This homemade vegan BBQ ranch dressing is easy to make from scratch using raw whole cashews, herbs, spices and a few different sauces. Perfect with vegetables, in salads or as a dip.
What is Vegan BBQ Cashew Ranch Dressing?
It is a ranch dressing that doesnt contain any dairy and is made with whole cashews that have been pre-soaked and blended with herbs, spices, tomato paste, chili powder and Worcestershire sauce.
This variation of ranch dressing is naturally gluten-free.
It is easily stored in an air-tight container in the fridge for approximately seven days.
😋Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in minutes
- Tastes delicious and can be used as a dressing/sauce or even a dip
- 100% all-natural using ingredients that can be adjusted to suit your liking
- Dietary friendly - vegan, gluten-free, corn-free, soy-free and oil-free
✔️Ingredients You’ll Need
The complete list of ingredients with measurements, can be found in the full recipe card below.
Use my vegan ranch seasoning mix with this recipe (linked in the card below), this seasoning forms the foundation of flavors in this dressing. I always try and have a batch of this seasoning ready in my pantry.
Raw whole cashews will need to be soaked overnight in water which will help to soften them for blending into the creamy sauce. Some of the water from soaking will be used also.
Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar is great for brightening and adding a twang to this dressing.
Tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce are a key flavorings, not recommended to leave these out
Liquid smoke gives an amazing smokey taste which is perfect for that BBQ taste, you can purchase liquid smoke here, however, this ingredient can be left out.
Red hot chili powder can be used in the amount your desire, a little goes a long way. I find a ¼ of a teaspoon is the right amount.
Paprika you can use either hot or sweet paprika, both will add a lovely color brightness along with flavoring.
Maple syrup helps to cut through the vinegar, only a small amount is needed to balance out this dressing.
🥄How To Make Vegan BBQ Ranch Dressing
Step 1 - Overnight soak the whole raw cashews in double the amount of water.
Step 2 - Add soaked cashews, ¾ cup of the soaking water, vegan ranch seasoning, and all other ingredients to a food processor. Blend on high until creamy. Taste test and make any adjustments to suit your taste. Pour into a jar and store in the fridge for up to one week.
⭐ Pro Tips
Using a high-powered blender will help ensure the cashews turn creamy and have minimal graininess.
I like to blend mine on the puree setting. I blend it around 5-6 times (about 5-6 minutes plus in between breaks) and scrape down the sides in between each blend.
🌿Variations
Dried dill or thyme can also be added to this dressing.
Vinegar can be replaced with additional freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Omit the BBQ flavoring and just have it as a cashew ranch dressing.
🥄Serving Suggestions
My family loves this ranch dressing with;
Roasted, boiled, or steamed veggies
With pasta chips made in an air fryer
These deliciously easy 4-ingredient corn fritters.
❓FAQ
Yes, there are a couple of ways to do this. Replace the cashews with blended silken tofu or with a combination of dairy-free plain yogurt and eggless mayonnaise.
🍲Related Recipes
Want more creamy dressings? Check out my vegan pesto sauce with avocado and no oil.
You might also like this cilantro lime avocado dressing.
Or here's a list of vegan dressings for salads to bookmark.
Did you make this? I'd love to know! Leave me a comment below with a ★★★★★ star rating or tag @plantbasedfolk on social media.
Recipe
Vegan BBQ Ranch Dressing With Cashews
Ingredients
- 1 cup Cashews raw
- 2 cups Water
- 1 tablespoons Dry ranch seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon Maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Vinegar
- ½ tablespoon Tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon Liquid smoke
- ½ teaspoon Ground paprika
- ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon Ground hot chili
Instructions
- Soak cashews overnight in water, can be left at room temperature.
- Add strained cashews and ¾ cup of the soaking water into a high speed food processor. Blend until creamy, scraping down the sides in between blends. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Video
Notes
Equipment
Nutrition
N.B., nutrition info is an estimate based on an online nutrition calculator. This will vary based on the specific ingredients you use.
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