Vegan Ranch Dressing Recipe - Elavegan (2024)

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5 from 2 votes

This vegan ranch dressing is super flavorful, creamy, tangy, and takes less than 5 minutes to prepare with simple pantry ingredients! Even better, this dairy-free ranch recipe is also gluten-free, and you can make it oil-free/nut-free. In no time at all, you have a delicious herby vegan salad dressing, dip, spread, or sauce!

Vegan Ranch Dressing Recipe - Elavegan (1)

5-Minute Creamy, Tangy, Vegan Ranch Dressing

With just a few simple ingredients and several herbs and seasonings, you can whip up a batch of the best creamy, tangy, dairy-free ranch dressing – perfect for salads, pizza, and dipping these moreish buffalo cauliflower wings. Plus, using it to dip veggies is basically a top-tip for fussy eaters (aka it’s child-approved)!

Is Ranch vegan?

Traditional ranch dressing contains dairy. The ingredients include buttermilk and sometimes mayo, salt, garlic, onion, mustard, and several herbs. However, it’s really simple to make your own dairy-free ranch dressing at home in just minutes!

Providing an option to use either a store-bought or homemade vegan mayonnaise ‘base,’ this vegan ranch dressing recipe can be nut-free, oil-free, and/or completely whole-food plant-based. I often like to use my creamy, oil-free homemade vegan mayo (containing raw cashews). If using a store-bought option, this vegan ranch recipe will be ready in just minutes!

It’s also a must-have at any game day, potluck, or party. Leftovers are good for between 1-2 weeks (depending on which ‘base’ you use), too – so it’s an excellent meal-prep dairy-free veggie dip you can have on hand at all times!

Inspired to make more simple dips and sauces? You might also like thisHibachi-style Yum Yum sauce, a simple tahini dressing, or vegan tzatziki sauce!

Vegan Ranch Dressing Recipe - Elavegan (2)

The Ingredients

  • Vegan mayonnaise:I used homemade mayonnaise. However, you can use your favorite store-bought option. Luckily, there are tons out there these days – Just Mayo, Vegenaise, FYH mayo, Hellmann’s, etc.).
  • Garlic:Adjust the amount to personal taste. I like to use a combination of fresh and dried for the best-flavored vegan ranch dip.
  • Apple cider vinegar:or white vinegar – this helps to provide the ‘tang’ that buttermilk in regular ranch dressing has. You could even use some dill pickle juice (though you may need slightly more).
  • Dairy-free milk:You can use any unsweetened dairy-free milkor water to thin the ranch to your desired consistency.
  • Dried herbs/Seasonings:Dried parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, dry mustard (or fresh), paprika, and salt and black pepper make up the simple seasoning base for this vegan ranch dip.
  • Chives:You’ll need fresh chopped chives to taste.

Optional add-ins and recipe variations:

  • Cayenne pepper:For a hint (or more) of heat, feel free to add some cayenne powder to this vegan ranch dressing recipe. You could even add some hot sauce for more heat (and color). Of course, chipotle powder would also work well for a sweet, smoky, spicy flavor.
  • Jalapeño ranch:Add a chopped and deseeded jalapeño (or adjust the amount to personal preference) to a blender with the ranch ingredients.
  • BBQ Ranch:Add a few tablespoons of BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade) to the vegan ranch recipe.
  • Dill: Fresh and dried dill are both popular additions to homemade ranch dressing. I recommend adding 3/4 tsp dried and increasing to taste.
  • Sweetener: If you find the dairy-free dressing a little too tangy/savory, you can use a little maple syrup or another sweetener of your choice to balance the flavors (to taste). Be careful, though, as it only takes a tiny amount.
  • Nutritional yeast: This will help to provide a little more umami and can be added to taste.

Please read the recipe card below for thefull ingredients list,measurements, complete recipe method, and nutritional information.

Vegan Ranch Dressing Recipe - Elavegan (3)

How to Make Vegan Ranch Dressing

To say the process of making this homemade vegan ranch dressing recipe is simple would be an understatement. In fact, it requires just two simple steps and less than 5 minutes of your time!

  • Add all the vegan ranch ingredients to a bowl and whisk thoroughly to combine.

Vegan Ranch Dressing Recipe - Elavegan (4)

I added three tablespoons of dairy-free milk, as I prefer a thick sauce/dressing. However, feel free to thin it out further to personal preference.

Vegan Ranch Dressing Recipe - Elavegan (5)

  • Try the vegan ranch dip and adjust any of the seasonings, to taste. For a bit of heat, you can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

After whisking the plant-based ranch dressing, I recommend waiting a few hours (2-3) to allow all the flavors to meld and develop, and then you’ll have a new favorite vegan condiment, ready for drizzling, dipping, and spreading over everything!

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How to Serve

There are so many ways you can enjoy this dairy-free ranch dressing, including:

  • Serve withcruditéslike carrot sticks, cucumber sticks, bell pepper strips, celery sticks, baby corn, and even tomato slices.
  • OR to drizzle and diproastedvegetables– like these cauliflower steaks and all your favorite veggies.
  • As acoolingdipfor buffalo cauliflower wings or marinated tofu.
  • Slather overburgers,hotdogs, andsandwiches– like this black bean burger or vegan grilled cheese.
  • To drizzle over and dip withpizzas– like this vegan Italian Neapolitan pizza, zucchini crust pizza, or sweet potato crust pizza.
  • Withfries, French fries, andveggiefries– like these crispy oven-baked potato wedges, vegan chili cheese fries, nacho fries, carrot fries, etc.
  • As asaladdressing– for simple leafy salads and buddha/grain bowls.
  • To dollop overchili– like this vegan bean chili.
  • Drizzle the dressing over tacos– like these chickpea tacos or oven-baked spinach tacos.

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How to Make Ahead and Store

Make ahead:Since this vegan ranch dressing tastes even better after several hours (or even the next day), I encourage you to prepare the recipe in advance!

Store: The shelf life of your ranch will depend on whether you’ve used homemade or store-bought dairy-free mayo. With homemade mayo, I recommend storing the plant-based ranch dressing in an airtight jar for 5-7 days. When using store-bought mayo, it may last up to 2 weeks (or slightly longer).

It may thicken up slightly in the refrigerator. So feel free to add a little additional water/milk to bring it to the correct consistency, if needed.

Vegan Ranch Dressing Recipe - Elavegan (8)

FAQs

Can you freeze vegan Ranch Dressing?

I haven’t actually tried, as I imagine that there could be some separation upon thawing. However, if you want to try, I recommend freezing for up to three months. Then either whisk well or blend upon thawing.

Is Ranch Dressing bad for you?

This depends on what you consider ‘healthy.’ Store-bought versions usually contain preservatives and several processed ingredients, dairy, (and fats). However, this homemade ranch dressing can be made with either store-bought vegan mayo or homemade mayo. Meaning it can be entirely plant-based!

Vegan Ranch Dressing Recipe - Elavegan (9)

Recipe Notes and FAQs

  • Allow it to marinate:Just like several simple sauces and salads (like this German cucumber salad), this vegan ranch dressing tastes so much better after having a few hours to allow the flavors to meld and marinate.
  • If you love it super herby: Feel free to increase the amount of dried herbs in this recipe.
  • Fresh vs. Dried herbs:The more fresh herbs you use in this vegan ranch recipe, the shorter the shelf life.
  • Adjust the herbs/seasonings: One of the best things about making this homemade ranch is to tweak it to personal preference. Start by using half the seasonings, then increase to taste.

More Vegan Dips and Sauces

  • Vegan Sour Cream
  • Vegan Cheese Sauce
  • Homemade Hoisin Sauce
  • Chinese Garlic Stir-Fry Sauce
  • Easy Peanut Sauce

If you try this vegan ranch dressing recipe, I’d love acomment and★★★★★recipe ratingbelow. Also, please don’t forget totag me in re-creations on Instagram or Facebookwith@elavegan#elavegan– I love seeing them.

Vegan Ranch Dressing Recipe

Author: Michaela Vais

This vegan ranch dressing is super flavorful, creamy, tangy, and takes less than 5 minutes to prepare with simple pantry ingredients! Even better, this dairy-free ranch recipe is also gluten-free, and you can make it oil-free/nut-free. In no time at all, you have a delicious herby vegan salad dressing, dip, spread, or sauce!

5 from 2 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 0 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course dressing, Sauce

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 95 kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (240 g) vegan mayonnaise (see notes)
  • 2 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 3/4 tsp dried dill
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder (more to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder (more to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp dry mustard or use 1 tsp fresh
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
  • 3-5 tbsp dairy-free milk or water, to thin
  • Sea salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh chopped chives to taste (I used 1 1/2 tbsp)

Instructions

  • You can watch the video in the post for visual instructions.

    Add all ingredients to a bowl and whisk thoroughly until combined. I added about 3 tablespoons of dairy-free milk, as I prefer a thicker dressing, but feel free to add more for a thinner dressing.

  • Try it and add more seasonings to taste. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like it spicy.

  • You can use the dressing immediately, or transfer it to a jar and let it marinate in the fridge for a few hours. Serve with crudités like carrot sticks, cucumber sticks, bell pepper strips, celery sticks, baby corn, and tomato slices or Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Wings. Enjoy!

Notes

  • I used homemade vegan mayonnaise (oil-free), but you can use your favorite brand of store-bought mayo.

Nutrition Facts

Vegan Ranch Dressing Recipe

Serving Size

30 g

Amount per Serving

Calories

95

% Daily Value*

Fat

8

g

12

%

Saturated Fat

2

g

10

%

Carbohydrates

5

g

2

%

Fiber

2

g

8

%

Sugar

2

g

2

%

Protein

3

g

6

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutrition information is an estimate and has been calculated automatically

Vegan Ranch Dressing Recipe - Elavegan (12) Simple and Delicious Vegan Cookbook by ElaVeganCLICK HERE to order!

Vegan Ranch Dressing Recipe - Elavegan (13)

Vegan Ranch Dressing Recipe - Elavegan (2024)

FAQs

What is vegan ranch made of? ›

A classic ranch dressing uses mayonnaise, buttermilk and fresh herbs and flavorings. So for the vegan version we used a vegan mayonnaise and vegan buttermilk: made with some lemon juice and non-dairy milk, and fresh herbs and flavorings.

What is the emulsifier in ranch? ›

Xanthan gum emulsifier is often present in ranch dressing, thousand island dressing, and honey mustard dressing.

Does Trader Joe's have vegan ranch? ›

Trader Joe's Vegan Ranch Dip Ingredients

It's made with a base of coconut cream, canola oil, water, red wine vinegar, parsley, garlic, sea salt, shallots, chives, black pepper, dill, and aside form the xanthan gum, it's all the healthy ingredients I'd use if I made my own homemade vegan ranch.

Does Hidden Valley make vegan ranch? ›

Plant Powered Spicy

The exceptional flavor of this creamy vegan, dairy and gluten free dressing is sure to be a fan favorite.

What will permanently emulsify a dressing? ›

Lecithin, a fatty substance that is soluble in both fat and water, will readily combine with both the egg yolk and the oil or butter, essentially holding the two liquids together permanently.

What ingredient makes the dressing emulsify more easily? ›

A Template for Dressings That Don't Separate. In this easy method, garlic and mustard are used as emulsifiers to help bind the surfaces of the water and oil in the dressing. Adding other ingredients like nuts, honey, mayonnaise, and tahini will also help emulsify the dressing.

Does vinegar act as an emulsifier? ›

Oil and Vinegar are essential in creating an optimal emulsion – where the two ingredients bind together so well that you can't separate them even when shaken vigorously. An optimal emulsion happens when you combine these ingredients in equal parts with a ratio of three parts oil to one part vinegar (3:1).

Does vegan ranch taste different? ›

It tastes like the real deal (but better).

The vegan mayo adds the requisite creamy tang with just a subtle hint of sweetness. And using fresh garlic, dill, and chives adds tons of sharp, garlicky, herby flavor that are mandatory in a ranch dressing.

Is Daiya ranch vegan? ›

100% Plant-Based.

Love dairy, but not the way it makes you feel? We're here for you. We harnessed the power of plants, so you'll get all the creamy, melt-your-heart flavor you love... without compromising.

Does Aldi have vegan ranch? ›

Instagrammer @theamazingaldi recently posted their latest discovery — bottles of Earth Grown vegan Caesar and ranch salad dressing available at Aldi. These gluten and dairy-free dressings have gotten salad fans riled up.

Can vegans eat hummus? ›

Hummus is a vegan staple that allows you to have some versatility in your diet. It's an immensely popular food amongst vegans so you may have found a new favourite yourself. It's available in a wide range of flavours and is very versatile in the kitchen so you can experiment with it if you wish to.

Is ketchup vegan? ›

Yes, generally tomato ketchup is suitable for vegans. Its core ingredients are usually tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, salt, herbs and spices, all of which are vegan friendly. But the ingredients list isn't the only thing we need to look at in order to get to the bottom of this question.

Is mustard vegan? ›

Generally, the answer here is yes, mustard is vegan. The ingredients list in most types of mustard is limited to mustard seeds, vinegar, salt, sometimes sugar and other spices. A few exceptions are honey mustard, for obvious reasons and sometimes Dijon mustard.

What is the difference between ranch and vegan ranch? ›

CAN VEGANS EAT RANCH? Yes, of course, as long as it's vegan! Traditional ranch dressings contain mayo though, so are not vegan. There are vegan ranch dressing brands out there, but they are full of oil and unhealthy ingredients.

Does vegan ranch taste like regular ranch? ›

It tastes like the real deal (but better).

The vegan mayo adds the requisite creamy tang with just a subtle hint of sweetness. And using fresh garlic, dill, and chives adds tons of sharp, garlicky, herby flavor that are mandatory in a ranch dressing.

Does vegan ranch have dairy? ›

This Hidden Valley® ranch dressing is made with soybean protein to create the creamy texture and classic flavor of ranch without the dairy. Hidden Valley® Plant Based Ranch Dressing makes a delicious dip for wings, tenders and more, and a tasty addition to sandwiches, wraps and veggie burgers.

What is dairy free ranch made of? ›

In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice and soy milk mixture, chives, parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.

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