Introduction
If you’re following a keto or low-carb diet, finding flavorful, versatile condiments can sometimes be challenging. Store-bought dressings often contain hidden sugars and unhealthy additives that can throw you off track. Enter Keto Ranch Dressing—a creamy, tangy, and utterly delicious dressing that will elevate your salads, veggies, and even grilled meats to the next level.
This homemade keto ranch dressing is not only incredibly easy to make but also far tastier and healthier than anything you’ll find on the shelves. Made with simple ingredients like mayonnaise, sour cream, and fresh herbs, it’s the perfect addition to your keto meal plan. Whether you need something quick for lunch, a dip for snacks, or a salad dressing for dinner, this recipe is a must-try!
Ingredients and Tools Needed
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise (preferably sugar-free and made with avocado oil)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup heavy cream (adjust for desired thickness)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice for a more tangy flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried dill (or 2 teaspoons fresh dill)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 2 teaspoons fresh parsley)
- 1 teaspoon dried chives (or 2 teaspoons fresh chives)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground is best)
- Optional: ½ teaspoon smoked paprika for a subtle smokiness
Tools
- Mixing bowl (preferably medium-sized)
- Whisk or fork for mixing
- Measuring spoons for precise ingredient portions
- Spatula for scraping down the sides of the bowl
- Airtight container for storing your ranch dressing in the fridge
How to Prepare Keto Ranch Dressing
Step 1: Gather and Measure Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all the ingredients listed above. The key to creating the perfect keto ranch dressing is precision, so be sure to measure out each ingredient carefully. Having everything prepared in advance will make the process smooth and efficient.
Step 2: Mix the Base Ingredients
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add 1 cup of mayonnaise, ½ cup of sour cream, and ¼ cup of heavy cream. These ingredients form the creamy base of your dressing. Using a whisk or fork, stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. The mayonnaise provides richness, the sour cream adds tang, and the heavy cream helps thin out the dressing to your desired consistency.
At this stage, you can adjust the thickness depending on how you plan to use the dressing. If you want a thicker consistency (ideal for dips), reduce the amount of heavy cream. If you prefer a thinner dressing for salads, you might want to add a touch more heavy cream. The consistency is entirely up to you!
Step 3: Add the Herbs and Seasonings
Once your base is smooth, it’s time to bring in the flavor! Add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice if you prefer a citrusy kick). Follow this with 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder, which give the dressing its signature ranch taste.
Next, toss in your dried herbs—1 teaspoon of dried dill, 1 teaspoon of dried parsley, and 1 teaspoon of dried chives. These herbs add a lovely earthiness and depth of flavor. If you have fresh herbs on hand, you can swap the dried versions with fresh ones; just remember to double the quantity (i.e., use 2 teaspoons of fresh dill, parsley, and chives).
Season the mixture with ½ teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. For a bit of extra flair, you can also add ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika, which will lend a subtle smoky undertone that pairs beautifully with grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
Step 4: Whisk Until Smooth
Now, using your whisk or fork, mix all the ingredients together thoroughly. You want to ensure that the herbs and seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the dressing. Depending on the thickness of your mayonnaise and sour cream, you may need to continue whisking for about 1-2 minutes to achieve a smooth and creamy texture.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust
Once the mixture is smooth, take a moment to taste the dressing. This is your opportunity to fine-tune the flavors to your liking. If you prefer a bit more acidity, add a little more apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. For a more herbaceous flavor, sprinkle in more fresh or dried herbs. Adjust the salt and pepper to suit your taste buds as well.
Step 6: Chill and Store
After you’ve adjusted the seasoning, transfer the dressing into an airtight container. Let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more cohesive and delicious dressing.
Once chilled, your keto ranch dressing is ready to enjoy! It will keep in the fridge for up to one week, so you can make a batch ahead of time and use it throughout the week. Simply give it a stir before each use.
Nutritional Values (Per Serving)
This keto ranch dressing recipe makes about 8 servings, with each serving being approximately 2-3 tablespoons. Here’s the nutritional breakdown for one serving:
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 220mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 1g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 1g
This dressing is low in carbs and high in healthy fats, making it the perfect addition to a ketogenic diet.
Notes
- Consistency Adjustments: If your dressing is too thick, you can thin it out by adding more heavy cream or a splash of water. Conversely, to thicken it, reduce the heavy cream or add more mayonnaise.
- Fresh vs Dried Herbs: While dried herbs work perfectly in this recipe, fresh herbs will give your dressing a more vibrant flavor. Be sure to use double the amount of fresh herbs if substituting.
- Storage: Store your ranch dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. If the dressing separates slightly, just give it a good stir before using.
- Dairy-Free Option: To make this dressing dairy-free, you can substitute the sour cream and heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream or a dairy-free sour cream alternative. The flavor will change slightly, but it will still be delicious and keto-friendly.
Conclusion
This Keto Ranch Dressing is the ultimate creamy, flavorful, and low-carb condiment that you can whip up in just minutes. It’s perfect for all occasions—whether you’re drizzling it over a fresh salad for lunch, using it as a dip for veggies during snack time, or spooning it over grilled chicken for dinner. Plus, it’s a healthier alternative to store-bought dressings, as it’s free from unwanted sugars, preservatives, and other additives.
Once you try this homemade keto ranch dressing, you’ll never go back to the bottled kind again! It’s versatile, customizable, and—most importantly—delicious. Enjoy it throughout the week, and feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to make it your own.
