Are you on the hunt for the Best Vegan Ranch Dressing that’s not just delish but also oil-free? Well, your culinary quest ends right here! This recipe is going to be your new go-to for salads, dips, and everything in between. It’s creamy, dreamy, and oh-so-tangy!
Made with raw cashews and oat milk, it’s dairy-free yet as creamy as the real thing. Add in some fresh lemon juice, a punch of garlic, and a bouquet of herbs, and you’ve got yourself a winner.
This recipe is perfect for those kale salads, crispy French fries, or even as a dipping sauce for your favorite roasted cauliflower or chickpeas.
Hence, whether you drizzle it over a crunchy romaine and kale salad, dip some crispy tofu or cauliflower wings into it, or just enjoy it with some good old cucumber sticks, it’s going to make you say, “Oh my gosh, this is amazing!”
OIL-FREE VEGAN RANCH DRESSING RECIPE – WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- Packed with the goodness of cashews, known for their heart-healthy fats, and oat milk, a great source of fiber, it’s a nutritional powerhouse disguised as a delicious dressing.
- For those committed to a vegan lifestyle, this recipe is a staple that proves you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for ethics.
- Its creamy texture and mild flavor make it a hit with kids. It’s a great way to get them to enjoy their veggies.
- All ingredients used are easily available in most supermarkets, making them accessible for everyone to try.
- Beyond salads and dips, it can be used in sandwiches, bowls, and even as a marinade for grilling.
- With a hit of garlic and a mix of dried parsley and dill, every bite is a burst of herby goodness.
INGREDIENTS
Makes: about ¾ pint/375ml | Active Time: 15 minutes | Soak Time: 8 hours | Rest Time: 1 hour (optional)
- 1 cup/125g raw cashews, soaked overnight
- ½ cup + 2 tbsp/150ml oat milk (or other unflavoured non-dairy milk)
- 2-3 tbsp/30-45ml fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves/10g garlic, peeled and lightly crushed
- 2 tsp/10ml Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp/3g onion powder
- 1 tsp/6g coarse salt
- 1/4 tsp/1g ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp/3g dried parsley
- 2 tsp/2g dried dill
- 1 tsp/2g smoked paprika
- ½ tsp/1g cayenne pepper (*Optional if you don’t like it hot)
HOW TO MAKE VEGAN RANCH DRESSING
1. Soak the cashews in water in the fridge overnight or for at least 8 hours. Drain. Add the drained cashews, peeled and crushed garlic cloves, and the oat milk to a blender. Process on high until mostly smooth.
2. Add the mustard, onion powder, salt, pepper, parsley, dill, paprika, and cayenne to the blender. Blend until it is as smooth as you can get it.
3. Add 2 tbsp/30ml of lemon juice. Blend until incorporated. Taste and adjust salt and lemon juice to the desired level of tang.
4. Thin to desired consistency with more oat milk or water, 1 tbsp/15ml at a time.
Notes
TIPS, VARIATIONS, AND SUBSTITUTIONS
🥗 Sunflower seeds or tahini – Not a fan of cashews or have a nut allergy? No problem! Use sunflower seeds or tahini for a nut-free version. These alternatives maintain the creaminess while keeping it allergy-friendly.
🥗 Almond milk or other plant milk – While oat milk gives a great texture, almond milk or any other plant milk can be used. Each brings its own unique flavor and consistency to the dressing.
🥗 Cayenne pepper or vegan buffalo sauce – For a spicier kick, add more cayenne pepper or even a dash of vegan buffalo sauce. This will give your dressing an extra zing, perfect for those who love a bit of heat.
🥗 Chive or basil – Not a fan of parsley or dill? Feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like chive or basil for a different flavor profile. Fresh herbs can elevate the taste to a whole new level.
🥗 Cider vinegar – Instead of lemon juice, try using cider vinegar for a tangier and more robust flavor. It adds an extra layer of acidity that can really brighten up the dressing.
🥗 Garlic powder or fresh minced garlic – If you’re a garlic lover, don’t hesitate to add more garlic powder or even fresh minced garlic for a more garlicky flavor.
🥗 Agave syrup or unsweetened plant-based sweetener – If you like your dressing a bit sweeter, add a small amount of agave syrup or another unsweetened plant-based sweetener.
🥗 Vegan mayo – For an extra creamy texture, blend in a tablespoon of vegan mayo or veganaise. This can make the dressing even more luxurious.
HOW TO STORE VEGAN RANCH DRESSING
In the Refrigerator
- Airtight Container: Always store the dressing in an airtight container. Mason jars or containers with tight-fitting lids work best.
- Cool Temperature: Keep the dressing in the fridge, where it should stay fresh and tasty. The cool temperature helps maintain its creamy texture and prevents spoilage.
- Duration: Properly stored, this vegan ranch dressing can last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Always check for freshness before using it if it’s been stored for a few days.
Avoid Freezing
- Texture Changes: Freezing is not recommended for this dressing as it can alter the texture. Upon thawing, the creamy consistency may become grainy or separated.
- Freshness Preference: Since this dressing is quick to make, it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Before Each Use
- Stir Well: If the dressing has been sitting in the fridge, give it a good stir before using. Some natural separation of ingredients is normal.
- Check Consistency: If the dressing thickens in the fridge, you can thin it out with a little bit of plant milk or water. Stir well to achieve the desired consistency.
Handling Leftovers
- No Double-Dipping: To extend its shelf life, avoid double-dipping or introducing any contaminants into the dressing. Use a clean spoon each time you serve it.
- Use by Date: Be mindful of the ‘use by’ date of your plant milk and other ingredients, as these will also affect how long your dressing can be stored.
MORE DRESSING RECIPES TO TRY
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can This Vegan Ranch Dressing Be Used in Hot Dishes?
Absolutely! This vegan ranch dressing can add a creamy element to hot dishes. Try stirring it into hot pasta right before serving or drizzle it over steamed vegetables for an extra flavor boost. It’s also great in grain bowls or over-baked potatoes.
Can I Use Dried Garlic Instead of Fresh?
While fresh garlic provides a more vibrant flavor, you can use dried garlic or garlic powder as a substitute. Adjust the quantity to suit your taste, as dried garlic has a more concentrated flavor.
Can I Make This Dressing Without a Blender?
Yes, though the texture might be slightly different. Soak the cashews until they’re very soft, then mash them as finely as possible before mixing with the other ingredients. A food processor can also work if you don’t have a blender.
What If I Can’t Find Oat Milk?
No problem! Any plant-based milk will work for this recipe. Almond, soy, or coconut milk can be great alternatives. Each will add its subtle flavor to the dressing.
Is This Dressing Suitable for a Keto Diet?
While this dressing is vegan and dairy-free, it may not be suitable for a strict keto diet due to the cashews and certain other ingredients. However, you can modify it by using keto-friendly ingredients.
Vegan Ranch
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw cashews soaked overnight
- ½ cup +2tbsp oat milk or other unflavoured non-dairy milk
- 2-3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 clove garlic peeled and lightly crushed
- 2 tsp dijon mustard
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- 2 tsp dried dill
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (*Optional if you don’t like it hot)
Instructions
- 1. Soak the cashews in water in the fridge overnight or for at least 8 hours. Drain. Add the drained cashews, peeled and crushed garlic cloves, and the oat milk to a blender. Process on high until mostly smooth.
- 2. Add the mustard, onion powder, salt, pepper, parsley, dill, paprika, and cayenne to the blender. Blend until it is as smooth as you can get it.
- 3. Add 2 tbsp/30ml of lemon juice. Blend until incorporated. Taste and adjust salt and lemon juice to desired level of tang.
- 4. Thin to desired consistency with more oat milk or water, 1 tbsp/15ml at a time.
Notes
- If it doesn’t quite have the right flavor for you, try adding a bit of granulated sugar, ½ tsp at a time.
- For best flavor, place in a covered container and allow to sit in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Can be stored in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days.