Best Homemade Vegan Ranch
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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 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- 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.
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
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169 Comments on “Best Homemade Vegan Ranch”
Excited to try this! How much/many tablespoons is a serving?
One serving is about 2 tablespoons, but I don’t know exactly. If you need a more exact serving size, you will have to divide the dressing into 8 servings. I hope you love it!
So easy and very tasty! Love this ranch recipe!
Woah. This recipe is spot on, sooo good! I added a splash of apple cider vinegar because I like my ranch quite tangy and it totally hit the spot. Made this many many times already and will keep making it x well done! 🙂
I’m thrilled you’re loving the ranch! Thanks so much for sharing your great review and comments! Happy cooking!
Oh is this one a keeper. I had made it once but didn’t save it and I had to dig it back up again. The one I made from a different page just tasted of the almond milk. I prefer this one by a mile. Instead of onion powder I used “Justice” from Penzys and added a tsp of Bourbon smoked chef blend made here in Ky. Thanks so much!
Hi Nora Boyle! I love your name! I so appreciate you sharing your wonderful review, comments, and ideas! I’m glad you love the ranch! Thank you!
Was wondering if another nut would also work?
It might, but I haven’t tried it. Perhaps raw slivered almonds, or sunflower seeds, maybe even hemp seeds.
Can this be frozen for later use?
It freezes okay, but the texture might not be as creamy and smooth when it thaws. You could always blend it again and it should be okay.
Do you think you could substitute the rice vinegar for another kind? I used the last of mine and want to make it for a friend. It is so yummy btw!!
Hi April! You could add more lemon juice, or white vinegar works as a substitute. Thanks for sharing your review! I’m glad you love the ranch!
Wow, Nora, you outdid yourself with this recipe! Thank you so much for sharing this delicious ranch dressing! I am so thankful I came across your website! Excited to try out more of your recipes!
I’m also glad you found my website! Welcome Suzanne! I’m glad you love the dressing. Enjoy your journey through my recipes and let me know if you have any questions! Let me know how the recipes go for you! Happy cooking!
I was looking to road test a new recipe in my brand new vitamix.
Nora , you nailed it! After reading reviews and suggested substitutions I decided the original recipe would most closely resemble the Ranch dressing I remembered prior to becoming a vegan. This recipe will not disappoint!!!
Hi Shahla! I’m so glad you liked the vegan ranch dressing! I appreciate you taking your time to share your wonderful review!