Vegan ranch dressing? You bet! This recipe delivers all the cool, tangy, herby flavor of classic ranch, but without any dairy. It’s so easy to make at home with simple ingredients, and it’s perfect for salads, dipping veggies, or drizzling over your favorite dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Ranch Dressing
This homemade vegan ranch is:
- Creamy and flavorful: We’ve nailed the perfect balance of tanginess and richness without using any dairy.
- Quick and easy: You can whip up this dressing in just minutes, making it ideal for weeknight meals or last-minute gatherings.
- Versatile: This dressing is incredibly versatile and can be used on salads, as a dip for fresh veggies, or drizzled over baked potatoes, tacos, and more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1/2 cup raw cashews, soaked for at least 30 minutes
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat work well)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried chives
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Ingredients for vegan ranch dressing
Making Your Homemade Vegan Ranch Dressing
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Drain and rinse the cashews. This removes any lingering soaking water and ensures a creamy dressing.
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Combine the ingredients in a blender: Add the cashews, water, plant-based milk, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, nutritional yeast, garlic, parsley, dill, chives, onion powder, salt, and pepper to a high-speed blender.
Blending vegan ranch dressing in a high-speed blender -
Blend until smooth: Secure the blender lid and blend on high speed for 1-2 minutes, or until the dressing is completely smooth and creamy. Stop and scrape down the sides of the blender as needed to ensure even blending.
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Adjust the consistency: If the dressing is too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
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Taste and adjust seasonings: Give the dressing a taste and adjust the salt, pepper, lemon juice, or herbs to your liking.
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Chill and serve: Transfer the dressing to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. The dressing will thicken slightly upon chilling.
Chilled vegan ranch dressing in a jar
Blending vegan ranch dressing in a high-speed blender 
Chilled vegan ranch dressing in a jar Tips for the Best Vegan Ranch
- Soaking the cashews is key: Soaking softens the cashews, making them blend into a perfectly creamy dressing. You can soak them in hot water for 1 hour, or in cold water overnight.
- Fresh herbs make a difference: While dried herbs will work in a pinch, fresh parsley and dill really elevate the flavor of this dressing.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment: Feel free to customize this recipe to your taste. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat, or use different herbs like chives or cilantro.
Vegan Ranch FAQs
Can I make this dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely! This vegan ranch dressing will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
What can I serve this vegan ranch with?
This dressing is incredibly versatile! Try it on salads, as a dip for vegetables, or drizzled over baked potatoes, tacos, best vegan salad dressing, burgers, sandwiches, and more!
Can I use a different type of nut?
While cashews create the creamiest texture, you can experiment with other nuts like almonds or macadamia nuts. You may need to adjust the amount of water or milk for the desired consistency.
Can I thin out the dressing if it’s too thick?
Yes, simply add a tablespoon of water or plant-based milk at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
I don’t have fresh herbs, can I use dried?
Fresh herbs are always preferred, but if you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with dried herbs. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs called for in the recipe.
A Versatile and Flavorful Addition to Your Vegan Kitchen
This vegan salad dressing recipes is a game-changer! It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for adding a burst of fresh flavor to all your favorite dishes.
