This low in fat Healthy Homemade Ranch Dip with Yogurt is made using a combination of ricotta and yogurt so you can enjoy an extra helping completely guilt free:)
Ranch dip is one of the most calorific, as well as delicious sauces I know so I thought it would be a good idea to create a leaner alternative. If you love this dip I am confident you will also love my Healthy Homemade Ranch Dip with Yogurt.
The main culprit responsible for the huge amount of calories in traditional ranch sauce is mayonnaise. No, I did not swap full fat mayonnaise for a reduced fat alternative. I find ‘light’ mayonnaise unpleasantly acidic and generally avoid it. (For me most reduced fat products are never as tasty as the full fat ones). But the good news is I’ve found the perfect alternative in ricotta cheese!
Ranch dip with ricotta
Ricotta is naturally very low in fat (only 6g fat in 100g ricotta, whereas the fat content in 100g of mayonnaise can be as high as 80g!). It has a lovely creamy texture and makes a delicious low fat alternative to mayonnaise in this recipe (with a little help from salt, lemon juice, garlic and chives)
Add some yogurt
You can use either Skyr or Greek yogurt (or another thick yogurt) in this homemade ranch dip recipe.
I opted for Skyr instead of buttermilk, to create a thicker, richer texture. Ever since I discovered Skyr several months ago it’s been a staple breakfast ingredient in my house. I also use it in baking (see my Carrot and Walnut Scones with Skyr) and cooking (Low Fat Mushroom Chicken). Skyr is virtually fat free and full of goodness, which makes it an ideal ingredient in my healthy ranch sauce.
Having said that, Greek yogurt, which is relatively low in fat, or another thick yogurt would work equally well.
I do not recommend using buttermilk or kefir in this recipe (although both are delicious, naturally low fat dairy products, similar to yogurt). They would work well in a ranch dressing recipe, which does not need to be as thick as a dip.
Serving suggestions
This homemade ranch dip makes a delicious accompaniment to fried or baked fish, as well as chicken. I’ve enjoyed it alongside these creamy, moreish Easy Cod Fish Cakes, and this Pistachio Crusted Salmon. This dip is ideal to serve with these delicious Spiced Chicken Kebabs, as well as these Perfectly Crispy Chicken Legs. Try it also with this Easy Spiced Potato Wedges Recipe.
Enjoy!
More healthy dip recipes
Another creamy dip I made using yogurt is my super nutritious roasted cauliflower dip. You may also like this easy Eggplant Tomato Dip or this vibrant Beetroot Chickpea Party Dip. Check out these other easy, nutritious Dip Recipe ideas.
This Healthy Homemade Ranch Dip with Yogurt is made with ricotta and Skyr so you can enjoy an extra helping completely guilt free:)
- 150 g Skyr or Greek yogurt
- 100 g ricotta cheese
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1.5 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 small garlic clove crushed
- 1/3 teaspoon onion granules
- 2 tablespoons chives finely chopped
- Sea salt to taste
-
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth (use a whisk or a large spoon). Taste to check if the sauce needs more seasoning. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Pin Healthy Homemade Ranch Dip with Yogurt for later!
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RECIPE LINK PARTIES
I am bringing this easy Healthy Homemade Ranch Dip with Yogurt recipe to Recipe of the Week. Also sharing with Fiesta Friday. This week’s co-hosts are Petra @ Food Eat Love and Jhuls @ The Not So Creative Cook.
I love a good dipping sauce and this sounds great! Thank you for sharing it with us at Fiesta Friday 🙂
Thank you Petra! Glad you like it:)
I love the ricotta cheese in here. This sounds delicious with all the roasted potatoes I am making every week! Thanks for sharing at Fiesta Friday party! Have fun, Monika!
Thank you Jhuls! This dip is so super light, you can really enjoy an xl portion without feeling too full:)
Love this recipe Monika. The subs you have made are fantastic. Bookmarked x
Thank you! Skyr and ricotta are my favourite low fat ingredients and they work in so many recipes:)
This sounds gorgeous, Monika – and I love how you’ve made it lower in calories by using foods naturally lower in fat/calories rather than low fat mayo, which, like you, I can’t stand…I’ve always been of the opinion it’s better to eat less of the full fat version rather than lashings of the low fat alternative…not only is it better tastewise but I am learning that often the full fat versions of things are much better for you in terms of vitamins etc. Your ranch dipping sauce sounds like it is also fabulously nutritious!! Thanks for linking it up with #CookBlogShare 😀 Eb x
Thank you Eb! I don’t like low fat products because I think the fat has been replaced with something, often sugar, so you aren’t gaining very much by swapping full fat for low fat… Plus there is the flavour which is never as good, and also the nutritional value as you have pointed out:)
It sounds delicious and it’s always good to have a lower fat version of a sauce like this. It’s also made me want to get my cheese-making kit out again as I love homemade ricotta. Whenever I make it I always have a few recipes in mind to then use it in!
Thanks Corina, I never actually made my own cheese though I should , I use it enough…
I always look for healthy ranch options..this looks perfect
Thank you Lathiya, even ranch can be made healthy…
This sounds really good Monika and much healthier than traditional ranch.
thanks Mandy, glad you think so:)