If you're like me, a lover of all things ranch dressing, but you're avoiding dairy, you're in for a treat! I've perfected a delicious dairy free ranch dressing recipe that's creamy, flavorful, and pairs perfectly with everything from fresh veggies to crispy French fries. The best part? It's made with simple ingredients, and you won't miss the dairy at all!
I am a ranch snob! I'm not even afraid to toot my own horn when it comes to my perfect ranch dressing recipe, so when my doctor suggested I cut dairy from my diet, I was determined to replicate that ranch recipe but make it dairy free and equally delicious. And ladies and gentlemen, I have done it with this dairy free ranch recipe! My hubby couldn't even tell the difference and he eats my ranch for lunch daily!
Ingredients:
mayonnaise: I recommend Duke's but for a vegan ranch recipe, use a vegan mayo
dairy-free sour cream: I use Simple Truth for a tangy kick but Kitehill is good too
original Nutpods: unsweetened almond milk or soy milk are good substitutes but the Nutpods give a consistency similar to buttermilk
dried parsley: double the amount if using fresh parsley
salt
black pepper
onion powder: feel free to add some fresh chives for an extra oniony kick
garlic powder?
dried dill: double the amount if using fresh dill
fresh lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Gather Your Ingredients
Before you begin, make sure you have all your ingredients ready. This recipe uses basic ingredients that you can find at your local grocery store or online, including dried herbs
2. Mix the Base
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, dairy free sour cream, and Nutpods (or your preferred non-dairy milk). This trio forms the creamy base of our dairy-free ranch dressing.
3. Add the Flavor
To the creamy base, add the dried parsley, salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried dill. These ingredients will give your ranch dressing that classic, herby flavor that we all love in a traditional ranch.
4. Enhance with Freshness
For an extra burst of flavor, add fresh herbs like chives, parsley, and dill. Chop them finely and mix them into the dressing. The fresh herbs add a brightness that takes this homemade ranch dressing to the next level.
5. Blend to Perfection
To achieve a smooth and creamy texture, use an immersion blender to blend all the ingredients together. If you don't have an immersion blender, a regular blender works just fine. Blend until the dressing is velvety and well combined. Or you can just use a whisk!
6. Adjust for Tanginess
Add fresh lemon juice to the mixture. This ingredient provides the perfect balance of tanginess and richness. Adjust the quantity to suit your taste preferences.
7. Store in an Airtight Container
Transfer your homemade dairy free ranch dressing to an airtight container or a glass jar. Storing it in the refrigerator allows the flavors to meld, resulting in an even more delicious dressing. Mason jars work great for this purpose.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Now comes the best part – tasting your creation! Use this dairy-free ranch dressing as a dip for fresh vegetables, a drizzle for salads, or a companion for your favorite snacks like chicken wings, sweet potato fries, or even blue cheese alternatives. The possibilities are endless!
Tips and Variations:
- Experiment with Different Plant-Based Milk: If Nutpods are not available, try using unsweetened almond milk, soy milk, or cashew milk for a different twist on the recipe.
- Make it Paleo: For a paleo-friendly version, substitute the mayo and sour cream with a combination of homemade mayo and coconut cream.
- Customize the Creaminess: Adjust the creaminess by exploring different non-dairy options. Full fat coconut milk can be a decadent alternative.
- Go Green: Add green onions to enhance the color and flavor of your dressing.
- Create a Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix: Prepare a batch of the dry ingredients (parsley, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried dill) ahead of time. Store it in your spice cabinet for a quick and easy ranch seasoning mix.
Final Thoughts:
Making your own dairy-free ranch dressing is not only easy but also allows you to control the quality of ingredients, avoiding artificial flavors commonly found in store-bought alternatives. This recipe has become a staple in my , and I hope it becomes one in yours too.
Feel free to share this delicious dairy free ranch dressing recipe with friends and family. They'll love the fresh, homemade taste, and you'll become the go-to person for the best ranch dressing in town!
If you're not dairy free, check out this amazing buttermilk ranch dressing recipe!
Serve this creamy ranch dressing on the following salads:
The Best Homemade Dairy Free Ranch Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ¾ cup dairy-free sour cream
- ¾ cup original Nutpods
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, dairy free sour cream, and Nutpods (or your preferred non-dairy milk). This trio forms the creamy base of our dairy-free ranch dressing.
- To the creamy base, add the dried parsley, salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried dill. These ingredients will give your ranch dressing that classic, herby flavor that we all love in a traditional ranch.
- To achieve a smooth and creamy texture, use an immersion blender to blend all the ingredients together. If you don't have an immersion blender, a regular blender works just fine. Blend until the dressing is velvety and well combined. Or you can just use a whisk!
- Add fresh lemon juice to the mixture. This ingredient provides the perfect balance of tanginess and richness. Adjust the quantity to suit your taste preferences.
- Transfer your homemade dairy free ranch dressing to an airtight container or a glass jar. Storing it in the refrigerator allows the flavors to meld, resulting in an even more delicious dressing. Mason jars work great for this purpose.
- Now comes the best part – tasting your creation! Use this dairy-free ranch dressing as a dip for fresh vegetables, a drizzle for salads, or a companion for your favorite snacks like chicken wings, sweet potato fries, or even blue cheese alternatives. The possibilities are endless!