Nightshade Free Vegan Cashew Ranch Dressing
Ranch dressing is one of those condiments that feels almost impossible to replicate without the usual suspects — buttermilk, mayo, and often a packet mix loaded with paprika or other nightshade-derived spices. This version sidesteps all of that by building its creamy base entirely from soaked raw cashews, which blend into something genuinely silky and rich. The flavor comes from a well-balanced lineup of dried herbs and aromatics — dill, parsley, chives, garlic powder, and onion powder — so every bite tastes like the real thing without any of the ingredients that tend to cause problems. A splash of lemon juice and apple cider vinegar add that signature tangy brightness that makes ranch so craveable. You can dial the consistency up or down depending on whether you want a thick dip for veggies or a pourable drizzle for salads. Letting it chill for at least 15 minutes before serving makes a noticeable difference, giving the flavors time to meld and the dressing time to set. It keeps well in the fridge, so making a jar ahead of the week is absolutely worth it.
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Learn more →Ingredients
8 servings
- 1 cup raw cashews
- ½ cup water, plus more to thin
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 small garlic clove
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried dill
- ½ tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp dried chives
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dijon mustard (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Place the cashews in a bowl and cover with boiling water. Soak for 30 minutes, then drain and rinse well.
- 2
Transfer the drained cashews to a high-speed blender. Add the ½ cup water, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, garlic clove, onion powder, garlic powder, dried dill, dried parsley, dried chives, salt, black pepper, and Dijon mustard, if using.
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