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    Home » Recipes » Salad Dressing

    Vegan Ranch Dressing (Oil-Free)

    Feb 15, 2023 by Kaitlin

    A rich & creamy oil-free Vegan Ranch Dressing recipe made with either cashew or tofu! This delicious dairy-free version tastes like classic ranch, but is made healthier with no mayo, sour cream, or buttermilk. (Gluten-free, nut-free option.)

    Close up view of vegan ranch dressing in a white bowl with raw veggies for dipping

    Creamy vegan ranch dressing - yes! Let's do this.

    This dairy-free ranch is made healthier with no mayo, buttermilk, or sour cream.

    Instead we swap in a cashew and yogurt base (or you can opt for silken tofu if desired).

    I tested this recipe extensively trying to nail down the best vegan ranch dressing. Both texture and flavor had to be just right to capture that classic ranch essence.

    I'm thrilled to finally share the results, and truly hope you enjoy it as well!

    Raw nuts, vinegar, lemon, miso, yogurt, and fresh herb ingredients laid out on a tray

    Ingredients for Vegan Ranch Dressing

    For this recipe you will blend together in a small high-speed blender or food processor:

    • Raw cashews: These nuts are used to create the thick and creamy base. I use soaked cashews so they're softer and easier to blend. You can either do this ahead of time and let them soak for several hours, or use my "quick soak" method in the recipe notes.
    • Vegan yogurt: Be sure your dairy-free yogurt is plain and unsweetened. If you don't have this ingredient, you can use all cashews instead. (See the notes in the recipe for guidance.) Or you can also substitute the yogurt with vegan mayonnaise.
    • White distilled vinegar: If you don't have regular white vinegar, then you can replace with apple cider vinegar. However I much prefer the taste of white vinegar in this recipe for classic ranch flavor.
    • Fresh lemon juice
    • White miso: This is a fermented soybean paste. The mild umami flavor is delicious in dressings to give it a deeper, more complex flavor. I highly recommend including it, but if you don't have any then salt well to taste instead to bring out all the flavors. (You can also include black pepper.)
    • Onion powder
    • Garlic powder
    • Fresh parsley, chives, and fresh dill

    Need nut-free? See the notes below the recipe for guidance on using silken tofu instead! (Though personally I enjoy cashew ranch best.)

    Overhead view of vegan ranch dressing in blender with herbs added

    Customizing

    Spicy ranch: Add hot sauce to taste or chipotle in adobo sauce (start small because it's strong.)

    Jalapeno ranch: Blend in some fresh jalapeno pepper for a spicy, zesty version.

    Herbs: Change up the fresh herbs as you see fit. Basil or cilantro would be tasty as well.

    Other flavors: Get creative with any other flavors that sound good. Increase the onion and garlic or add dry mustard powder, Dijon mustard, green onions, etc.

    Using dried herbs? Fresh is suggested for this recipe, but you can substitute dried if needed. Use 1 teaspoon dried for every 1 tablespoon fresh.

    Vegan ranch dressing in a white bowl with veggies surrounding it

    Serving

    Salad: Drizzle this homemade ranch dressing over your favorite salads for creamy, tangy, herby goodness.

    Dip: Serve it in a bowl with a tray of veggies, buffalo cauliflower wings, or French fries for dipping. Include fresh vegetables like carrot sticks, cucumber, tomato, celery, bell pepper, radish, sugar snap peas, or whatever you enjoy.

    Condiment: Spoon it on your sandwiches, wraps (I like this Crispy Tofu Wrap), pizza, or veggie burgers as a sauce in place of vegan mayo.

    Storing

    Store in a sealed glass mason jar (or other airtight container) in the refrigerator. I find it keeps for about 5 days.

    Tip: You can serve this immediately, or chill in the fridge for a couple hours to let the flavors blend and intensify further.

    Oil-free vegan ranch dressing in a small glass jar with serving spoon

    For more inspiration, also browse all vegan oil-free salad dressing recipes.

    Close up view of vegan ranch dressing in a white bowl with raw veggies for dipping

    Vegan Ranch Dressing (Oil-Free)

    Tastes like classic ranch, but is made healthier with no mayo, sour cream, or buttermilk! Deliciously rich and creamy, with a little tang and fresh herbs.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Comment
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes
    Author: Kaitlin - The Garden Grazer
    Course: Dip, Dressing
    Cuisine: Gluten-Free, Oil-Free, Vegan
    Servings: 4

    Ingredients

    For the base:

    • 1/4 cup raw cashews* (soaked)
    • 1/4 cup vegan yogurt** (plain, unsweetened)
    • 1-2 Tbsp. water
    • 1 1/2 Tbsp. white distilled vinegar
    • 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
    • 1 Tbsp. white miso
    • 1/2 tsp. onion powder
    • 1/4 tsp. garlic powder

    For the fresh herbs:

    • 2-3 Tbsp. fresh parsley
    • 1 Tbsp. fresh dill
    • 1 Tbsp. chives

    Instructions

    • Place all base ingredients in a small high-speed blender. Blend for 20-30 seconds until smooth.
    • Chop herbs and add to blender. Pulse/blend for 1-2 seconds to combine. (Don't over-blend or the dressing will turn green.)
    • Serve immediately or chill in the fridge to let flavors intensify and blend.

    Notes

    *Soaking cashews: Before blending, soak the cashews in room temperature water for 4-6 hours or overnight. Then drain and rinse before using. Or you can "quick soak" the cashews: Place cashews in a heat-safe bowl and carefully add hot/boiling water until cashews are covered. Let sit for about 10-15 minutes. Then drain and rinse.
    **Yogurt-free: Omit yogurt and increase cashews. Use a total of 1/2 cup cashews + 1/3 cup water.
    Nut-free: Omit cashews, water, and yogurt. Use 1/2 cup silken tofu (about 4 oz.)
    Yield: Recipe makes about 2/3 cup dressing (just under).
    Spicy ranch option: Add hot sauce, jalapeno pepper, or chipotle in adobo sauce.

    Nutrition Per Serving (Estimate)

    Nutrition Facts
    Vegan Ranch Dressing (Oil-Free)
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    67
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    4
    g
    6
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    6
    %
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    2
    g
    Potassium
     
    86
    mg
    2
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    6
    g
    2
    %
    Fiber
     
    1
    g
    4
    %
    Sugar
     
    2
    g
    2
    %
    Protein
     
    3
    g
    6
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    213
    IU
    4
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    7
    mg
    8
    %
    Calcium
     
    30
    mg
    3
    %
    Iron
     
    1
    mg
    6
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Did you make this recipe?Leave a star rating or comment below!

    If you are enjoying this cashew-based oil-free homemade vegan ranch dressing recipe for salad and beyond, also check out:

    • Vegan French Dressing
    • Maple Balsamic Dressing
    • Vegan French Onion Dip

    Follow The Garden Grazer on Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook for more updates and inspiration.

    More Oil-Free Salad Dressing Recipes

    • Maple Dijon Dressing (Vegan Honey Mustard)
    • Vegan French Dressing (Oil-Free)
    • Vegan Italian Dressing (Oil-Free)
    • Blueberry Salad Dressing (Oil-Free)

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating:




    1. Carrie

      March 08, 2023 at 2:20 pm

      5 stars
      We made this with the all cashew/no yogurt option and it was absolutely delicious! Love that it's no oil too!

      Reply
      • Kaitlin

        March 08, 2023 at 2:47 pm

        Wonderful to hear! Thanks so much for sharing your kind feedback.

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Kaitlin!
    I share vegan recipes that are easy & healthy. (Mostly whole food plant-based, oil-free, & gluten-free.) About Me →

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