For those following a paleo diet or simply looking for a healthier alternative to traditional ranch dressing, this recipe offers a delicious and satisfying solution. It's creamy, tangy, and packed with fresh herbs, making it the perfect accompaniment to vegetables, salads, and a variety of other dishes.
What is Ranch Dressing?
Traditional ranch dressing often contains ingredients like soybean oil, buttermilk, sugar, and artificial flavors. This paleo version, however, uses real, recognizable ingredients to create a flavorful and nutritious dressing.
The Key to Paleo Ranch: Homemade Mayonnaise
A crucial element of this paleo ranch dressing is the mayonnaise. For a truly paleo-friendly option, it's best to use avocado oil mayonnaise, which can be found in many stores or easily made at home.
Paleo Ranch Dressing Recipe
This recipe is incredibly simple and can be made in just a few minutes with an immersion blender.
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup avocado oil or light olive oil
- 1 whole egg, at room temperature
- ¼ cup full-fat coconut milk
- 1 tsp mustard (dijon or stone ground)
- 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ¾ tsp garlic powder
- ¾ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- ⅓ cup packed chopped fresh herbs (equal parts chives, cilantro, and dill, about 2 Tbsp chopped each)
Instructions:
- Place all ingredients except the herbs in a tall measuring cup (at least 2 cup capacity with high sides) or a wide-mouth mason jar. Add the egg and other ingredients first, then the oil last. Let the ingredients settle.
- Insert an immersion blender all the way to the bottom of the jar.
- Blend until completely emulsified and ranch dressing-like (about 30 seconds). Move the blender around in the bottom of the cup to incorporate air. You can move the blender up and down slightly, but be careful not to pull it out of the mayo to avoid making a mess.
- Add herbs on top of the mayo, then pulse, moving the immersion blender up and down until all ingredients are completely mixed.
- Season to taste with additional salt and pepper.
- Refrigerate for about a week. The ranch will thicken up a bit in the refrigerator.
Tips for Success
- Egg Temperature: Use an egg at room temperature for better emulsification. If you forget to take it out ahead of time, warm it up with your hands for a few minutes.
- Oil Choice: Use a light-tasting olive oil or avocado oil. Extra virgin olive oil has too strong of a flavor for mayonnaise.
- Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk is essential for the creamy texture of this dressing. Shake the can well before opening to combine the fat solids and coconut water.
- Fresh vs. Dried Herbs: While fresh herbs are preferred, dried herbs can be used in a pinch. Use 1 teaspoon of dried parsley in place of 1 tablespoon fresh parsley and 1/2 teaspoon of dried dill in place of 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh dill.
Variations and Substitutions
- Vegan Ranch: Substitute your favorite veganaise for the mayonnaise.
- Whole30 Ranch: Ensure your mayonnaise is Whole30 compliant (no soy, no added sugar, etc.).
- Lighter Ranch: If you include dairy in your diet, swap half the mayo for plain unsweetened Greek yogurt or grass-fed yogurt.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like tarragon, parsley, or other combinations to customize the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This paleo ranch dressing is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways:
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- As a dip for raw vegetables: Carrots, celery, cucumbers, radishes, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers all pair well with this creamy dressing.
- As a dressing for salads: Drizzle it over your favorite salad for a flavorful and healthy meal.
- As a spread for sandwiches or wraps: Use it in place of regular mayonnaise for a paleo-friendly option.
- As a topping for burgers or grilled meats: Add a dollop to burgers, chicken, pork chops, or other grilled meats.
- With crispy smashed potatoes: The combination of crispy smashed potatoes and creamy ranch is a winning combination.
- Served with chicken tenders: Drizzle, dunk, or dip chicken tenders in this delicious dressing.
- In chicken salad avocado cups: A creative and delicious way to enjoy this ranch dressing.
- On Buffalo Chicken Burgers
- With Chips
Health Benefits of Ingredients
- Avocado Oil: A source of healthy fats and antioxidants.
- Coconut Milk: Provides manganese, which is essential for enzyme function, glucose and fat metabolism, and antioxidant defense.
- Herbs: Offer a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
The History of Ranch Dressing
Ranch dressing was invented by Steve Henson, who originally served it at his Hidden Valley Ranch in Santa Barbara, California. It quickly became a popular condiment and salad dressing, particularly in the United States and Canada.
Why Make Your Own?
Making your own paleo ranch dressing allows you to control the ingredients and avoid unhealthy additives found in many store-bought versions. It's also a fun and easy way to experiment with different flavors and create a dressing that perfectly suits your taste.
Read also: Paleo Diet Delivered: What You Need to Know
Read also: Paleo Mayonnaise Recipe