Walnut Ranch Dressing
This creamy, dairy-free ranch gets its rich texture and a healthy boost from California walnuts. Packed with fresh herbs and tangy flavor, it’s a delicious dip, dressing, or spread for everything from salads to veggie platters.
Ingredients:
Preparation:
Combine the walnuts, water, vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, nutritional yeast, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a blender.
Start the blender on low, then quickly increase the speed to the highest setting.
Blend for 5–7 minutes until very smooth, scraping the sides as necessary.
Once very smooth (mixture will heat up due to friction in blender), while blending, slowly pour in the oil to emulsify the dressing. Blend for at least 1 minute.
Cool the dressing immediately over an ice bath.
Whisk in the fresh chives or green onions, curly-leaf parsley, and dill.
Transfer the cooled dressing to a sealed container and refrigerate.
After chilling, taste and adjust the final seasoning as desired with more vinegar, sugar, or salt.
Store refrigerated for 3–5 days.
For a thicker, more dip-style consistency, reduce the water by ¼ cup.
If making ahead, wait to add the fresh herbs until just before serving for the freshest flavor.
If using a higher-powered blender, blend for 3–5 minutes.
To reduce overall sodium content and boost umami taste, most bottled ranch dressings rely on monosodium glutamate to enhance savory depth and round out acidity. For this recipe, add ⅛ tsp and a small pinch of MSG.
16 servings
2 Tbso
- Amount per serving
- Calories85
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 8g11%
- Saturated Fat 1g5%
- Cholesterol 0mg
- Sodium 113mg5%
- Total Carbohydrate 2g1%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Total Sugars 1g
- Includes 1g Added Sugars2%
- Protein 1g
- Calcium 9mg1%
- Iron 0mg0%
- Potassium 48mg2%
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.