Looking for a simple and super fast vegan creamy ranch recipe? Well, you are in the right place!
Besides spices and herbs, you need three main ingredients to make everyone’s favorite dressing – vegan yogurt, soy milk, and apple cider vinegar. Oh – and there are options!
It’s whole food plant-based, oil-free, nut-free, contains no dairy, and is vegan! If this is your first time experimenting with homemade salad dressings, you won’t believe how easy it is to make your own homemade ranch dressing.
What can I Substitute for apple cider vinegar?
Lemon juice or white vinegar will work in place of ACV. It provides a similar tanginess. You may have to experiment a little and adjust the amount to make it just right.
Rice vinegar and other mild white vinegars would work.
What If I don’t Have any Vegan yogurt?
Ranch dressing is a favorite because of its creamy base. We use yogurt to give it that perfect creamy texture and thickness, similar to the traditional ranch dressing made with mayo.
If you don’t have any, try blending a shelf-stable container of silken tofu with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Just know that you may need to add more soy milk if it’s too thick for you – or use it as a dip.
If you can’t eat soy, try using my homemade onion sour cream. You make it creamy by roasting an onion and then blending it. It’s creamy and the roasting takes away any harsh onion flavor. It’s almost sweet after cooking.
Can I add fresh herbs to this vegan ranch dressing recipe?
Absolutely! I grow a ton of herbs in my garden and swap them out as much as I can. My dill didn’t make it this year, but know that dried dill works perfectly all year round.
Usually, you’ll add a tablespoon of fresh herbs for a teaspoon of dried. It’s just a rule of thumb and a great starting place.
Consider adding finely chopped parsley, chives, or any other herbs of your choice. If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried herbs from the grocery store work just as well.
What’s the best vegan ranch substitute for soy milk?
Almond milk, cashew milk, or even coconut milk can be used. Just remember to choose unsweetened varieties. If you want that vegan buttermilk feel, just add the apple cider vinegar, as in the recipe card, and you’re good to go!
How long can I store this homemade ranch dressing?
Your homemade vegan ranch dressing can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week. Pro-tip: The flavors deepen the next day, making it even more delicious!
Any other add-ins or variations to recommend?
Certainly! If you’re looking for a little twist, nutritional yeast can add a cheesy note. Some also love adding soaked cashews or cashew cream for an extra layer of creaminess, although this recipe is already nut-free.
For those who love a little kick, a splash of hot sauce can transform it into a spicy vegan ranch, perfect for dipping vegan wings.
Is this vegan ranch dressing recipe as good as the store-bought dressing?
Once you try this homemade ranch dressing, you might not go back to store-bought dressings. With just a handful of ingredients, it’s the real thing, minus the dairy and additives.
Plus, the joy of making your own dressing is unparalleled.
What Can I Use Creamy Dressing on Besides Salads?
This creamy vegan ranch is versatile! Dip raw veggies, celery sticks, or even veggie burgers. Or perhaps mix with a cup of water for a more fluid consistency, perfect as a ranch salad dressing. The possibilities are endless.
More Recipes to Use Ranch In
Vegan Ranch Dressing – Nut-Free & No Added Oil
Equipment
- 1 whisk
- 1 OXO Dressing Shaker
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup plain unsweetened soy milk *use other nondairy milk to make soy-free
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened plain vegan yogurt , homemade soy is the best
- 1 1/4 tsp granulated garlic
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dill
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- salt or salt substitute , to taste
Instructions
- Add the apple cider vinegar to the soy milk and let sit for about 5 minutes. It will thicken, or clabber – basically turn into vegan buttermilk.
- Whisk all the ingredients together, or shake them in my favoeite OXO dressing shaker.
- Taste, add salt or salt sub, taste again, then adjust as needed.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 7 to 10 days.
Darlene Cloud says
Oh my gosh! Finally!! A ranch dressing recipe that has no nuts or oil and is fantastic!! I used your suggestion for the yogurt as well…silken tofu with apple cider vinegar…and it worked perfectly. Thank you for this recipe! Now I can stop searching and trying others, only to be disappointed. This one is a keeper for sure and so easy to make!