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    Home / Recipes / Sauces, Dips & Dressings

    Vegan Ranch Dressing

    Published: Jun 6, 2022 · Modified: Sep 9, 2022 by Kathy Carmichael · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    Dip into some creamy vegan ranch dressing, and enjoy a whole foods version of a classic ranch dressing. Substitute white beans or silken tofu for a nut-free version of this delicious vegan ranch dressing recipe.

    vegan ranch dressing in a ball jar with a spoon in the jar on the table

    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. And you will love this simple vegan ranch dressing recipe.

    Jump to:
    • WHAT'S IN HIDDEN VALLEY RANCH DRESSING? 
    • Vegan Ranch Ingredients
    • Vegan Ranch Ingredient Substitutions
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Tips
    • Other Great Vegan Sauces and Dressings
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Reviews

    Even though I stopped eating ranch dressing long before being plant-based, I missed the creamy herb dressing I adored as a child.

    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 planned to 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 anything but natural.

    WHAT'S IN HIDDEN VALLEY RANCH DRESSING? 

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

    • Maltodextrin: Maltodextrin is a highly processed, plant-based substance usually made from corn, but rice, potato, wheat, or tapioca can also be used
    • Buttermilk: Dried buttermilk that has been dehydrated until it becomes a fine powder, similar in texture to flour, or regular milk powder. But unlike regular buttermilk, it lasts practically forever tucked into the back of your fridge.
    • Salt: Table salt
    • Monosodium Glutamate: Today, instead of extracting and crystallizing MSG from seaweed broth, MSG is produced by the fermentation of starch, sugar beets, sugar cane, or molasses.
    • Garlic: Dried garlic
    • Onion: Dried onion
    • Lactic Acid: In ranch dressing, lactic acid in salad dressing is probably used as an emulsifier, helping to keep the oil and water from separating. It may also be used as a thickener. Lactic acid is used to adjust acidity.
    • Calcium Lactate: Calcium lactate is a calcium salt and is one of the most common ways to introduce calcium into mixtures.
    • Spices: Unknown
    • Citric Acid: Citric acid occurs naturally in lemons, limes, and other citrus fruits. It is also manufactured in a dry powder form by adding a special mold to glucose and letting it ferment. The dry powdered stuff is the one that chefs are using to elevate flavors and bring harmony and balance to a finished dish.
    • Calcium Stearate: Calcium stearate is primarily used as an acid scavenger, release agent, and lubricant in the plastics industry, for waterproofing in construction, and as an anti-caking additive in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
    • Artificial Flavor: NO specification provided.
    • Xanthan Gum: Xanthan gum is a common food additive that you find in everything from sauces and dressings to ice cream and yogurt and, of course, gluten-free baked goods. In most cases, it's used as a thickening agent, or as a stabilizer to prevent the separation of ingredients (like yogurt).
    • Carboxymetrcellulose: Studies have also found that long-term consumption of cellulose gum, or CMC, can cause inflammation in rodents (8). As for studies involving humans, a 2021 study found that long-term consumption of cellulose gum can alter levels of beneficial bacteria and nutrients in the gut.
    • Natural Flavor: No specification provided.
    • Dried Milk: Powdered milk, also called milk powder, dried milk, or dry milk, is a manufactured dairy product made by evaporating milk to dryness. One purpose of drying milk is to preserve it; milk powder has a far longer shelf life than liquid milk and does not need to be refrigerated, due to its low moisture content
    • Dried Soy: Dried Soybeans are delicious seeds with a flavor reminiscent of sunflower seeds. It is a legume with a rich nutritional composition, particularly in protein, which is why it is often consumed by vegetarians to compensate for the lack of animal protein.

    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, vegan ranch dressing tastes way better than  Hidden Valley's version. 

    vegan ranch dressing recipe in a bowl on the table with cashews on the table

    Vegan Ranch Ingredients

    • Raw Cashews: Raw cashews are a great base for a creamy vegan dressing.
    • Water: The water thins the dressing.
    • Rice vinegar: Rice vinegar provides an acidic component while also giving a little sweetness.
    • Lemon juice: The lemon juice also adds acidity and helps balance the flavors in the dressing.
    • Salt/Pepper: Salt and pepper enhance the ingredients in the dressing. I prefer sea salt or pink salt and fresh ground pepper.
    • Garlic powder: Garlic powder gives the dressing additional depth of flavor.
    • Onion powder: Onion powder helps to develop the flavors in the dressing.
    • Dill: Fresh dill is the key to a fabulous vegan ranch dressing recipe.
    • Parsley: Fresh parsley brings a fresh herb flavor to the dressing.

    Vegan Ranch Ingredient Substitutions

    • Choose sunflower seeds, white beans, or silken tofu as a nut-free option for this vegan ranch dressing recipe.
    • Apple cider vinegar is a great substitute for rice vinegar.
    • I prefer fresh lemon juice, but when it isn't available, use bottled lemon juice.
    • One clove of fresh garlic equals ¼ teaspoon of granulated garlic powder.
    • Similarly, if your recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of onion powder and you need to sub it, use 3 tablespoons dried minced onion, or 1 cup chopped fresh onion.
    • 1 tablespoon fresh dill = 1 teaspoon dried dill. This substitution ratio works for any dried herbs

    How to Make the 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.

    Serving Suggestions

    Consider using vegan ranch dressing for recipes other than salads.  

    • Drizzle over your favorite pizza or breadsticks!
    vegan pizza on a plate
    • Dip your oil-free french fries!
    oil-free french fries on a plate
    • Use vegan ranch on your favorite salads! 
    vegan salad with ranch dressing
    • Or dip your favorite quesadilla recipe into a dish of vegan ranch!
    vegan quesadilla served on a plate with dressing

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

    Recipe FAQs

    What is the difference between ranch and vegan ranch?

    Ranch dressing and seasoning are not considered vegan. It's a combination of buttermilk, salt, onion, garlic, herbs, and spices. However, it does contain a number of plant-based ingredients, so it's fairly easy to find vegan-flavored ranch sauces on the market or to simply make your own.

    Why isn't ranch vegan?

    Traditional ranch dressing contains mayonnaise and buttermilk which are not vegan. There are vegan ranch dressing brands available at teh store, but they still contain a lot of preservatives.

    Is mayo vegan?

    Regular mayonnaise is basically made by emulsifying a raw egg with oil, and eggs are decidedly not vegan.

    Tips

    • If you don't have a high-quality, high-speed blender, soak the cashews overnight and drain them before blending them with the other ingredients.
    • For a quicker way to soften cashews, boil the cashews for 10 minutes, and drain. Add to the blender with the other ingredients.
    • However, if you have a good blender, skip these soaking or boiling.
    • Do not blend the herbs into the dressing. Instead, chop them finely and add them to the dressing after blending.
    • The dressing with thickening when chilled in the refrigerator.
    • For a dip, rather than a dressing add less water.
    • When using sunflower seeds, use the same amount of water.
    • If using white beans, reduce the water by one-half and adjust for desired thickness.

    If you are looking for a creamy, delicious vegan ranch dressing, you've found the best vegan ranch dressing recipe you've ever tasted!

    Other Great Vegan Sauces and Dressings

    • Cowboy Caviar
    • oil-free Italian dressing recipe
      Oil Free Italian Dressing
    • vegan cream cheese reicpe
      Vegan Cream Cheese
    • Fruit salsa recipe with cinnamon chips
      Fruit Salsa and Cinnamon Chips

    If you love this vegan ranch dressing recipe, give us a 5-star review and comment below. We would love to hear from you!

    📖 Recipe

    vegan ranch dressing

    Vegan Ranch Dressing

    Kathy Carmichael
    Do you love ranch dressing? Dip into some creamy vegan ranch dressing, and enjoy a whole foods version of a classic ranch dressing. Substitute white beans or silken tofu for a nut-free version.
    4.50 from 26 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 10 minutes mins
    Course Sauces, Dips & Dressings
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12 SERVINGS
    Calories 94 kcal

    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.

    Notes

    • If you don't have a high-quality, high-speed blender, soak the cashews overnight and drain them before blending them with the other ingredients.
    • For a quicker way to soften cashews, boil the cashews for 10 minutes, and drain. Add to the blender with the other ingredients.
    • However, if you have a good blender, skip these soaking or boiling.
    • Do not blend the herbs into the dressing. Instead, chop them finely and add them to the dressing after blending.
    • The dressing with thickening when chilled in the refrigerator.
    • For a dip, rather than a dressing add less water.
    • When using sunflower seeds, use the same amount of water.
    • If using white beans, reduce the water by one-half and adjust for desired thickness.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 12gCalories: 94kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 3gFat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: -25gSodium: 198mgPotassium: 138mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 162IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 13mgIron: 1mg
    Tried our recipe?Let us know how it was!
    Kathy Carmichael

    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! 🙂

    www.kathysvegankitchen.com/about-me/

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    1. Char

      June 09, 2022 at 6:29 am

      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

      Reply
      • Kathy Carmichael

        June 09, 2022 at 7:04 am

        Hi Charlotte, I'm so glad you liked the ranch dressing. Let me know if you try any of the other dressings.

        Reply
    2. Keri Mager

      February 07, 2022 at 7:25 am

      Delicious with the buffalo cauliflower!

      Reply
      • Kathy Carmichael

        February 07, 2022 at 8:00 am

        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.

        Reply
    3. ANDREA S POSNER

      January 10, 2022 at 2:25 am

      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 🤔.

      Reply
      • Kathy Carmichael

        January 10, 2022 at 7:02 am

        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.

        Reply
    4. Kathleen

      August 14, 2021 at 6:03 pm

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
    5. Irene Raymond

      February 09, 2021 at 8:33 am

      Can't have nuts. Any suggestions for substitutions?

      Reply
      • Kathy Carmichael

        February 09, 2021 at 12:19 pm

        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.

        Reply
        • Sophie

          February 24, 2021 at 5:42 am

          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

          Reply
          • Kathy Carmichael

            February 24, 2021 at 6:32 am

            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.

            Reply
    6. Laura McMinn

      February 09, 2021 at 7:58 am

      I have made it....and we loved it! I really enjoy making many of your posted recipes!

      Reply
      • Kathy Carmichael

        February 09, 2021 at 12:15 pm

        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 🙂

        Reply
    7. Anonymous

      November 14, 2020 at 4:39 pm

      4 stars

      Reply
    8. Donna

      October 20, 2020 at 9:05 am

      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

      Reply
      • Kathy Carmichael

        October 20, 2020 at 12:57 pm

        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.

        Reply
    9. Anonymous

      October 19, 2020 at 7:02 pm

      5 stars

      Reply
    10. Anonymous

      July 19, 2020 at 4:20 pm

      4 stars

      Reply
    11. Anonymous

      July 01, 2020 at 2:32 am

      4 stars

      Reply
    12. Rachel

      June 29, 2020 at 3:47 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • Kathy Carmichael

        June 29, 2020 at 5:45 pm

        Hi Rachel, thanks for the feedback. I love dill! I'm glad you enjoyed the dressing.

        Reply
    13. Anonymous

      June 29, 2020 at 8:10 pm

      4 stars

      Reply
    14. Anonymous

      May 31, 2020 at 9:44 am

      4 stars

      Reply
    15. Anonymous

      May 27, 2020 at 3:58 am

      4 stars

      Reply
    16. Anonymous

      May 05, 2020 at 1:15 pm

      4 stars

      Reply
    17. Anonymous

      May 05, 2020 at 12:07 pm

      5 stars

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Kathy! I love creating delicious whole foods plant-based recipes. I believe what we eat & how we live determines our health & the preservation of our planet!

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