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    Home » Sauces & Dressings

    Best Homemade Vegan Ranch Dressing Recipe

    By Sarah Pilley · Published Aug 10, 2023 · Updated Aug 10, 2023

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    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure.

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    Sweet potato fry dipped in vegan ranch dressing. Glass jar filled with vegan ranch dressing, plate with sweet potato fries, and dairy-free ranch seasoning are in the background on top of a white cloth. Text reads "The Best" in fancy white lettering, "VEGAN RANCH DRESSING" in white bold font, and "ALTERNATIVEDISH.COM" at the bottom.

    The best homemade Vegan Ranch Dressing Recipe is creamy with a perfect herby and zesty kick. This dip is simple and easy to make using vegan mayo.

    Spoonful of vegan ranch dressing dripping into a glass mason jar full of vegan ranch dressing. Bowl of dairy-free ranch seasoning is in the background on top of a white cloth.

    Looking for an easy ranch dressing recipe without buttermilk or dairy? Our version of this classic dressing still has all the delicious ranch flavors but with plant-based ingredients! 

    Whip up this quick and easy recipe using our dairy-free ranch seasoning blend. Vegan mayo and lemon juice meld in this simple vegan ranch recipe to achieve the perfect buttermilk flavor.

    Dairy-free ranch dressing goes great with so many things! It's an excellent ranch salad dressing when thinned. One of my favorite ways to enjoy ranch is as a dipping sauce for raw veggies or vegan wings. 

    You’ll even have non-vegan ranch lovers fooled when they dip their french fries into this tangy and creamy ranch!

    Here are more reasons to love this recipe:

    • With only 4 ingredients, this ranch dressing is ready in a matter of minutes!
    • It has no cashews in it, making this ranch dip nut-free.
    • It is naturally gluten-free.
    • It’s easy to double or triple this recipe because it won’t last long!

    Looking for an oil-free ranch dressing? Check out Vegan Avocado Ranch Dressing!

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Dairy-Free Ranch Seasoning Blend
    • Variations
    • Storage
    • Ways to Use Vegan Ranch Dressing
    • FAQ
    • More Vegan Sauce Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe

    Ingredients

    Just mix these simple ingredients in a small bowl to make vegan ranch dressing:

    Ingredients to make the best vegan ranch dressing recipe: ranch seasoning, vegan mayo, and lemon juice.
    • Ranch Seasoning ensures this ranch dressing has an herby and zesty kick. See the section below for an easy blend you can make at home.
    • Vegan Mayonnaise acts as the creamy base of the ranch dressing. My favorite store-bought brand is Hellmann’s.
      • You could also use vegan sour cream or buttermilk! Make homemade mayo with a cashew cream base if you feel extra ambitious. 
    • Lemon Juice that is freshly squeezed or bottled both work great! This adds a buttermilk feel to the dressing with the perfect tang.
      • Apple cider vinegar is also a good substitute.
    • Water thins out the ranch, depending on whether you want to use it as a dip or a dressing. You could also use non-dairy milk if you like. I like to keep it simple with water, though.

    Please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the complete list of ingredients with measurements plus recipe instructions.

    Dairy-Free Ranch Seasoning Blend

    You will need a ranch seasoning blend to make this creamy and herbaceous vegan 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!

    Variations

    This vegan ranch dressing recipe is versatile and easy to customize based on what you have on hand:

    • Make it cheesy - Add nutritional yeast for a slightly cheesy, umami flavor while boosting the savory taste of the ranch dressing.
    • 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 fresh -  When making the ranch seasoning blend; swap dried herbs for freshly chopped herbs. Swap the garlic powder for fresh crushed garlic for an extra zingy 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.

    Storage

    Store leftover vegan ranch dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If using dried spices and herbs, the sauce should last as long as the mayo you are using does. The dressing will last 4 to 7 days in the refrigerator if using fresh herbs.

    Ways to Use Vegan Ranch Dressing

    Here are some ideas:

    • Use it as a delicious vegan salad dressing, of course! Add on your favorite toppings like roasted chickpeas or tofu.
    • Use creamy vegan ranch to dip sweet potato or french fries. 
    • Dip fresh veggies like carrots, celery sticks, or pretzels for a quick snack.
    • Use it as a sauce to make vegan ranch pizza with a gluten-free pizza crust.
    • Use it as a dip to cool off buffalo cauliflower wings or tofu bites.
    • Drizzle over tacos, sandwiches, or veggie burgers as a refreshing and tangy sauce.
    Flat pretzel chip dipped in vegan ranch dressing. Glass jar filled with vegan ranch dressing, plate with pretzels, and dairy-free ranch seasoning are in the background on top of a white cloth.

    FAQ

    What makes ranch dressing taste like ranch?

    Creaminess, herbs, and alliums (onions and garlic) are the 3 components that make ranch dressing taste like ranch. Creaminess comes from the ranch dressing base. We use vegan mayonnaise for this recipe. Herbs and alliums are perfectly balanced in our dairy-free ranch seasoning blend.

    How long does homemade ranch dressing last in the fridge?

    With dried spices and herbs, the homemade ranch dressing can last for months in the fridge. Essentially, whatever the expiration date of the mayo that was used.

    The dressing will last 4 to 7 days in the refrigerator if using fresh herbs.

    Is ranch dressing gluten-free?

    Yes! Ranch dressing is naturally gluten-free, as are most store-bought brands.

    Ranch Dip vs Dressing

    The difference between ranch dip and dressing is how much you thin out the sauce. This is really up to preference. Just add water until the ranch has reached the consistency you are looking for.

    Sweet potato fry dipped in vegan ranch dressing. Glass jar filled with vegan ranch dressing, plate with sweet potato fries, and dairy-free ranch seasoning are in the background on top of a white cloth.

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    Did you make this recipe?
    Please leave a rating and tell us how you liked it!

    📖 Recipe

    Spoonful of vegan ranch dressing dripping into a glass mason jar full of vegan ranch dressing. Bowl of dairy-free ranch seasoning is in the background on top of a white cloth.

    The Best Vegan Ranch Dressing Recipe

    The best homemade Vegan Ranch Dressing Recipe is creamy with a perfect herby and zesty kick. This dip is simple and easy to make using vegan mayo.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer, Salad, Sauce, Snack
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6 servings
    Calories: 123kcal
    Author: Sarah Pilley

    Ingredients

    • 2 teaspoons dairy-free ranch seasoning
    • ½ cup vegan mayonnaise
    • 1 Tablespoon lemon juice fresh or bottled
    • 1-3 teaspoons water to thin, can start with less if you want a thicker dip

    Instructions

    • Mix together dairy-free ranch seasoning, vegan mayonnaise, lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of water in a small bowl.
    • Add more water as desired to thin out the ranch into a dressing. Or keep as is to enjoy as a dip!

    Notes

    See more expert tips, pictures, and variations above for making the best vegan ranch dressing!
    • Yield: About ¾ cup.
    • Serving Size: 2 Tablespoons.
    • Storage: Store leftover vegan ranch dressing in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. If using dried spices and herbs, the sauce should last as long as the mayo you use does. The dressing will last 4 to 7 days in the refrigerator if using fresh herbs.
    • Check out avocado ranch dressing for an oil-free recipe!

    Nutrition

    Serving: 2tablespoon | Calories: 123kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.002g | Sodium: 148mg | Potassium: 18mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 125IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 0.1mg

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Liz

      August 10, 2023 at 4:13 pm

      5 stars
      I was a taste tester for this recipe and
      made it several times and will continue to make it because the flavor was amazing and it’s low carb! I drizzle it over everything. Leave out the tarragon in the spice blend if you’re not a fan. (I am!) Otherwise it’s absolutely perfect.

      Reply

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    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure.

    Sweet potato fry dipped in vegan ranch dressing. Glass jar filled with vegan ranch dressing, plate with sweet potato fries, and dairy-free ranch seasoning are in the background on top of a white cloth. Text reads "The Best" in fancy white lettering, "VEGAN RANCH DRESSING" in white bold font, and "ALTERNATIVEDISH.COM" at the bottom.
    Headshot of Sarah Pilley.

    Hi! I’m Sarah, and I’m so excited you stopped by! I'm thrilled to share my passion for tasty vegan food with you on the Alternative Dish. I focus on creating recipes that everyone can enjoy with allergy-friendly tips! 

    More about me →

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    Sweet potato fry dipped in vegan ranch dressing. Glass jar filled with vegan ranch dressing, plate with sweet potato fries, and dairy-free ranch seasoning are in the background on top of a white cloth. Text reads "The Best" in fancy white lettering, "VEGAN RANCH DRESSING" in white bold font, and "ALTERNATIVEDISH.COM" at the bottom.

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