Dairy Free Ranch Dressing

Ginny McMeans

Ginny McMeans

Published:

May 29, 2021

Last Modified:

May 8, 2025

Dairy Free Ranch Dressing is rich, creamy and simple to make. So fun and creative and then use this vegan ranch dressing recipe on tacos, appetizers, salads, as a dip and so much more.

Jarful of dairy free ranch dressing with a jugful behind.

Whether it is the beginning of a new year or hovering around the holidays I am always trying to be my best self. One of the ways I can do this is by improving the way I eat.

Do you know you can have a vegan ranch dressing recipe with just a speck of the fats as the original? It’s true!

I’ve mentioned before that we get a lot of families visiting throughout the year. Something that I’ve missed having on hand is ranch dressing. Well, no more

Fresh green salad on a white plate and drizzled witha salad dressing.


I remember, way back when, that I use to really like ranch dressing and for very good reason, it seems to have become a favorite for the whole world.

Since I have become so adventurous this year with homemade condiments such as my vegan mayo, Homemade Almond Mayonnaise, I thought why not tackle ranch dressing.

Well, that was easy. It’s also great as a vegan ranch dip. Just cut up your favorite veggies and lay out a platter.

A wooden dipper in a jar of vegan ranch dip with crudités behind.

Is ranch dressing vegan

Ranch has become one of the most popular condiments. I even have a nephew who will take it over ketchup any time.

But the original is not even close to being vegan. Luckily it is easy to make homemade ranch dressing and you can use it by the jarful just like everybody else.

Plateful of a fresh salad drizzled with dairy free ranch dressing.

How can I use ranch dressing

  • Spread it on pizza crust or flatbread for a pizza. My fav!
  • Use it as a dip for sweet potato fries, french fries, and zucchini chips.
  • As a dip for roasted Brussels sprouts.
  • In a southwest style lettuce wrap.
  • Drizzled over roasted red potatoes.
  • As a dip for buffalo cauliflower bites.
  • In a baked rice casserole.
  • Mixed into your favorite hummus.
  • Tossed in a bowtie pasta salad.
  • Tossed with pumpkin seeds and spices to roast for a snack.
  • Add a dollop and mix it into mashed potatoes.
  • Drizzle it on grilled corn on the cob.
  • Grill small red or gold potatoes that have been cut in half and then skewered. After the kebab gets to your plate drizzle ranch all over the potatoes.
  • Use it as a spread on a bean burger.
Pint jar filled with homemade ranch dressing with a salad behind.

In fact, check out these Ranch Cauliflower Tacos! They are so good and unique!

It was fun trying to figure out the seasonings for this dairy free ranch dressing recipe. I figured there was dill and probably a vinegar but the other seasonings were a hit and miss. Even when I missed they weren’t too bad.

Finally, a perfect mix and the subtle flavor of apple cider vinegar really makes this vegan ranch dressing recipe a favorite

It is easy and delicious. I hope you will give it a try.

A jar full of a white salad dressing with iced tea behind.

Ingredients

  • Cashews are a favorite addition to fresh flavors and protein. They turn out creamy with no waste when blended.
  • Dairy-free milk adds flavor and make sure you use an unsweetened variety.
  • Apple cider vinegar has a mild tang flavor and is delicious in dressings as a substitute for sharper red vinegar.
  • Maple syrup adds the perfect balance to vinegar.
  • Onion powder is powerful so a little goes a long way and adds a lot of flavor.
  • Dried parsley has a bit of a peppery taste.
  • Chives add another nice and necessary underlying flavor.
  • Dried dill weed adds a surprising tangy flavor.
  • Ground black pepper is very spicy so don’t use much but you need it.

Instructions

  • Soak the cashews for at least an hour. If you have a fancy high speed blender or food processor then you can skip the soaking.
  • Drain and put the soaked cashews in a food processor.
  • Add all of the remaining ingredients. Process until smooth.
  • Check the thickness. Add more dairy-free milk, if needed, to get the consistency of dressing.
  • Pour into a container and store in the refrigerator.
  • The flavors will meld after resting in the refrigerator for a couple of hours but you can still use it immediately.
A small jar full of a creamy condiment for fresh salads.

FAQ’s

How long will vegan ranch dressing keep in the refrigerator

It lasts surprisingly long. About 2 weeks but I don’t think you’ll have it that long.

Jar of ranch dressing in front of a jug full. Red text above for pinterest.

Dairy Free Ranch Dressing - rich and creamy and simple to make from scratch.

Dairy Free Ranch Dressing

Ginny McMeans
5 from 17 votes
Dairy Free Ranch Dressing is rich and creamy and simple to make.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 16 Ounces

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Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup cashews – soaked in water for at least an hour
  • 3/4 cup dairy-free milk – I used Almondmilk
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried chives
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Drain and put the soaked cashews in a food processor. Add all of the remaining ingredients. Process until smooth.
  • Add more dairy-free milk, if needed, to get the consistency of dressing.
  • The flavors will meld after resting in the refrigerator for a couple of hours but you can still use it immediately.
  • Pour into container and store in refrigerator.

Video

Nutrition

Serving:2Ounces, Calories:56kcal, Carbohydrates:4g, Protein:1g, Fat:3g, Sodium:6mg, Potassium:68mg, Sugar:2g, Vitamin A:130IU, Vitamin C:1.1mg, Calcium:23mg, Iron:0.7mg

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Ginny McMeans

Ginny McMeans

Hi, my name is Ginny and it is fantastic that you have come to visit and see my recipes. I have a positive attitude and can’t seem to be in nature enough. My North American bird count is 678 and I’m always watching for mammals and insects too. My head is stuffed full of recipes that I want to create and life is just to dang short. The recipes feature healthy and delicious vegan food that you can enjoy now or freeze for future meals.

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