Are you craving that creamy, dreamy ranch dressing but want a healthier, plant-based option? Look no further! This vegan cashew ranch dressing recipe is incredibly easy to make, bursting with flavor, and completely dairy-free. It’s the perfect addition to your favorite salads, veggie sticks, or even as a dip for your favorite sides. Get ready to elevate your healthy meals game with this quick dinner idea that's both delicious and satisfying. This homemade cooking project is simpler than you think!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for extra creaminess)
- ½ cup filtered water
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried dill
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
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Drain and rinse: Once your cashews have finished soaking, drain them thoroughly and rinse under cold water. This removes any excess starch and ensures a smoother texture.
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Blend it up: Add all the ingredients – soaked cashews, water, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, parsley, salt, and pepper – to a high-speed blender.
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Blend until smooth: Blend on high speed for 1-2 minutes, or until completely smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the blender as needed to ensure everything is well combined. If the mixture is too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
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Taste and adjust: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings to your preference. You might want to add more lemon juice for tanginess, salt for saltiness, or herbs for a more robust flavor.
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Chill and serve: Transfer the dressing to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This also helps the dressing thicken further. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Vegan Ranch:
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Soaking the cashews: Soaking the cashews is crucial for achieving a creamy texture. If you forget to soak them, you can boil them for 5 minutes instead, but soaking overnight yields the best results.
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Nutritional yeast: This is a key ingredient that gives the dressing its cheesy flavor. Don't skip it!
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Fresh herbs: If you have fresh dill and parsley, feel free to use them instead of the dried versions. Use about 2 tablespoons of each.
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Storage: Store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Variations:
- Spicy Ranch: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
- Garlic Lovers Ranch: Add an extra clove of garlic or a teaspoon of garlic infused olive oil.
- Dill lovers Ranch: Double the dill for an intense dill flavor.
- Herb Ranch: Experiment with other herbs like chives, oregano, or thyme.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 150
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
This easy vegan ranch dressing recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. Enjoy this delicious dish, perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks looking for best recipes that are both simple and flavorful. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, no matter the occasion.