Vegan Avocado Ranch Dressing (Easy Oil-Free Recipe)

Vegan Avocado Ranch Dressing is the perfect creamy and healthy salad dressing. This easy oil-free recipe is also eggless and dairy-free.

This recipe uses natural ingredients without any vegan mayonnaise for a simple and healthy alternative to our classic vegan ranch dressing.

Using avocado is the perfect replacement to achieve this classic creamy dip in a plant-based way. It is also a great way to use up avocado that has started to go brown!

This easy avocado ranch dressing has no oil, mayo, or dairy! Yet it is super smooth. It will have your store-bought ranch dressing hiding in the shadows. 

Dairy-free ranch is an excellent, creamy salad dressing when thinned. Or keep it thick and enjoy it as a dipping sauce for raw veggies, vegan wings, or chickpea chips. 

Avocado ranch is also easy to customize. Kick it up a notch and make avocado cilantro lime ranch! These flavors blend so well together and taste great on top of cauliflower chickpea tacos.

Ingredients

You will need these simple, plant-based ingredients to make vegan avocado ranch dressing:

• Avocado - This is our creamy base for ranch dressing! It is okay if your avocado has started to brown. It will still be perfect for this recipe!
• Unsweetened Almond Milk - To thin the dressing. Any non-dairy milk or water can be used.
• Apple Cider Vinegar or Lemon Juice - This adds a buttermilk feel to the dressing with the perfect tang.
• Ranch Seasoning Mix - Our dairy-free ranch seasoning blend ensures this ranch dressing recipe's perfect herby and zingy kick.

Dairy-Free Ranch Seasoning Blend

You need a ranch seasoning blend to make this creamy vegan avocado ranch dressing! Here’s what you will need to make it:

• 1 Tablespoon dried parsley flakes
• 1 teaspoon dried dill
• 1 teaspoon dried chives
• 1 teaspoon dried tarragon (optional)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried onion flakes
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

This dry mix is super easy to make up. All you have to do is combine the spices in a small bowl.

Check out our post for homemade ranch seasoning and see more expert tips, pictures, and variations!

Equipment

To make avocado ranch nice and creamy, use must use a blender or food processor. I used a small food processor that holds up to 3.5 cups. If you scale up the recipe and use 2 or more avocados, use a larger food processor or high-powered blender.

Directions with Pictures

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make vegan avocado ranch dressing:

1. Cut, peel, and remove the pit from your avocado.
2. Place avocado, almond milk, and lemon juice in a food processor or high-speed blender.
3. Blend the avocado dressing mixture until it has reached your desired consistency.
   • Add less almond milk if you want a ranch dip. Add more for a ranch dressing. Also note that since avocados vary in size, you should start with less liquid. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away! 
4. Scoop the avocado mixture into a small container and add ranch seasoning. Mix to combine and give a taste! Add more seasoning if needed.

Variations

Here are some fun ways to change up this recipe:

• Make it extra green - When making the ranch seasoning blend, use fresh herbs instead of dried ones! Swap the garlic powder for fresh crushed garlic for an extra zingy flavor.
• Make it extra creamy - Add raw cashews for a super creamy ranch. Boost the savory taste further by adding nutritional yeast, giving a slightly cheesy, umami flavor.
• Make it spicy - Add cayenne, sriracha, or buffalo sauce for extra heat! Start with a small amount, then add more depending on your heat tolerance.
• Make it with roasted garlic - Instead of using garlic powder in your ranch seasoning mix, add roasted fresh garlic for a fancy feel.
• Make it cilantro lime - Try making vegan avocado crema with cilantro and lime for a fresh and delicious twist on this ranch recipe!

Ways to Use

Here are some ways to use creamy vegan avocado ranch dressing:

• Make a delicious green goddess ranch salad! Use your favorite leafy greens with cucumber slices and other fresh veggies.
• Indulge in crispy sweet potato or french fries by using the avocado ranch as a dipping sauce.
• Dip fresh veggies such as celery sticks, carrots, or pretzels for a simple snack.
• Transform a gluten-free pizza crust into a vegan ranch delight.
• Pair it with buffalo cauliflower wings or tofu bites to balance some of that heat.
• Infuse a burst of tangy freshness by sprinkling it over tacos, veggie sandwiches, or plant-based burgers.

Storage

Store leftover vegan avocado ranch dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for 1 to 2 days. The avocado will oxidize, naturally turning it brown over time, but it is still okay to eat! If the color really bothers you, just scrape off that top layer. 

One way to prevent it from browning is by squeezing some lemon juice over top of the dressing and then placing a piece of plastic wrap directly touching the dressing to prevent as much oxygen from reaching the avocado ranch as possible.

FAQ