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easy ranch dressing recipe

Creamy and Dairy-Free Ranch Dressing

Transform your salads and snacks with these easy homemade ranch dressing recipes, featuring both a classic creamy version and a dairy-free alternative using cashews.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Condiment, Sauce
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Creamy Ranch Dressing Ingredients
  • 1 cup full-fat sour cream
  • 1/2 cup high-quality mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk plus more for desired consistency
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Dairy-Free Vegan Ranch Dressing Ingredients
  • 1 cup raw cashews, soaked for 4+ hours or boiled for 15 minutes
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk or water
  • 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley or 1 tbsp fresh
  • 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Method
 

Preparation - Creamy Ranch Dressing
  1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the sour cream and mayonnaise. Whisk them together until completely smooth and homogenous.
  2. Gently whisk in the buttermilk until the base is creamy. The consistency should be thick but pourable.
  3. Add the finely chopped fresh herbs, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the bowl.
  4. Finish by whisking in the fresh lemon juice.
  5. Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning. If it’s too thick, whisk in additional buttermilk, one tablespoon at a time, until your preferred consistency is reached.
  6. For the best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Preparation - Dairy-Free Vegan Ranch Dressing
  1. Drain and rinse the soaked cashews thoroughly.
  2. Place all ingredients into a high-speed blender.
  3. Blend on high for 1-2 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed, until completely smooth and creamy.
  4. If the dressing is too thick, add an extra tablespoon of almond milk or water and blend again until the desired consistency is achieved.
  5. Transfer to a jar or container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Notes

For lighter versions, substitute Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Homemade dressing can be stored in the refrigerator: creamy ranch lasts up to 1 week and vegan ranch up to 5 days.