Vegan Chipotle Ranch Dressing
User Reviews
4.8
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Prep Time
40 mins
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
10 (2-Tbsp servings)
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Calories
76 kcal
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Course
Condiments
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Cuisine
Vegan
Vegan Chipotle Ranch Dressing
Description
The Vegan Chipotle Ranch Dressing combines soaked cashews blended with almond milk curdled by lemon juice to mimic buttermilk's creaminess. Chipotle in adobo and chipotle chili powder provide a smoky, mildly spicy undertone. Garlic and onion powder add depth, while apple cider vinegar and lemon juice introduce brightness. Fresh or dried dill herbs give it a classic ranch herbal flavor. The texture is smooth and creamy thanks to thorough blending, with adjustable seasoning for salt, heat, sweetness, and acidity to suit personal preference.
This dressing works well chilled as a salad dressing, dip, or sauce to complement grilled corn or other vegetables. Its vegan, creamy composition offers a plant-based alternative to traditional ranch dressings without oil or dairy.
It is best prepared by soaking cashews in hot water to soften them before blending. After blending, chilling thickens the dressing, but almond milk or water can be added to thin it if needed before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cashew nuts soaked in hot water 30 minutes, or overnight in cool water, raw
- 2/3 cup almond milk unsweetened
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic peeled
- 1/2 tsp salt plus more to taste, sea salt
- 1 chipotle chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2-1 tsp maple syrup (optional // or other sweetener of choice to taste)
- 1/4 tsp chipotle chile powder plus more to taste // or sub chili powder, NOT cayenne, ground
- 2 Tbsp dill or 2 tsp dried, fresh minced
Instructions
- Soak cashews in very hot water for 30 minutes. While cashews are soaking, measure out almond milk and add lemon juice and set aside to curdle (this makes your vegan “buttermilk”).
- Drain and rinse cashews, then transfer to a small blender (a blender is preferred over a food processor for achieving a smooth texture) and add almond "buttermilk," garlic, salt, pepper, onion powder, vinegar, maple syrup (optional), ground chipotle chile, and dill. Blend on high for 1-2 minutes or until very creamy and smooth, stopping to scrape down sides as needed.
- Taste and adjust flavor as needed, adding more salt to taste, ground chipotle or adobo sauce for heat, maple syrup for sweetness, lemon juice or vinegar for acidity, garlic for garlic flavor, or herbs for a more herbal flavor.
- Use immediately at room temperature or refrigerate for 3-4 hours to chill. It will thicken in the refrigerator, so you can add more almond milk or water later on to thin if needed.
- Enjoy on our Grilled Corn Salad or with vegetables, wraps, salads, cauliflower wings, or pizza! Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator up to 5-7 days, or in the freezer up to 1 month (though best when fresh).
Notes
- Soak cashews in hot water for at least 30 minutes to achieve a creamy texture when blended.
- Adjust salt, heat, and sweetness after blending for personalized flavor balance.
- Chilling the dressing thickens it; thin with additional almond milk or water if needed before use.
- Use within a few days for best freshness and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 10(2-Tbsp servings)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 76 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1two-Tablespoon servings | |
| Calories | 76 | 4% |
| Carbohydrates | 4.3g | 1% |
| Protein | 2.5g | 5% |
| Fat | 5.9g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 137mg | 6% |
| Potassium | 99mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 0.5g | 2% |
| Sugar | 0.8g | 2% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
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