Ranch dressing is one of those things that I could, and would, put on everything. It's creamy, it is full of flavour, what's not to love? We have lightened this usually calorific dressing by using Greek yogurt, but it still packs plenty of flavour. It's so easy to make and stores in the fridge for a couple of days.
When I was travelling round the US a few years ago, I was amazed by the variety of salads on restaurant menus compared to what we have here in the UK. They pretty much all came smothered in ranch dressing and I fell in love, as ranch was not really a big deal here in the UK.
I came back from that trip quite a few pound heavier (who knew salad could make you gain weight!) and wanting to recreate my favourite salads from that trip, but in a healthier way.
Jump to:
What you will need
- 8 tbsp 0% Greek yogurt
- A handful fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 100ml skimmed milk
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- A pinch of sea salt and black pepper
Step by step
One: Put all of the ingredients in to a bowl.
Two: Mix well.
Three: Serve in a dressing bottle.
Homemade ranch dressing
We try to make our own dressings as often as we can (when time permits), because they really do only take a few minutes and they need minimal ingredients.
Next time you are in a supermarket, look at the label of a salad dressing bottle. It's really long, and it really doesn't need to be. Just a few fresh ingredients and you have yourself a delicious and light salad dressing.
Yogurt salad dressing
How did we lighten up this ranch dressing? I used Greek yogurt of course. Ranch dressing is usually made with sour cream and mayo, which obviously tastes amazing, but can really make a salad high in calories.
If you really don't like the taste of Greek yogurt (bear in mind that this tastes different from plain Greek yogurt), then feel free to use a mixture of yogurt, mayo and sour cream, but remember it will change the nutritional value a lot.
Making it vegan
Want a vegan version of this? Swap the Greek yogurt for a soya yogurt and use oat milk instead of skimmed. It won't quite have the same flavour, but it's a great vegan alternative.
What to serve it with
We love this dressing on a simple green salad, but it can be used as a dressing on any of your favourite salad like our Roasted Butternut Squash Salad.
It's not just good on salads though. It works really well as a dip and we love dipping our Baked BBQ Chicken Wings in this dressing.
How long does it keep for?
If you store this dressing in an air tight container, then it will keep fresh in the fridge for 2-3 days. However, it is best fresh and because it is so easy to make, we usually just make as much as we need for that day.
Extra Tips
- Store in an air tight jar and it will keep for about 4 days in the fridge.
- You can make this vegan by using soya yogurt and oat milk.
- Add a little onion flavour by mixing in some fresh chives.
- This dressing makes a great dip for chicken wings.
Other Dressing/Sauce Recipes To Try:
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Recipe
Healthy Ranch Dressing
Ingredients
- 8 tbsp 0% Greek yogurt
- 10 g fresh dill chopped
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 100 ml skimmed milk
- 1 lemon (juice only)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 garlic cloves crushed
- 1 pinch sea salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Put all of the ingredients in to a bowl.
- Mix well.
- Serve in a dressing bottle.
Notes
- Store in an air tight jar and it will keep for about 4 days in the fridge.
- You can make this vegan by using soya yogurt and oat milk.
- Add a little onion flavour by mixing in some fresh chives.
- This dressing makes a great dip for chicken wings.
Ivan at mindthetravel.com
This is a very tasty dressing and I love making my own dressing. Next time I make it I will use less garlic. I will definitely make this again.
Chris Collins
I love homemade dressings! This healthy ranch sounds wonderful!
SHANIKA
This Ranch Dressing looks so amazing! I love that you've used Greek Yogurt as a base. I could imagine how creamy it is!
Heidy L. McCallum
I love homemade dressing--we make ours all the time. So much healthier without all the chemicals and add ons. I am excited to try your Ranch dressing this coming week. I will let you know how everything goes. Saving this recipe.
Sara
I absolutely LOVE this recipe! I used to buy the yogurt dressings at the store but they were so expensive after a bit. This is much better and tastes better too!
Sue
Wish I had had this recipe when my kids were little, they literally ate everything drenched in the stuff!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes)
I love how you lightened this recipe up! Great and delicious take on a classic.
Demeter
Thank you for adding a vegan alternative. I can’t wait to try it!!
Ashley
Yum!! I love ranch dressing! And this is so so yummy - great for all the raw veggies I take with me to snack on at my desk!
estelle
this look delicious and so creamy! we've been trying to eat more greens over here and I'm always looking for new dressings, can't wait to try this!
Noelle
I love to make my own dressings and this one turned out perfect! I really like the taste of the dill in it, will be making again!
Dannii
I am so glad you enjoyed it. The dill is really nice in it isn't it.
Melanie
This sounds delicious and so easy. I'll be giving this a try, as well as your Ceasar dressing (my recipe is similar, mostly just have to swap mayo for greek yogurt). Thanks!
Lauren
This is delicious!
I would love to see a healthy blue cheese dressing- shop bought ones are so heavy and full of rubbish!
Helen @ Fuss Free Flavours
I've always wondered what Ranch dressing actually is. I'd be adding some miso and soy to it!