Dairy Free Ranch Dressing

From the kitchen of Jesse Haas, CNS, LN

If you ask me, there is nothing more Midwest that ranch dressing…even if the birthplace of this favored veggie dip was actually Alaska. I ask many of my clients to eliminate dairy from their diets for a period of time, if not indefinitely. Dairy is a common allergen and an inflammatory food, wrecking havoc on immune and digestive systems. I’ve heard on more than one occasion that the dairy item most missed is ranch dressing, so I am happy to finally provide a whole food, dairy-free version* of this beloved item with a cobb salad version that is a perfect match.
 
Ingredients:

• 1 cup cashews, soaked in water overnight
• 1 cup water
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• juice of 1 lemon
• 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp honey or agave syrup
• 1 Tbsp Penzey’s ranch dressing spice mix**
• 1 tsp herbamare or ½ tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

 
Directions

1. Put all the ingredients in a high-powered blender. Blend until very smooth and creamy.

Spring-inspired Cobb Salad
Makes 1 serving
 
Ingredients:

• 2-3 cups of your favorite salad greens
• 2 Tbsp dairy-free ranch dressing
• ¼ cup sliced radishes
• ½ snap peas
• ½ avocado, diced
• 3 oz cooked chicken
• sprinkle of cooked, chopped bacon

 
Directions

1. In a mixing bowl, toss salad greens with dressing using a tongs. Toss until well-coated then transfer to a plate or serving bowl.
2. Top dressed greens with remaining ingredients.

 
*This recipe is adapted from an unknown source…I think a client shared it with me.
**Make your own ranch dressing spice mix by blending the following ingredients together:
1 Tbsp dried parsley
2 tsp dried dill weed
1 tsp dried chives
1 Tbsp garlic powder
1 Tbsp onion powder
1 tsp sea salt
½ tsp ground black pepper

Click here for a printable PDF

Jesse Haas, CNS, LN is a licensed functional nutritionist and certified health coach. She was a founding partner of Wellness Minneapolis and was an active practitioner with the clinic from 2014-2022. To connect with her regarding functional nutrition and health coaching services, please follow this link.