Ranch Seasoning Mix
For our household, nothing compares to the flavor of ranch. We just love RANCH! Whether we’re sprinkling the flavor over popcorn and cooked vegetables or mixing it with other condiments and ingredients for a dressing or a dip – it’s become a staple in our lives. Therefore, when we tried to go to a more vegetable-based menu, we had to rethink this. Most mixes have dried milk product in them. The vegan alternatives were not only expensive, but they really didn’t taste that great.
So, recipe research time!
I got out the good ole spreadsheet and began looking into multiple recipes, including the actual ingredients listing on some store-bought dry ranch mix. Now, I’m here to tell you – you can do this with dry ingredients for a lot less fuss than you’d imagine. And you can store that stuff for up to a year! You probably already have most of the ingredients in your spice area. I know I did.
Now, some recipes call for extras that I don’t really use, but refer to my Rules for Recipes, folks and enjoy some experimentation! I saw thyme mentioned and onion flakes in particular. Also dried chopped chives. Onion powder is a staple of most ranch recipes, so chives would really just be adding more green and a very similar flavor, in my opinion.
You can use this recipe for both a vegan diet or a regular diet. It’s gluten-free and keto-friendly. Also, if you use a salt substitute, you are keeping to a healthier sodium content.
If you want to use it with dairy, you just use yogurt for the dip (I know you can use sour cream, too. But yogurt is so much more healthy for ya!) and your mayo of choice along with buttermilk and yogurt to make the dressing. If you want vegan, use silken tofu, vegan mayo, unsweetened plain almond milk (or your preference non-dairy) and lemon juice to taste in either. So it has its perks to be sure!
I’m including here the normal person’s amount of mix with the amounts involved. Adjust it to your tastes, but I honestly will put MORE mix than the recommended into my recipes.
Ingredients
Vegan
- 3 teaspoons Basic Ranch Seasoning mix
- ¼ cup veganaise
- ¼ cup unsweetened plain almond milk
- ¼ cup silken tofu
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- squeeze of lemon juice
Non-vegan
- 3 teaspoons Basic Ranch Seasoning mix
- ¼ cup mayo
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup plain yogurt
- squeeze of lemon juice
Instructions
Vegan
- Let the almond milk and vinegar rest together and stir it before putting it in the blender over the rest of the ingredients.
Non-Vegan
- Add the buttermilk last before blending.
MADE ANY OF THESE RECIPES?
I’d love to see what you whipped up! Post it on Facebook or Instagram and tag @noobcuisine or use the hashtag #noobcuisine!
