feedback., It really helps me with future recipes. Nachos are coming your way tomorrow 🙂
Irene Raymond
Can't have nuts. Any suggestions for substitutions?
Kathy Carmichael
Irene, you can use the same amount of white beans, such as Northern while beans. It is a little grainier. You can also use shelled sunflower seeds or silken tofu. I hope this helps.
Sophie
Thanks, i came here to ask what i could use instead of cashews as I don't have a blender that can get them to a creamy texture (I've tried so many times!!). Silken tofu is a magical substance, i'll give that a go
Kathy Carmichael
Hi Sophie, Silken tofu is a great idea or you can use mashed white beans as well. You could also use cashew butter or almond butter. I hope this helps.
Kathleen
This is a staple in our house. We call it million dollar sauce and use it on everything! Think sour cream, Alfredo, dip for veggies… I used a teaspoon of dried herbs in place of the fresh and it was just right.
ANDREA S POSNER
Thank you for this great recipe! I will be making it this week. If I want to substitute dried dill for fresh, should I use dill weed or dill seed? This always confuses me 🤔.
Kathy Carmichael
Hi Andrea, you should use dried dill, but add only half the dried dill instead of what the recipe calls for. Dried herbs are much stronger in taste than fresh herbs. You can always add more to your dressing if you prefer a stronger dill taste. I hope you enjoy the ranch dressing.
Keri Mager
Delicious with the buffalo cauliflower!
Kathy Carmichael
Hi Keri, ranch dressing was one of the things I missed most when transitioning to a plant-based diet. I'm really happy you liked the buffalo cauliflower dipped in the ranch dressing. I make a batch every week for my family.
Char
Made this dressing a few days ago…Love it. Thank you! Looking forward to my salad for dinner tonight to pour more luscious dressing on. Much appreciated! Charlotte
Kathy Carmichael
Hi Charlotte, I'm so glad you liked the ranch dressing. Let me know if you try any of the other dressings.