Vegan Ranch Dressing
This vegan ranch dressing is simple to make and a recipe I can confidently say tastes even better than the original. Using just a few staple ingredients, it turns out creamy, tangy, and herbaceous. Serve it with veggie sticks, pizza, or salad!
Like my lemon tahini dressing, this vegan ranch dressing can be made in about 5 minutes. Plus, no blender is necessary! Serve it for your non-vegan friends and family, and I guarantee no one will be the wiser.
Why I love this recipe
Ranch dressing has three main flavor components: creamy, herbaceous, and zesty. The great news is that this vegan ranch dressing recipe achieves all three of those!
Vegan mayo lays the rich, creamy foundation. Dill, parsley, and chives give it a garden-fresh flavor, and garlic, onion, vinegar, and lemon add a zesty punch.
Once these ingredients are mixed together, the final taste and consistency rival any store-bought brand. The difference is that this version is more affordable and can easily be customized.
“Have made many vegan ranch dressings, this was by far the best! Perfect amount of creaminess, tanginess, and herbaceousness. This recipe is a keeper!!” โ LAUREN
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Ingredient notes
This vegan ranch dressing recipe only requires 10 basic ingredients. Below is a breakdown and suitable substitutes!
Vegan mayo
Go for your favorite brand! I typically opt for Hellmannโs vegan mayo since I think they have the most traditional “mayo” flavor, but you can try making your own for a more affordable option.
Substitute: You can also use half mayo and half sour cream. Or, try making your own dairy-free sour cream with soaked cashews.
Acids
I use a combination of apple cider vinegar and lemon juice to prevent the flavor from being overpowering or too fruity. You can use all ACV or all lemon juice if youโd like, or try white wine vinegar.
Seasonings
Classic ranch seasonings include dill, parsley, chives, onion powder, and garlic. Both fresh and dried herbs work for this recipe, though I prefer the savory punch of fresh garlic and chives.
Substitute: If you only have dried herbs, use a quarter to a third of the amount as you would with fresh herbs.
Soy milk
I prefer soy milk since I think it has the best flavor and consistency. Make sure it’s plain and unsweetened to prevent vanilla or sweet notes in your vegan ranch.
Substitute: For a similar flavor and texture, replace soy milk with hemp milk, almond milk, cashew milk, or pea milk.
For a complete ingredient list and step-by-step guide, scroll down to the recipe card.
How to make
Learn how easy it is to make vegan ranch dressing with my step-by-step instructions. Look for the tips in green throughout this section for consistent and successful results!
Assembly
Step 1
Combine vegan mayo, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, onion powder, dill, parsley, chives, and minced garlic in a small container or mason jar.
Step 2
Gradually add the soy milk until it reaches your desired consistency. Taste and season your vegan ranch dressing recipe with salt and pepper to your liking. Happy eating!
Expert tip
This vegan ranch dressing recipe may seem simple, but adding too much soy milk can quickly ruin the consistency. Once you’ve combined the mayo and other mix-ins, gradually add the soy milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the texture is just right.
For the lemon and vinegar, start with the base measurements and adjust them to taste. The acidity should brighten the flavors without overwhelming them. Experiment with herbs and ratios to personalize your ranch to your liking!
Variations
You can make a spicy version by adding a teaspoon of Sriracha. Add some smoked paprika or adobo sauce for a smoky vegan ranch dressing.
If you donโt like vegan mayo, try using cashews, sunflower seeds, or almonds as your dairy-free ranch base. For another mayo-free option, swap in store-bought or homemade vegan heavy cream or coconut yogurt.
Serving suggestions
There are so many ways to use vegan ranch in your daily life! Pair it with veggie sticks, vegan buffalo cauliflower wings, baked potato wedges, โchickenโ tenders, chickpea fries, or vegan pizzas with homemade vegan dough.
You can also use it on greens, such as apple walnut salads, kale salads, vegan cobb salads, harvest bowls, macaroni salads, or chickpea salads. Or, pair it with roasted vegetables like green beans, zucchini coins, and sweet potatoes.
Recipe tips
High-quality mayo: For the best results, use high-quality vegan mayo. My top choices for vegan ranch dressing are Hellmanโs and Just Mayo.
Garlic intensity: Raw garlic can be potent. If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, start with less and add more to taste. Alternatively, try roasted garlic for a sweeter, less intense option.
Chill the dressing first: Chill the ranch for about 30 minutes before serving. This will give it time to thicken and meld the flavors.
Frequently asked questions
To make the best-tasting vegan ranch without mayonnaise, I suggest using thick, tangy coconut yogurt. If you opt for nuts (like cashews), just know it wonโt taste quite the same as the original.
Yes, you can make vegan ranch dressing with only fresh herbs if you like. Traditionally, recipes contain dried herbs, but fresh herbs taste delicious! Opt for whichever option is most convenient for you or what you like best.
The main herbs and spices used in ranch dressing include onions, garlic, chives, parsley, and dill.
We wouldnโt necessarily consider vegan ranch a healthy food. However, a few tablespoons here and there can definitely be part of a balanced diet. Any food eaten in excess may cause negative consequences to your health.
Storing
If you have any leftover vegan ranch dressing, you can store it for future meals. Transfer the dressing to an airtight container or mason jar before storing.
Fridge
Kept in a mason jar or airtight container, your vegan ranch will last up to 10-12 days in the fridge.
Freezer
You can store this vegan ranch in a freezer-safe container, and it will last for up to 2-3 months.
Thaw
Simply thaw your sauce in the fridge overnight, give it a thorough stir, and enjoy it as you normally would!
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Recipe
Best Vegan Ranch
Equipment
- Mason jar
Ingredients
- ยพ cup vegan mayo
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 ยฝ teaspoons onion powder
- 1 ยฝ teaspoons dried dill
- 1 ยฝ teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 ยฝ teaspoons fresh chives
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2-3 tablespoons plain soy milk (unsweetened)
- Sea salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small container or mason jar, combine vegan mayo, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, onion powder, dill, parsley, chives, and minced garlic.
- Gradually add the soy milk in 1 tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Use vegan ranch as a dip for veggie sticks, cauliflower wings, or as a salad dressing. Happy eating!
Notes
Nutrition
Note: Iโve updated this post to include new information and helpful tips about the recipe.
Mitch Chapman is a food writer, photographer, and one of the founders of Broke Bank Vegan. With a background in healthcare and the restaurant industry, he has a passion for sharing healthy yet flavorful plant-based food.
Have made many vegan ranch dressings, this was by far the best! Perfect amount of creaminess, tanginess, and herbaceousness. This recipe is a keeper!!
Hi Lauren,
That is what we like to hear!! We’re happy you enjoyed the recipe – Thanks for circling back to let us know! ๐