Ranch dressing is a popular salad dressing and dip in the United States. It’s known for its creamy, tangy flavor and goes well with salads, chicken wings, fries, and more. But what about people with dietary restrictions like gluten intolerance or veganism? Is traditional ranch dressing off-limits, or are there gluten-free and dairy-free ranch options?
What is ranch dressing?
Ranch dressing has a creamy, tangy flavor derived from mayonnaise and buttermilk. It also contains herbs like dill, garlic, onion, and parsley. Traditional ranch dressing contains the following primary ingredients:
- Mayonnaise – Made with eggs, oil, and vinegar
- Buttermilk – Made from cow’s milk
- Dried herbs like dill, parsley, garlic, onion
- Spices like black pepper, paprika
So traditional ranch dressing contains both dairy (buttermilk, mayonnaise) and gluten (from possible wheat sources in the dried herb seasoning). Buttermilk gives ranch its signature tangy flavor. Mayonnaise contributes to the creamy texture and moisture. And the blend of herbs and spices adds characteristic ranch flavor.
Is traditional ranch gluten-free?
No, traditional ranch dressing made with commercially prepared herb seasoning is typically not gluten-free. Most dry ranch seasoning mixes contain anti-caking agents that may contain gluten. Plus, other wheat-based flavors are often used in these dried herb blends.
So while ranch dressing itself does not contain wheat, barley, or rye ingredients, the addition of conventional dried ranch seasoning mixes introduces gluten. These seasonings can add maltodextrin, wheat flour, wheat starch, or other wheat-derivative ingredients as anti-caking agents.
To avoid gluten, you need to use a special gluten-free ranch seasoning blend or make your own homemade ranch dressing with certified gluten-free ingredients.
Risk of gluten cross-contamination
Even if the labeling states that a ranch dressing product is gluten-free, there is still some risk of gluten cross-contamination during manufacturing. Gluten-containing grains like wheat are common in facilities that make salad dressings and seasonings.
So people with celiac disease or extreme gluten sensitivity should use extra caution with all products made in shared facilities, even ones labeled gluten-free.
Is traditional ranch dairy-free?
No, traditional ranch dressing contains dairy ingredients like buttermilk and mayonnaise. Buttermilk gives ranch its tangy flavor and contains lactose, making it unsuitable for people with milk allergies or vegans.
Mayonnaise is an emulsion of oil, egg yolks, and vinegar or lemon juice. The egg yolks make it a dairy ingredient unsuitable for people avoiding milk proteins.
To make dairy-free ranch dressing, alternate non-dairy bases need to be used, along with dairy-free substitutes for buttermilk and mayonnaise.
Gluten-free substitutes for ranch seasoning
To make gluten-free ranch dressing, use one of these gluten-free seasoning alternatives:
- Purchase a pre-made gluten-free ranch seasoning packet.
- Make your own DIY ranch seasoning blend from scratch with certified gluten-free dried herbs.
- Use a packaged gluten-free salad dressing mix if it meets your taste and ingredient preferences.
You can also work with trusted gluten-free brands that rigorously test products and facilities for cross-contamination risks.
Gluten-free ranch seasoning options
Here are some recommended brands for gluten-free ranch seasoning:
- McCormick Gluten-Free Ranch Seasoning
- Hidden Valley Gluten Free Ranch Seasoning Mix
- Bush’s Best Original Ranch Homestyle Dip Mix (gluten-free)
- Aleia’s Gluten Free Ranch Salad Dressing & Seasoning Mix
- Mrs. Dash Ranch Seasoning (gluten-free)
Always carefully check the labels since formulations can change over time. Call the manufacturer if you have any concerns about wheat-based cross-contamination.
Make your own gluten-free ranch seasoning
For the most control, make your own gluten-free ranch seasoning blend:
- Dried parsley
- Dried dill
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Dried buttermilk powder (optional)
- Sea salt
- Black pepper
Mix the dried herbs, spices, and seasonings in your desired proportions. You can customize the flavor to your tastes. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, non-GMO, and free from wheat cross-contamination.
Dairy-free substitutes for buttermilk
To make ranch dressing dairy-free, you need to replace the buttermilk. Traditional buttermilk made from cow’s milk contains lactose and milk proteins.
Some dairy-free substitutes provide a similarly tangy flavor and texture:
- Plant-based buttermilks made from oats, soy, almonds, or coconut
- Lemon juice or apple cider vinegar mixed with non-dairy milk
- Cultured coconut milk yogurt
- Vegan sour cream
You can also use dried buttermilk powder or buttermilk ranch seasoning in your dressing made with one of these dairy-free bases.
Dairy-free buttermilk options
Some recommended dairy-free buttermilk options include:
- Silk Dairy-Free Buttermilk
- Califia Farms Cultured Vegan Buttermilk
- Nutpods Unsweetened Dairy-Free Buttermilk
- Forager Dairy-Free Organic Buttermilk
- Good Karma Dairy-Free Flaxmilk Buttermilk Blend
- Daiya Dairy-Free Buttermilk Dressing
Check for your preferred milk base, like soy, almond, oat, hemp, or coconut. Many brands make buttermilk with several non-dairy bases.
Dairy-free mayonnaise options
In traditional ranch dressing, mayonnaise provides a creamy texture and moisture. To keep the dairy-free ranch dressing thick and creamy, use one of these vegan mayonnaise replacements:
- Vegan mayonnaise – Made from plant-based oils and acids like apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- Tofu, cashew, or seed-based mayonnaise alternatives
- Avocado – Provides creamy, smooth texture
- Vegan sour cream
- Silken tofu blended with plant milk and vinegar
Look for vegan mayo made without eggs or dairy products. Or make your own egg-free mayo substitute at home.
Dairy-free mayonnaise brands
Some top-rated dairy-free mayonnaise options include:
- Just Mayo Vegan Spread – Made from canola oil and pea protein
- Nayonaise Vegan Mayo – Made from canola, peach kernel, and safflower oils
- Vegenaise Vegan Mayo – Made from expeller-pressed canola and soybean oils
- Hellmann’s Vegan Mayo – Made from soybean oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice concentrate
- Kite Hill Vegan Mayo – Made from sunflower oil and aquafaba (chickpea water)
Check labels to ensure the vegan mayo uses an unsweetened plant-based milk, like soy or almond milk. Some “mayo-style” spreads contain honey or dairy ingredients.
How to make dairy-free and gluten-free ranch dressing
Now let’s pull all the dairy-free and gluten-free ingredients together into a homemade ranch dressing recipe.
Here are step-by-step instructions for making dairy-free, gluten-free ranch dressing:
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened dairy-free buttermilk (or buttermilk substitute listed above)
- 1/2 cup dairy-free mayonnaise (or DIY tofu mayo)
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp sugar or maple syrup (optional)
- 2 Tbsp gluten-free ranch seasoning mix (store-bought or DIY recipe above)
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Whisk together the dairy-free buttermilk, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and sweetener (if using) until smooth.
- In a small bowl, combine the ranch seasoning mix, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Add the seasoning mix to the buttermilk mixture. Whisk well until thoroughly incorporated.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more lemon juice for tanginess or sweetener for balance.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for flavors to meld. Best if chilled overnight.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 1 week.
The end result is a creamy, tangy dairy-free and gluten-free ranch dressing! Use it as a salad dressing, veggie dip, chicken marinade, or for any other recipe calling for traditional ranch flavor.
Finding store-bought dairy-free and gluten-free ranch dressing
Making homemade ranch dressing allows for total control over ingredients. But if you want the convenience of store-bought, there are some dairy-free, gluten-free packaged options too.
What to look for in packaged ranch dressings
When evaluating store-bought ranch dressings, look for ones that are:
- Certified gluten-free – No wheat, barley, rye, or malt ingredients
- Dairy-free – No milk-based ingredients
- Made in a dedicated gluten-free and dairy-free facility preferred to reduce cross-contamination risks
- Free from added sugars or other unwanted ingredients like preservatives
- Transparent about sourcing and manufacturing
Also check the ingredient lists carefully every time, even for trusted brands, since formulations often change. Call the manufacturer with any questions or concerns.
Recommended brands
Some dairy-free, gluten-free ranch dressings made by reputable manufacturers include:
- Annie’s Goddess Dressing
- Brianna’s Poppy Seed Dressing
- Ken’s Steakhouse Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Tessemae’s Organic Ranch Dressing
- Primal Kitchen Greek Ranch Dressing
There are more limited options for pre-made dairy-free, gluten-free ranch dressings compared to traditional ranch. But the choices are improving as plant-based and specialty diets grow.
Ranch flavor without the dressing
What if you want the taste of ranch for seasoning, but don’t want the creamy dressing consistency? You have options beyond ranch dressing.
Dry ranch seasoning
Use gluten-free ranch seasoning on its own to add flavor to recipes without making a dressing. Sprinkle it on meats, veggies, popcorn, etc.
Ranch dip mixes
Ranch dip and dressing mixes provide concentrated ranch flavor that you mix with dairy or non-dairy bases. Options like Hidden Valley Ranch dip mixes are gluten-free and just need dairy-free buttermilk or mayo.
Ranch powder
Look for gluten-free ranch powder options as a lower-fat way to get ranch taste without the creaminess of dressing. Use ranch powder on salads, chicken tenders, veggie dishes, and more.
Ranch snacks
For a portable ranch flavor boost, packaged snacks like popcorn, nuts, and chips come in ranch flavors without using dairy and gluten ingredients. Check labels to confirm gluten and dairy-free status.
Homemade dairy-free ranch recipes
You can give all kinds of dishes and snacks a dairy-free ranch flavor boost. Try making these recipes with the homemade ranch dressing or store-bought dairy-free, gluten-free options:
Dips and spreads
- Ranch hummus – Add ranch seasoning to chickpea hummus.
- Ranch vegetable dip – Mix ranch with dairy-free Greek yogurt or vegan sour cream.
- Ranch aioli – Whisk ranch dressing into vegan mayo.
- Pizza ranch – Use it as a pizza sauce base.
Salads
- Ranch coleslaw – Toss shredded cabbage with ranch dressing.
- Ranch potato salad – Bind potato salad with ranch.
- Ranch chicken salad – Bind chopped chicken salad with ranch.
Sauces
- Ranch pasta salad dressing – Toss pasta salad with ranch.
- Baked ranch chicken – Use ranch as a sauce for baked chicken.
- Ranch chickpea bowls – Top chickpea grain bowls with ranch drizzle.
Snacks
- Ranch kale chips – Toss crispy kale chips in ranch powder.
- Ranch popcorn – Top popcorn with ranch seasoning.
- Ranch nuts – Sprinkle ranch powder on roasted nuts.
Let the creamy, herby ranch flavor enhance your favorite dairy-free, gluten-free recipes!
Frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about ranch and dietary restrictions:
Is Hidden Valley ranch gluten-free?
Hidden Valley makes a gluten-free ranch dressing option using certified gluten-free ingredients. But not all Hidden Valley products are gluten-free, so check carefully.
Does ranch have dairy?
Traditional ranch contains dairy ingredients like buttermilk and mayonnaise. To be dairy-free, it needs non-dairy substitutions for these ingredients.
Is there vegan ranch dressing?
Yes, there are many brands of vegan ranch dressing that leave out dairy and eggs. They use alternate bases like unsweetened almond or soy milk instead.
Is Kraft ranch gluten free?
No, regular Kraft ranch dressing contains gluten in the seasoning mix. Kraft does offer a gluten-free ranch dressing, but you need to check labels to find it.
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
To replace buttermilk in ranch dressing, good dairy-free options include non-dairy buttermilks, lemon juice mixed with non-dairy milk, cultured coconut yogurt, and vegan sour cream.
Is Hellmann’s mayo gluten free?
Most Hellmann’s mayonnaise is labeled gluten-free, though some flavors do contain gluten. Always verify by carefully reading labels since formulations vary.
The bottom line
While traditional ranch dressing does contain gluten and dairy, you have many options to make or buy gluten-free and dairy-free ranch dressings. With the right homemade blend or store-bought brand, you can still enjoy the rich, tangy ranch flavor regardless of dietary needs. Just opt for oil-based vegan mayonnaise, non-dairy buttermilk alternatives, and certified gluten-free herbs. Then use your ranch to add flavor to salads, chicken, veggie dips, and more without risking gluten or dairy exposure.