Creamy vegan ranch dressing with fresh dill and chives

Creamy Vegan Ranch Dressing Recipe

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This homemade vegan ranch dressing is a creamy and tangy condiment perfect for salads, sandwiches, and as a dip for fresh veggies or crudités.

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Made with ingredients like vegan mayo, soaked cashews, plant milk, and fresh herbs, it delivers a delicious herby flavor that rivals traditional ranch dressing.

The recipe is simple and requires a high-speed blender to achieve a smooth texture. Customize it with your favorite herbs and spices, such as dill, chives, and parsley, for a fresh and flavorful dressing.

Creating the Perfect Vegan Ranch Dressing

This creamy vegan ranch dressing is a delightful addition to any meal. With its tangy and herby flavor, it serves as an excellent condiment for salads, sandwiches, or as a dip for fresh veggies. The combination of vegan mayo and soaked cashews creates a rich texture that mimics traditional ranch dressing without any dairy.

The dressing is made using simple ingredients like plant milk, apple cider vinegar, and lemon juice, which contribute to its refreshing taste. Garlic powder and onion powder add depth, while nutritional yeast provides a savory umami flavor. Fresh herbs like dill, chives, and parsley elevate the dressing, making it a vibrant choice for any dish.

Ingredients for a Creamy Vegan Delight

To prepare this homemade vegan ranch, gather the following ingredients:

  • soaked cashews
  • vegan mayo (options like Vegenaise or Follow Your Heart work well)
  • Your choice of plant milk

Apple cider vinegar and lemon juice bring the necessary tang, while garlic powder and onion powder enhance the flavor profile.

Don’t forget the nutritional yeast, which adds a cheesy note, and fresh herbs such as dill and chives for that signature ranch taste. Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste, and consider adding a touch of Dijon mustard for an extra kick. For a creamier consistency, vegan yogurt can be included as an optional ingredient.

Preparation Steps for Homemade Ranch

Start by soaking the cashews in water for at least two hours or overnight for optimal creaminess. This step is crucial for achieving that smooth texture that makes the dressing so appealing.

Once the cashews are ready, drain them and combine them in a high-speed blender with the vegan mayo, plant milk, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and the various seasonings. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth, adjusting the thickness with additional plant milk if necessary.

Serving Suggestions

This vegan ranch dressing is incredibly versatile.

Serve it alongside an assortment of colorful crudités, such as carrots, celery, and cucumber slices, for a refreshing snack or appetizer. It also works wonderfully as a dressing for salads, a spread for sandwiches, or even a dip for pizza and potatoes.

For best results, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dressing can last up to a week, making it a convenient option for meal prep or quick snacks throughout the week.

Flavor Customization

One of the best aspects of this vegan ranch dressing is its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste. Adding more garlic powder or fresh garlic cloves can intensify the flavor, while adjusting the amount of lemon juice can enhance the tanginess.

If you prefer a more oniony flavor, consider increasing the onion powder or incorporating finely chopped green onions. The dressing can be tailored to match your preferences, ensuring that every batch is uniquely delicious.

Health Benefits of Vegan Ranch Dressing

This creamy vegan ranch dressing is not only tasty but also offers a healthier alternative to traditional ranch dressings. Made without dairy, it is naturally dairy-free and gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary needs.

The use of wholesome ingredients like cashews provides healthy fats, while the fresh herbs contribute vitamins and minerals. Nutritional yeast adds a boost of B vitamins, making this dressing a nutritious choice for enhancing your meals.

Easy Vegan Ranch Dressing Recipe

This vegan ranch dressing combines soaked cashews, vegan mayo, and a blend of seasonings, including garlic powder, onion powder, and nutritional yeast, to create a rich and savory dip. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup soaked cashews
  • 1/2 cup vegan mayo (such as Vegenaise or Follow Your Heart)
  • 1/4 cup plant milk (almond, soy, or oat milk)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill or 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon chives, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, adjust to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
  • 1/4 cup vegan yogurt (optional for creaminess)

Instructions

  1. Soak the Cashews: Place the cashews in a bowl and cover them with water. Let them soak for at least 2 hours or overnight for a creamier texture.
  2. Blend the Ingredients: Drain the soaked cashews and add them to a high-speed blender along with vegan mayo, plant milk, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, nutritional yeast, dill, chives, parsley, sea salt, and black pepper.
  3. Blend Until Smooth: Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. If the dressing is too thick, add a little more plant milk until you reach your desired consistency.
  4. Taste and Adjust: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your preference.
  5. Serve or Store: Use immediately as a dressing for salads, a dip for veggies, or a spread for sandwiches. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Cook and Prep Times

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes

Nutrition Information

  • Servings: 1 cup
  • Calories: 100kcal
  • Fat: 8g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
Jeff Campbell
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