If you’ve ever wished for a creamy, tangy, herb-packed ranch dressing that’s entirely plant-based, you’re in the right place! This best vegan ranch sauce recipe is a game-changer—rich, flavorful, and perfect for dipping, drizzling, or tossing with salads.
Whether you’re vegan, dairy-free, or simply looking to make more wholesome choices, this homemade ranch will have you licking the bowl clean. It’s a recipe I’ve tweaked and tested over the years, and I’m excited to share the ultimate version with you.
Unlike many store-bought vegan dressings, this sauce is free from preservatives and artificial flavors. Instead, it’s packed with fresh herbs, zippy lemon, and the magic of cashews and plant-based milk for that signature creamy texture.
It’s quick to make, comes together in just minutes, and is endlessly customizable. Keep reading to discover why this vegan ranch will become a staple in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Dairy-Free & Vegan: 100% plant-based, perfect for those with dietary restrictions or anyone looking to avoid dairy.
- Super Creamy: Thanks to soaked cashews and plant milk, this ranch is incredibly smooth and luscious.
- Easy to Make: Comes together in under 10 minutes with simple, wholesome ingredients.
- Customizable: Add extra garlic, swap in different herbs, or adjust the tang to your taste.
- Versatile: Use as a dip, dressing, sandwich spread, or drizzle for roasted veggies.
- No Weird Ingredients: No tofu, no coconut, and no hard-to-pronounce additives—just real food!
- Meal Prep Friendly: Keeps well in the fridge for up to a week, making it perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Raw cashews (soaked for 2-4 hours or boiled for 10 minutes) | 1 cup |
| Unsweetened plant-based milk (soy, almond, or oat) | 3/4 cup |
| Lemon juice (freshly squeezed) | 2 tablespoons |
| Apple cider vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Dijon mustard | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried dill | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried parsley | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried chives | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste) |
| Freshly ground black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon (or to taste) |
| Maple syrup (optional, for balance) | 1/2 teaspoon |
Equipment
- High-speed blender (such as Vitamix or Blendtec)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowl (for soaking cashews, if needed)
- Rubber spatula (for scraping down blender sides)
- Glass jar or airtight container (for storing ranch sauce)
Instructions
- Soak the cashews: If you haven’t soaked your cashews ahead of time, simply cover them with boiling water and let them sit for 10 minutes. Drain and rinse well.
- Blend the base: Add the soaked cashews, plant-based milk, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard to your high-speed blender. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. This may take 1-2 minutes depending on your blender.
- Add the seasonings: Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, dried parsley, dried chives, salt, pepper, and maple syrup (if using). Blend again until well combined.
- Taste and adjust: Taste your ranch and adjust the lemon juice, vinegar, salt, or herbs to your preference. If you want a thinner dressing, add an extra splash of plant-based milk and blend again.
- Store and chill: Transfer the ranch sauce to a glass jar or airtight container. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. The sauce will thicken as it chills.
- Serve: Drizzle, dip, or dollop your vegan ranch on everything from salads to pizza! Enjoy.
Tips & Variations
- Make it nut-free: Substitute raw sunflower seeds for cashews and use a nut-free plant milk like oat or soy.
- Boost the tang: Add an extra teaspoon of vinegar or a splash of pickle juice for that classic ranch zing.
- Fresh herbs: If you have fresh dill, parsley, or chives, chop them finely and stir them in after blending for extra flavor and a burst of color.
- Spicy ranch: Add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to give your ranch a little kick.
- Garlic lovers: Add a clove of fresh garlic to the blender for more intensity.
-
Texture tip:
For a chunkier ranch, pulse in the herbs at the end instead of fully blending them.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 2 Tbsp Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 65 |
| Fat | 5g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Carbohydrates | 4g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
Please note that nutrition will vary depending on the plant milk and exact ingredients you use.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic dip: Serve with crispy veggies like carrots, celery, bell peppers, or broccoli florets.
- Salad dressing: Drizzle over leafy greens, grain bowls, or chopped salads for a creamy, herby finish.
- Pizza drizzle: Add a swirl of ranch over your favorite vegan pizza for a flavor boost.
- Sandwich spread: Slather on wraps, burgers, or vegan “chicken” sandwiches.
- Buffalo pairing: Use as a cooling dip for spicy cauliflower wings or vegan nuggets.
- Roasted potatoes: Toss or dip crispy potato wedges or fries for ranch bliss.
- Meal inspiration: Try pairing your ranch with recipes like these:
Conclusion
This best vegan ranch sauce recipe is more than just a dairy-free alternative—it’s a crave-worthy, all-purpose condiment that will elevate your meals and snacks. Creamy, tangy, and packed with herby goodness, it’s the perfect addition to your plant-based repertoire.
I love how quick and easy it is to whip up a batch, and how everyone—vegan or not—asks for the recipe after tasting it.
Whether you’re dipping, drizzling, or spreading, you can trust this ranch to deliver big flavor without compromise. Try it with your favorite vegan appetizers or alongside hearty mains like my Chipotle Black Beans And Rice Recipe or cozy Costco Vegan Mushroom Stew Recipe.
Don’t forget to check out my dairy-free desserts like the Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe for the perfect finish to your meal. Happy dipping!
📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegan Ranch Sauce
Description: This creamy vegan ranch sauce is tangy, herby, and perfect for dipping or drizzling. Made with simple plant-based ingredients, it's ready in minutes!
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT10M
Servings: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsweetened soy milk
- 1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together soy milk, vegan mayonnaise, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, dill, chives, salt, and black pepper.
- Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled as a dip or dressing.
Nutrition: Calories: 80 | Protein: 1g | Fat: 8g | Carbs: 2g
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