Mayo Free Healthy Ranch Dressing Recipe (2024)

By Monika Last Updated 14 Comments

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This zesty, delicious healthy ranch dressing is rich, creamy, made without mayonnaise and naturally low in fat. Simple to make and ready in minutes!

You might also like my creamy orange salad dressing!

Mayo Free Healthy Ranch Dressing Recipe (1)

This healthy ranch dressing is perfect for those who love the flavour of traditional ranch but not necessarily the calories that often come with it.

The main culprit responsible for the large amount of calories in traditional ranch dressing is mayonnaise. No, I did not swap full fat mayonnaise for a reduced fat alternative. Instead I used creamy yogurt along with a few other ingredients for added savouriness and to balance out the acidity of the yogurt.

Where does ranch dressing come from

Ranch dressing was created by Steve Henson (a food enthusiast) who first developed it in the 1950s in Alaska. He then settled in Hidden Valley Ranch where he served his 'ranch' dressing to his guests. Today ranch dressing is one of the most popular salad dressings in North America.

What makes it special

This dressing works because it offers a deliciously addictive tangy, savoury flavour, creamy consistency and plenty of freshness from the herbs it contains. It's also very easy to make using simply a bowl and spoon (after you've chopped the herbs).

My healthy ranch tastes just like the original, but has the added bonus of being lower in fat and calories. It is extremely versatile so you can use it not only in salads, but also with snacks, mains and many other dishes.

Homemade ranch is better than store bought

because it:

  • can be made without mayonnaise,
  • can be made with dairy of your choice (so you control the amount of fat that goes into the dressing),
  • contains less sugar,
  • contains fresh herbs, which also makes it taste better.

Healthy ranch dressing ingredients and substitutions

Mayo Free Healthy Ranch Dressing Recipe (2)
  • Yogurt: Use either full fat or reduced fat Greek/natural yogurt. Alternatively use kefir/buttermilk or a combination of yogurt and kefir (more on that below).
  • Vegetable oil: use rapeseed, sunflower or any other mild tasting, neutral oil.
  • Lemon juice: adjust the amount to your taste.
  • Mustard: use Dijon or another creamy mustard variety.
  • Maple syrup: tones down the acidity of the yogurt.
  • Garlic.
  • Herbs: adjust the proportions to your taste.
  • Onion granules: add more depth of flavour.
  • Sea salt and black pepper: to taste.
  • Water or milk: use to loosen the consistency of the dressing, if needed.

Recipe instructions

1. In a bowl combine all the ingredients (except the water).

Mayo Free Healthy Ranch Dressing Recipe (3)

2. Stir thoroughly, season to taste and add a little water to loosen the consistency if desired (optional).

Mayo Free Healthy Ranch Dressing Recipe (4)

3. Serve your healthy yogurt ranch dressing immediately or chill for 30 minutes before serving, if possible (alternatively cover/transfer into a jar and chill to use later).

Mayo Free Healthy Ranch Dressing Recipe (5)

Serving suggestions

This low fat ranch dressing can be served as a delicious accompaniment to salads, roasted vegetables, raw vegetable sticks, nachos, potato wedges or chicken dishes, such as crispy chicken fingers or chicken nuggets. I've also enjoyed it alongside creamy healthy fish cakesand crispy baked salmon fingers.

How to adjust the consistency

  • For a thicker consistency use yogurt and do not add any water or milk.
  • For a pourable, looser consistency use a combination of yogurt and water or milk. Alternatively use buttermilk or kefir alone. I do not recommend using sour cream if you want to keep the calories down.
  • If you add more liquids (such as water, milk or buttermilk) you may also need to adjust the seasoning.

Top tips

  • I used a combination of chives, parsley and dill but you can omit the parsley and/or dill or tweak the amounts to your preference.
  • For better texture use only the leaves of the herbs (avoid the tough stalks).
  • I recommend using a garlic crusher or finely grating the garlic rather than chopping it.
  • Don't forget to season your mayo free ranch dressing (add plenty of freshly ground black pepper).
  • NOT suitable for freezing.

Storing

As this no mayo healthy ranch dressing contains fresh (rather than dried) herbs I recommend refrigerating it in a jar for no longer than 3 days.

Can I use dried herbs

For me fresh herbs add lots of flavour and a homemade feel to this low fat ranch sauce but you can use dried herbs if you prefer (or can't get fresh). The amounts should be about 2 or 3 quarters less than fresh. If you also prefer to use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic use approx. ¼ teaspoon (or to taste).

Top tip

One advantage of using dried herbs is that your ranch sauce is likely to stay fresh for longer (up to 5 days).

Mayo Free Healthy Ranch Dressing Recipe (6)
  • Homemade Avocado Mayo Recipe
  • Creamy Dill Mustard Sauce (Low Fat)
  • Vegan Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe

Keep in touch!

If you've made this healthy ranch dressing recipe I'd love to know how it turned out for you. Did you make any swaps? Let me know in the comments below, thanks!

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Recipe

Mayo Free Healthy Ranch Dressing Recipe (7)

Mayo Free Healthy Ranch Dressing Recipe

This delicious, zesty healthy ranch dressing is rich, creamy and naturally low in fat. It's made using fresh herbs and comes together in under 5 minutes!

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Course: Salad, Snack

Cuisine: American, gluten free, Low fat, vegetarian

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 101kcal

Author: Monika Dabrowski

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (230 g) Greek/natural yogurt see *Notes
  • tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 small garlic clove crushed or finely grated
  • ½ teaspoon yellow/Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup
  • ¼ teaspoon onion granules
  • 2 tablespoons chives finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon parsley leaves only, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dill leaves only, finely chopped
  • Fine sea salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon water or milk, optional, see Instructions

Instructions

  • Combine all the ingredients (not the water) and stir thoroughly.

  • Season to taste and add a little water/milk to loosen the consistency if desired. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes before serving, if possible. Keep refrigerated in a jar for up to 3 days.

Notes

  • I used a combination of chives, parsley and dill but you can omit the parsley and/or dill or tweak the amounts to your preference.
  • *Use either full fat or reduced fat Greek/natural yogurt. Alternatively use kefir/buttermilk (and omit the milk), if you want a looser consistency, or a combination of yogurt and kefir.
  • I recommend using a garlic crusher or finely grating the garlic rather than chopping it.
  • Herbs: for better texture use only the leaves (avoid the tough stalks).
  • Don't forget to season your dressing.
  • As this ranch dressing contains fresh (rather than dried) herbs I recommend refrigerating it for no longer than 3 days in a jar.
  • I used vegetable oil but grapeseed oil or another neutral tasting oil (not olive) would be a good alternative.
  • Not suitable for freezing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 101kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 27mg | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 186IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 73mg | Iron: 1mg

*Nutritional information is automatically generated and should be considered as an estimate.

**A note about baking: If using a fan-assisted oven refer to your appliance's instructions and adjust the temperature accordingly.

Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @Monika8021 or tag #EverydayHealthyRecipes!

Mayo Free Healthy Ranch Dressing Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is a healthier alternative to ranch? ›

Plain Yogurt is a healthier option than traditional ranch. That's why we love this healthy dressing, it uses nonfat greek yogurt as a creamy alternative. How do you make healthy ranch dressing? You can make healthy ranch dressing by making it at home.

How do you thicken dressing without mayo? ›

Use yogurt or sour cream: These dairy products have a similar texture to mayonnaise and can be used to thicken salad dressing. You can use plain yogurt or sour cream, or try flavored varieties for added flavor. Use avocado: Avocado is a creamy, rich fruit that can be used to thicken salad dressing.

Can a ranch salad be healthy? ›

Ranch dressing is not good for weight loss because it contains high saturated fat are sometimes not easily digested. Salad is high in calories,but made with a variety of fruit and veggies. It can be a perfect meal for lunch and dinner because they contain nutritional values such as fiber,vitaminE &vitaminC.

Does all ranch have mayo? ›

Ranch is an American salad dressing. It traditionally features a buttermilk base, but some recipes (like this one) call for a combination of sour cream and mayonnaise instead. Ranch is usually seasoned with a savory blend of herbs and spices, such as garlic powder and dill.

What can I put on salad instead of ranch? ›

Try a little lemon juice, lime juice, or a light vinaigrette. I have a bottle of walnut oil in my pantry which is very nice on salads, along with white wine vinegar and a little salt and pepper. You can also add yogurt or mustard and some fresh or dried herbs to your dressing.

Which salad dressing is the healthiest? ›

Oil and vinegar.

In general, dressings with fewer ingredients tend to be healthier. And it doesn't get any simpler than oil and vinegar. “This is a great option, because it won't have any added sugar or salt,” says Allers.

What can I put on salad instead of dressing? ›

Try a little lemon juice, lime juice, or a light vinaigrette. I have a bottle of walnut oil in my pantry which is very nice on salads, along with white wine vinegar and a little salt and pepper. You can also add yogurt or mustard and some fresh or dried herbs to your dressing.

What is the best thickener for salad dressing? ›

Xanthan gum is ideal for thickening and emulsifying salad dressings and sauces. A dry free-flowing powder suitable for use in food preparations as a stabilizer, thickener or emulsifier.

How do you make dressing taste less like mayo? ›

You need to add salt. When you mix anything with mayo, it still tastes like mayo. Add salt to taste and it should help.

What is the most unhealthy salad dressing? ›

Caesar dressing. Made up of mayonnaise, cheese, salt and oil (and all too often, anchovies), Caesar tends to be one of the least healthy options out there. Those ingredients cause it to be high in both saturated fats and sodium.

Can I eat ranch while losing weight? ›

Saturated fats are difficult for your body to metabolize, which leads to weight gain. So, keep away from ranch salad dressing especially if you are looking to lose weight.

Is homemade ranch healthier than store bought? ›

Homemade wins here. The two dressings are roughly equivalent in terms of fat content, but store-bought ranch is the prototypical processed food, with an ingredients list that includes modified corn starch, monosodium glutamate, sodium lactate, polysorbate 60, et cetera.

What's healthier hummus or ranch? ›

Hummus is a healthy alternative to dips like ranch. Two tablespoons of hummus contain about 67 calories, 2 grams of protein, 5 grams of fat, 4 grams of carbs, and 1.5 grams of fiber.

Is hummus or ranch better for you? ›

Hummus! Whether made with chickpeas or edamame, hummus gives you lots of fiber and protein, and, thanks to the olive oil, healthy fat. While it can be comparable to ranch dressing calorie-wise, the substitution is much more meaningful. 3.

Which is healthier ranch or French dressing? ›

Ranch and French dressing were ranked the unhealthiest options of the bunch because of their high sodium (260 milligrams and 240 milligrams, respectively) and fat content (14 grams in ranch including 2.5 grams saturated fat, and 15 grams in French with 1 gram saturated fat).

Is Italian dressing healthier than ranch? ›

Lower-Calorie Alternative to Creamy Dressings

Italian dressing makes a better alternative than many other higher-calorie options. It adds taste to salad and offers good fat. Though many calories come from fats, it is better than primarily cream-based dressings like ranch, a thousand island, or blue cheese.

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