Tangy and oh-so-creamy vegan ranch dressing that is easy to make at home! Soaked cashews work their magic to create the creamiest, dreamiest ranch dressing or dip that is totally plant based and dairy free.
Can vegans eat ranch?
Don’t worry! You can still have your favorite salad dressing even once you’ve given up dairy. And this vegan ranch tastes creamier and better than the original!
It seems like ranch is THE universal salad dressing for kids. Whether on a bed of lettuce or with some carrot sticks and cucumbers for dipping, is there anything better? All three of my kids love it.
Make a batch of this vegan ranch to use all week long! I suggest using a high powered blender like the Vitamix or If you don’t have one, just soak your cashews in hot water for at least an hour before blending.
How do you make vegan ranch?
It’s so easy and takes about 10 minutes total.
First, measure out 1 1/2 cups of raw cashews. Pour boiling hot water over them (I use my tea kettle for this) and let them soak for at least 5 minutes.
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Drain the cashews and add them to a blender, along with all the other ingredients (EXCEPT the dill). Blend until very creamy and smooth.
Then simply add the fresh (or dried) dill and pulse a few times or stir in. That’s it! Store in the fridge for up to 1 week, if it lasts that long.
Ideas for using Vegan Ranch
I love using this dressing in a variety of ways, such as:
- A dip with cut up veggie sticks like carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes and broccoli.
- On a large salad with romaine, tomatoes, peas, broccoli, carrots, cucumbers, avocado chunks and chickpeas.
- Drizzled over pizza
- Making this Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
- And in veggie burgers, yum!
You could even dip potato chips or fries into it, if that’s your thing… 🙂
If you make this recipe, let me know how it goes! Rate it, leave a comment and tag a photo @nora_cooks_vegan on Instagram. Enjoy!
Best Homemade Vegan Ranch
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups raw cashew pieces
- 3/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- juice from 1 large lemon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 cup fresh dill OR 2-3 teaspoons dried dill*
Instructions
- Soak the raw cashew pieces in hot water for 5-10 minutes. I heat up water in my electric kettle and pour it over the cashews to soak.
- Drain the cashews and add to your blender. Add the remaining ingredients except the dill, and blend until very smooth.
- Now add the dill, and pulse a few times to combine. You don't want to blend the dill or it will end up very green.
- Serve on salad or with fresh vegetables for dipping. This will keep for up to a week in the fridge. It will thicken in the fridge, just thin out with water until it reaches the consistency you prefer.
Recipe Notes
- If you don't care for dill, you may substitute with parsley (1/3 cup fresh chopped small, or 2-3 teaspoons dried).
- For Sriracha Ranch, add 2-3 teaspoons Sriracha, or to taste when blending.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
Sheri
Amazing with salad or dipping veggies!
Nora
Thanks!
Pam
I made the Sriracha version of this ranch dressing, but knowing how thick my first batch of delicious regular ranch became after refrigerating, I used 1 cup of water instead of the 3/4 c. per the recipe. I then put in 1 Tbl. of Sriracha sauce and blended until it was smooth and rich. I worried the whole time about how the dill would go with the Sriracha sauce as I was licking the spatula and endangering my fingers to get all the unreachable dressing into my mouth. This Sriracha Ranch Dressing is without a doubt the BEST DRESSING EVER! I gave the regular ranch a 5 star rating but I would give this TEN STARS if I could! The dressing was slightly warm from my soaked cashews and I am ashamed to admit I just kept going back for another taste. It’s THAT good. Fear kept me from adding the dill but I did add 1 Tbl of dried chives; but honestly , it didn’t need them. Nora, you should put this recipe in separately so people don’t miss it!!!!
Nora
Wow, thanks for the great comment and information!
Pam
Terrific flavor and I was doubtful given the many other plant based dressings I’ve tried! Very thick ,so great as a dip for fresh veg. Thinned with almond milk for dressing. My cashews are soaking as I type this. I am bringing a platter of pita bread, hummus, fresh vegetables and your version of SRIRACHA RANCH DRESSING to a church potluck tomorrow. Both my husband and I loved the regular ranch, but I think I am going to have to confess it is plant based and made without oil or mayonnaise which I can’t digest. He keeps looking at me funny when I spoon it on my salad! 😉
Nora
Thanks for the great comment!
Eva
Hi,
I have a nut allergy, what would be a good substitute?
Thank You!
Nora
If you can have sunflower seeds, they will work quite well if you soak them first and have a high powered blender. You could also sub silken tofu for the cashews and water. It works pretty well. Hope that helps!
Andrew
I’ve even tried well cooked beans or chick peas.
Laura
You have rice vinegar listed but the link shows seasoned rice vinegar. Which type is it?
Nora
I use regular rice vinegar or seasoned rice vinegar, I can’t really tell a difference so either is fine.
Leah
I will never buy ranch dressing again! We loved this! It came out thick, which was great for your bbq cauliflower wings. For a salad I will add more water to thin it. Thanks!!
Nora
You’re welcome! So glad you liked them!
Eliza
HOLY CATS!
Okay, seriously people, this is GOOD stuff! And it is totally plant-based and oil free. What!? It tastes like the best ranch ever. I have been addicted to ranch since I was a kid and always in search of even at least an MSG version, and now that I am trying to be as close to 100% plant-based as possible, vegan. And it is IMPOSSIBLE to find either that are good. I have tried them all. Seriously, gone through and trashed probably at least a dozen or more kinds in search of the holy grail. Here it is. In my kitchen, made by my hands thanks to Nora! This is just so magical I could not believe it. I JUST made it, so I know the taste will marry and be different tomorrow, but I can only imagine it will be even BETTER than what I tasted when I tried it. Also, this makes a huge batch! I am so thankful to you! Thank you so much for this.
I am also thankful I trusted the recipe, as I am notorious for diverging for my flavors. I am a HUGE dill fan and I know most are not. You have JUST the right amount of dill in this recipe for someone like me.
My only remarks are, keep blending, blending, blending to get the right texture.
Thank you!!!!
Nora
Thanks so much for the great comment! I’m so glad you like the ranch!
Lisa Stoltzfus
This is seriously the best ranch! My husband and I both agree it’s way better than regular!!! I added twice as much dill (because I love it), some parsley and a titch more salt. Either way, it’s delish! Thanks for the recipe!
Nora
You’re so welcome! I’m glad you both like it.
Soda Cran
This ranch is amazing! This is the first ranch sauce I made and probably the last since there’s no need to experiment or do anything extra. I was worried the dill would be a bit too dilly but it was not at all. The only thing I added was a dash of pepper but it wasn’t even necessary. Thanks!!!!!!
Nora
You’re welcome! Glad you like it!
M Colleen Golden
Wow! This is THE BEST wfpb ranch dressing -& I feel like I’ve tried them all! And it’s oil-free! It’s our favorite salad dressing I bring some to work with carrots, celery & bell peppers, & it’s ALWAYS a hit served with Buffalo cauliflower! Thanks Nora, it is SO DELICIOUS!
Nora
Thank you! So happy you loved the ranch!
Yasmin
What could be subbed for the rice vinegar?
Nora
Another vinegar (apple cider, white) or more lemon juice. Thanks!
Kristin
I had almost given up on finding a good vegan ranch, I am so glad I tried one more…this is delicious! I also made your lasagna and can’t wait to try more of your recipes!
Nora
I’m so glad you liked it and hope you will enjoy other recipes too!
Shyrley
Hey Nora!! So I just needed to come back here and comment. I ALWAYS MAKE THIS IT IS SOOOO DAMN GOOOOD and I’m so happy you shared this recipe with us (One of the many many bomb recipes!). I’m literally sitting down eating fresh cut up peppers with this and thought “am I having some bell peppers with ranch or ranch with some bell peppers?” Definitely ranch with some bell peppers!! Hahaha it’s sooooo good I can eat the whole thing out of the Tupperware with a spoon! Though I have to restrain myself hahah YOUR RECIPES ARE THE BESTTTTT
Nora
Wow, thanks so much for the wonderful comment!
Cheryl Mae
This ranch was awesome! I blended the fresh dill into the sauce so it was light green and used as a dip for fresh veggies tonight to guests. So creamy and delicious.
Nora
I’m so glad it was good!