Easy Vegan Jalapeno Ranch Dip & Dressing Recipe

You're going to love this vegan jalapeño ranch dressing! A perfect blend of cashews, fresh garlic, and tangy pickled jalapeños creates a creamy, zesty flavor that instantly elevates your salads, grain bowls, tacos, or even pizza. Or use it as a delightful dip for chips, crackers, or crusty bread – the possibilities are endless!

The handled dish in the photo is by Stonehouse Pottery OH

Whether you’re spicing up a meal or just looking for a tasty snack, this vegan jalapeño ranch dressing will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Traditional ranch dressings are made with buttermilk, sour cream, and herbs. To make this vegan version, we are swapping the dairy for soaked cashews, which blend into a rich, creamy texture.

Adding in a few fresh herbs + a few dried favorites and we've created a delightful ranch that's easy, dairy-free, and sooooo addictive!

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Tips for homemade jalapeno ranch
• How to use vegan jalapeno ranch dressing
• Storing
• More delicious dressings
• 📋 Recipe
• 💬 Feedback

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you'll need for this vegan jalapeno ranch dressing:

• Raw cashews: blended with the other ingredients create a luscious texture that you would never guess is dairy-free.
• Picked jalapenos: added for a kick of heat and a bold acid that helps balance the flavors and create a buttermilk-like taste. If using fresh jalapeños, add a tablespoon (or more) of lemon juice, lime juice, or white vinegar.
• Dried spices: garlic powder, onion powder, and dried chives are some of the quintessential ingredients in ranch seasoning!
• Salt: adds flavor and decreases any bitterness. I used iodized, but sea salt or Himalayan salt are also good options.
• Fresh parsley & fresh dill: using a few fresh herbs results in a bolder, more flavorful dressing/dip. Dried can be used in a pinch!

Tips for homemade jalapeno ranch

• Soak the cashews. Don't skip this step! It's vital to achieving that creamy texture.
• High-powered blender. Use a high-speed blender to prevent a gritty consistency and ensure all the ingredients are well incorporated.
• Fresh herbs. Fresh parsley and dill bring out the best flavor in the dip. While dried herbs can be used in a pinch, they can mute the flavors and make it taste a bit earthy when stored.
• Adjust the spice. Tailor the spiciness of your ranch dressing by adjusting the amount of pickled jalapenos. Add more for extra kick or use fewer for a milder flavor.
• Consistency. This recipe creates a thick and creamy ranch dressing. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add more water (or jalapeno juice) until you reach your desired texture. Adjust to taste!

How to use vegan jalapeno ranch dressing

This recipe can be used as a dressing or as a dip - its versatility is truly impressive. Here are some of my favorite ways to use it:

• Drizzle it over your favorite salads.
• Add it to tacos, taco salad, grain bowls, pizza, or sheet pan dinners.
• Serve it as a game day snack or whip it up anytime you need a quick and versatile appetizer! This vegan ranch pairs perfectly with warm tortillas fresh veggies, roasted vegetables, crackers, or chips.
• Spread it on your favorite sandwich, grilled cheese, or veggie wrap.

Storing

Store any leftover vegan ranch dressing in a mason jar (or another airtight container) for best results. It will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to a week.

More delicious dressings

• Vegan Caesar Dressing: another creamy cashew-based dressing!
• Vegan Honey Mustard: uses maple instead of honey for a sweet and tangy plant-based dressing or dip.
• Creamy Cilantro Jalapeno Sauce: fresh cilantro, avocado, and pickled jalapeños come together to create a sensational combination of creamy and spicy flavors.

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