Whip up this delightful dairy-free (and egg-free!) vegan ranch dressing that's perfect for dipping, drizzling, or dressing up your favorite salads. It's creamy, tangy, and so easy to make, that just like Frank's hot sauce tagline says, "I put that $#!t on everything!"
Surrounded by the average American's obsession with them, but knowing the ingredients typically used, I never understood its appeal as a top sauce choice. But now, I can safely say this vegan dairy-free ranch dressing is a game-changer. From using it as a fresh veggie dip to cross-culture accompaniments such as Baked Green Plantains or Crispy Falafel, this perfection in a bottle will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Inspired by the richness of our maple tahini dressing, this vegan ranch dressing is the ideal companion to all your favorite dishes, adding a fresh and tangy twist that's hard to resist!
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💚 Why you will love this recipe
- Versatility
- Nostalgia & Comfort
- Easy to Make
- Healthier Version of a Cultural Phenomenon (American)
🧾 Ingredients
The ingredients that make this dairy-free ranch dressing SO good are:
- Cashews: They provide a creamy base for the dressing.
- Soy yogurt: Adds tanginess, helps create a smooth texture, and adds protein.
- Fresh Cilantro: Infuses the dressing with a fresh, herby flavor.
- Fresh Parsley: Brings a bright, grassy note to the mix.
- Garlic: Delivers a punch of savory depth.
- Lemon juice: Adds a zesty kick and balances the flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds a touch of spice and complexity.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Substitutions
| Original Ingredient | Suggested Substitution |
|---|---|
| Cashews | Hulled almonds |
| Soy yogurt | Other plant-based yogurt (*See FAQ) |
| Fresh Cilantro | Fresh Dill |
| Fresh Parsley | Dry parsley, Fresh or Dry Basil |
| Garlic | Garlic or Onion powder |
| Lemon juice | Apple cider vinegar |
🍽 Equipment
Good quality blender or a food processor and lemon press.
🔪 Instructions
To make this dairy-free ranch dressing, start by washing your fresh ingredients thoroughly.
- Step 1: Soak cashews overnight. OR (Soak in boiling water for 15 minutes)
- Step 2: Add soaked cashews, soy yogurt, fresh cilantro, fresh parsley, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper into a high-quality blender or food processor.
- Step 3: Blend all the ingredients until smooth and uniform.
- Step 4: Taste and adjust seasonings to your preference.
- Step 5: Store in an air-tight container and refrigerate for up to 7 days.
💡 Expert Tips
Ensure your cashews are fully softened before blending for the creamiest texture; soaking overnight is ideal, but a 15-minute soak in boiling water works in a pinch.
Use a high-quality blender or food processor to achieve a smooth consistency; a weaker machine may leave the dressing grainy.
Taste and adjust seasonings gradually, adding more lemon juice or salt in small increments to avoid overpowering the dressing.
For a thicker consistency, refrigerate the dressing for at least an hour before serving, allowing it to firm up slightly.
Always use fresh herbs for the best flavor; dried herbs can be less potent and alter the overall taste.
📖 Variations
- Herbed Ranch: Incorporate a variety of fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, or tarragon for another unique take on this homemade, dairy-free ranch dressing.
- Spicy Ranch: Ingredients like hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or sriracha would bring a spicy twist to the classic ranch flavor.
- Avocado Ranch: Blend ripe avocado into the dressing for a creamy, rich texture and a hint of avocado flavor.
- Smoky Ranch: Add smoked paprika or a touch of liquid smoke for a smoky, barbecue-inspired twist.
🥢 How to serve
Here are some delightful and creative ways to serve your dairy-free ranch dressing.
1. Sandwiches and Wraps
- How to Serve: Spread on bread or tortillas before adding other fillings, or use as a topping.
- Why It’s Great: Adds a creamy texture and zesty flavor that complements a variety of sandwich or wrap fillings, enhancing the overall taste.
2. Vegan Buffalo Wings
- How to Serve: Serve as a dipping sauce or drizzle over vegan buffalo wings or cauliflower bites.
- Why It’s Great: Provides a cooling, creamy contrast to the spicy heat of buffalo-style dishes, balancing flavors and textures.
3. Baked Goods
- How to Serve: Spoon over savory muffins or scones, or as a dip for warm, freshly baked goods.
- Why It’s Great: Elevates baked goods with a creamy, flavorful touch, making them more versatile and appealing.
4. Grilled Foods
- How to Serve: Drizzle over grilled veggies or plant-based burgers, or use as a side sauce.
- Why It’s Great: Complements the smoky, charred flavors of grilled foods with a creamy, tangy counterpoint.
5. Snack Bowls
- How to Serve: Spoon a dollop on top of grain bowls, buddha bowls, or quinoa salads.
- Why It’s Great: Adds a rich, creamy element to nutrient-dense bowls, enhancing both flavor and texture while making the meal more satisfying.
🥡 Storage
Store this dairy-free ranch dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5-7 days. Before using, give it a good stir to re-emulsify the ingredients.
❓ FAQ
Yes, but using raw cashews is recommended for the creamiest texture. Roasted cashews may add a slightly different flavor and texture.
Yes, you can replace the cashews with soaked sunflower seeds or even silken tofu for a nut-free version.
If you enjoy the flavor of coconut, you might find the addition pleasant, but if you're aiming for a classic ranch taste, the coconut yogurt might be too overpowering. So though we don't recommend it, feel free to experiment accordingly.
To thicken the dressing, refrigerate it for an hour or add more soaked cashews or vegan mayonnaise. To thin it out, mix in a small amount of water or plant milk until you reach the desired consistency.
📚 More Salad Dressing Recipes
Explore these delicious and easy-to-make salad dressing recipes that will elevate your salads to the next level. Each one is packed with flavor and simple to prepare, making it easier than ever to enjoy healthy, homemade dressings.
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📋 Recipe
Dairy-Free Ranch Dressing
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup cashews soaked overnight
- ½ cup soy yogurt
- 4 tablespoons cilantro fresh
- 3 tablespoon parsley fresh
- 1 tablespoon ground garlic or one clove
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
- ⅛ black pepper Freshly ground
Optional
- 2 tablespoons vegan mayonnaise
Directions
- Soak the cashews: Let the cashews soak overnight. This will soften them and make processing easier.Note: You can also soak cashews in boiling water for 15 minutes if you are in a rush.
- Process the ingredients: Use a small food processor, preferably a handheld one, to blend all the ingredients until you achieve a smooth and homogeneous texture.
- Adjust the flavors: Taste the mixture and adjust the flavors to your personal preference. You can add more salt, lemon, or other seasonings if desired.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Nutritional Disclaimer
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice. See our full Nutritional Disclosure here.
Affiliate Disclaimer
Please note that some of the links here are affiliate links, and I will earn a commission if you purchase through those links. I recommend all of the products listed because they are companies I have found helpful and trustworthy.
As the creative force behind OPBW, Natasha is a dedicated stay-at-home mom and passionate home chef. She infuses every recipe and personal care tip with love and practicality. Balancing family life with culinary adventures, she crafts wholesome, family-friendly dishes and effective, natural beauty solutions that are both approachable and inspiring. Her hands-on experience and personal touch make OPBW a go-to resource for delicious meals and self-care ideas that fit seamlessly into everyday life.
As the lead content writer and recipe developer at Our Plant-Based World, he combines his passion for health and sustainability with a Plant-Based Nutrition Certification to create accessible, delicious vegan recipes. His expertise in plant-based cooking supports the blog's mission of fostering a healthier, environmentally conscious lifestyle through simple and seasonal dishes. His commitment to making vegan cooking enjoyable and inclusive for everyone shines in each recipe and article.
