Healthy Homemade: Ranch Dressing
Also filed inHealthy Recipes
We love our condiments over here, but we're not too fond of the ingredients found in most of them. Coming up with healthy alternatives is a must; this healthy homemade ranch dressing is delicious and simple.
Homemade ranch dressing is an easy way to add flavor to salads, sandwiches, and other dishes. This recipe uses only natural ingredients that will nourish your body and keep you feeling great.
Are you one of those people that dips everything in ranch? We am more of a honey mustard gal when it comes to salads, but chicken wings and pizza? Ranch dressing is a must.
If you answered yes to the above question and want to feel no guilt about it, this recipe is for you! We came up with this recipe one night when we made a big ol’ salad for dinner and then realized we didn’t have the ingredients for our homemade honey mustard dressing.
Knowing that we had some homemade yogurt in the fridge and a lot of spices in the pantry, we knew we could whip something up. The whole family loved what we came up with, and it became part of the regular rotation.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup plain yogurt (we have made this with greek and plain, both delicious)
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper (or one toothpick drop of black pepper essential oil)
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 2 teaspoons of Italian seasonings
- OPTIONAL: 1 drop of lemon essential oil
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a medium-size mixing bowl.
- Stir until well combined.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
NOTE: If you prefer a thicker dressing, use Greek yogurt, and if you like it thinner, use regular yogurt
About the ingredients healthy homemade ranch dressing
Plain Yogurt
Loaded with health benefits, this healthy snack has been consumed for many years. Be sure to use plain yogurt without added sugars. We make homemade yogurt in our instant pot; find the recipe here.
- Yogurt is a probiotic-rich food, making it great for gut health and the digestive system.
- It is high in protein, vitamins, and nutrients.
- Yogurt is a good source of calcium, vitamin D, and magnesium.
Black Pepper essential oil
The black pepper essential oil is steam distilled from the dried, crushed, but not quite ripened fruit of P. nigrum. Black pepper essential oil can be used to add spice and enhance flavor in many dishes.
- Most known for its ability to enhance food flavor.
- Loaded with antioxidants, therefore, it can boost the immune system.
- Ability to help with healthy circulation throughout the body.
- Black pepper can aid digestion.
Lemon essential oil
Lemon essential oil is cold-pressed from the peel of a lemon fruit. It is a very versatile oil and one of the most popular essential oils on the market.
- It is often added to food to enhance the flavor of desserts, sides, dips, drinks, and main dishes.
- It provides cleansing effects for the body and is good for the digestive system.
- Supports healthy respiratory function.
- Uplifting oil and gives a natural energy boost.
Spices
Read your labels when purchasing spices. A lot of spices will contain dangerous adders and fillers. Be sure to buy organic! Here are ingredients you will want to stay away from:
- Monosodium Glutamate
- Soybean Oil
- Caramel Coloring
- Genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
- Gluten and dairy (This is really important to check if you have an allergy.)
Store-Bought Dressings
- Soybean oil is likely the first ingredient in any dressing or condiment you pick up off the shelf; unfortunately, it is also high up on the list of worst foods to consume. It is found in almost all processed foods, and it is commonly genetically modified (unless you are buying a product made with organic ingredients.) In addition, studies have shown that consuming vegetable oils is the leading cause of cancer and heart disease.
- You will also find added sugar on your dressing and condiment labels. With all the diet fads circulating (paleo, keto, whole 30, the list goes on), one thing is consistent; sugar is a no-go! Sugar is addicting, suppresses the immune system, and is the leading cause of obesity.
- Dressings and sauces often contain artificial food dyes. Did you know that several other countries have banned red40 food dye?! Research shows that it can cause hyperactivity in children and contains p-Cresidine, which is a carcinogen. When certain dyes were tested on mice, they caused tumors in the liver and immune system.
Among these ingredients, you will find others you will want to stay away from. It kills me to smother a healthy dish with a store-bought dressing or sauce.
But if you are a condiment lover, like me, don’t worry; this homemade ranch dressing is a healthy alternative. It makes the best dressing, sauce, and dip that pairs nicely with most meals.
Wrapping up
Plus, it’s delicious and nutritious! So if you’re looking for a healthier alternative to store-bought ranch dressing, then this homemade version is perfect for you! It has less fat, fewer calories, and no artificial flavors or preservatives.
Have you ever made your own ranch dressing? If so, leave a comment below, letting me know how it turned out! We'd love to hear from you!
And if you are looking for great meal inspiration (or recipes to douse in ranch dressing), see some of these below.
- Sausage sourdough pizza
- Southwest chicken salad
- Chicken strips (Paleo-approved)
- Chicken fajitas (whole30)
- Gluten-free taco seasoning
Follow along with our oily house:
youtube
Thanks for stopping by our oily house!
Healthy Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe
5 from 12 votesHealthy Ranch Dressing
By the studio Ascher Prep: 5 minutes minsAdditional Time: 5 minutes minsTotal: 10 minutes mins Servings: 15
SaveSaved Pin Print Make homemade ranch dressing from scratch using this easy recipe! It tastes so much better than store-bought! Ingredients
- 1 cup of plain or greek yogurt.
- ¼ tsp of black pepper
- ½ tsp of garlic powder
- 1 tsp of salt
- 1 tsp of onion powder
- 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning
- 1 drop lemon essential oil, optional
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a medium-size mixing bowl.
- Stir until well combined.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Video
Notes
If you prefer a thicker dressing, use greek yogurt, and if you like it thinner, use regular yogurt.Nutrition
Calories: 10kcal, Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 0.1g, Saturated Fat: 0.02g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g, Trans Fat: 0.001g, Cholesterol: 1mg, Sodium: 160mg, Potassium: 25mg, Fiber: 0.2g, Sugar: 0.5g, Vitamin A: 5IU, Vitamin C: 0.04mg, Calcium: 20mg, Iron: 0.1mgNutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Tried this recipe?Mention @our_oily_house or tag #ouroilyhouse!
