Walnut Ranch Dressing

By California Walnuts
Total Time
31 Mins
Serves
16
Serving Size
2 Tbsp
Meal
Brunch Dinner Lunch Snack
Course
Appetizers Side Snack

DESCRIPTION

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.

Prep Time
30 Mins
Cook Time
1 Mins
Total Time
31 Mins
Calories
85
Total Fat
8
Saturated Fat
1
Cholesterol
0
Sodium
113
Carbohydrates
2
Dietary Fiber
1
Total Sugars
1
Added Sugars
1
Protein
1
Calcium
9
Iron
0
Potassium
48

Ingredients

  • 1 cup California walnuts
  • ¾ cup water, room temperature
  • ¼ cup white distilled vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 Tbsp nutritional yeast flakes
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ¾ tsp Kosher salt
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper
  • ¼ cup neutral-flavored oil
  • 2 tsp chives or green onions, minced
  • 2 tsp curly-leaf parsley, chopped
  • 2 tsp dill, chopped

Preparation

  1. Combine the walnuts, water, vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, nutritional yeast, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a blender.
  2. Start the blender on low, then quickly increase the speed to the highest setting.
  3. Blend for 5–7 minutes until very smooth, scraping the sides as necessary.
  4. 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.
  5. Cool the dressing immediately over an ice bath.
  6. Whisk in the fresh chives or green onions, curly-leaf parsley, and dill.
  7. Transfer the cooled dressing to a sealed container and refrigerate.
  8. After chilling, taste and adjust the final seasoning as desired with more vinegar, sugar, or salt.
  9. Store refrigerated for 3–5 days.

Notes:

  1. For a thicker, more dip-style consistency, reduce the water by ¼ cup.
  2. If making ahead, wait to add the fresh herbs until just before serving for the freshest flavor.
  3. If using a higher-powered blender, blend for 3–5 minutes.
  4. 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.