Mayo Free Healthy Ranch Dressing Recipe

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

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

• 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).

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

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).

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 cakes and 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).

Related recipes

• 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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