Homemade ranch dressing (keto, low carb)
This homemade keto ranch dressing is easy to make in just a few minutes, using fresh ingredients and minimal carbs.
Enjoy its creamy texture and fresh herb flavor as a salad dressing, veggie dip, or sauce for your favorite meats.
It’s a delicious and healthy way to add a creamy touch to your keto meals.
The recipe requires:
10 Ingredients
Active cooking time: 5 minutes
Total cooking time: 5 minutes
Table of Contents
Why you will love this!
- Smooth & creamy texture
- Bursting with vibrant herb flavor
- Ready in 5 minutes
- Low in carbs, ideal for a keto diet
- Made with simple and fresh ingredients
- Versatile: dress, dip, or drizzle on anything!
Keto Ranch Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
To make a homemade ranch dressing you’ll need these simple ingredients:
Creamy base:
- Sour Cream or Greek yogurt (full fat, 10%) – the base of the ranch.
- Mayonaisse – Opt for low-carb options with minimal added sugar or make your own homemade mayo with avocado oil or olive oil for complete control and a healthier option.
- Heavy Cream– add this last to adjust the thickness of your dressing. Alternatively, you can use almond milk.
Ranch seasoning:
- Fresh Dill
- Fresh Parsley
- Fresh Chives
- Garlic clove, grated/pressed
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper– freshly ground
- Lemon Juice – freshly squeezed. You can also use apple cider vinegar.
Ingredients variations and substitutions:
Fresh herbs give the best flavor, but you can substitute them with dried herbs when needed. Use 1 teaspoon of dried dill, parsley, and chives for each tablespoon of fresh herbs and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for fresh garlic.
Equipment
- Cutting board and a knife
- A small bowl or mason jar
- A small whisk or fork
Instructions
In a bowl or a jar combine mayonnaise and sour cream.
Finely chop the fresh herbs and press/grate the garlic.
Add herbs to the jar, then add lemon juice. Season with salt and black pepper.
Mix well, until the ingredients are combined. Now, if you want the ranch dressing to be thick and you are planning to use it as a dip, cover it and leave it in a fridge for at least 30 minutes.
If you’re using the ranch as a salad dressing, then add heavy cream to loosen it up, stirring vigorously. Add as much cream as you need until you get the desired consistency.
Tips for the best results
- Use fresh herbs whenever possible: Fresh herbs like chives, parsley, and dill pack a punch of flavor compared to dried ones.
- High-quality sour cream: Opt for full-fat sour cream for a richer taste, and thicker texture, and lower carb count.
- Balance the tanginess: Taste your dressing as you go and adjust the amount of lemon juice or vinegar for the desired level of tanginess.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes: This allows the flavors to meld and the dressing to thicken up.
- Adjust the consistency: If your dressing is too thick, add a splash of heavy cream or nut milk to thin it out.
- Seasoning is key: Taste as you go and adjust salt, pepper, and other seasonings to your preference.
How to use low carb ranch dressing?
Ranch dressing is a versatile and delicious way to elevate any dish, here are some of my favorite ways to use it:
Salad Dressing: the classic use for ranch dressing is as a salad dressing. You can toss it with your favorite greens, vegetables, and toppings for a delicious meal or use it in some of these keto salads:
Veggie Dip: Dip fresh vegetables like carrots, cauliflower florets, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or cucumber slices for a satisfying snack or party platter addition. Pair low-carb ranch with other keto dips like this roasted eggplant dip and feta dip.
Sauce: Drizzle ranch dressing over chicken, steak, or baked salmon for a flavorful finishing touch.
Chicken wings or chicken nuggets/strips: A classic pairing for a game night or casual gathering. Here are some low-carb recipes to try:
Marinade: Marinate chicken breasts, pork chops, or steak for a flavorful and tender result.
FAQ
How to store keto ranch dressing?
Store ranch dressing in an airtight container/glass jar for up to 5 days in the fridge.
How to reduce calories in the ranch dressing?
This version of the ranch dressing is already lower in calories than others because it uses less mayo.
If you want to reduce calories even further, reduce the amount of mayonnaise or skip it completely and use more sour cream/ Greek yogurt instead. Also, add more of the vinegar/lemon juice to add the tanginess. Additionally, use almond milk instead of heavy cream.
Why should I use homemade ranch instead of store-bought?
When making low-carb ranch at home, you’ll have complete control over ingredients, avoiding hidden sugars and potentially inflammatory seed oils often found in store-bought options. Plus, fresh herbs add a vibrant flavor without preservatives.
Nutritional Information
Ranch dressing: nutritional information
Servings: 10 tablespoons
Total carbohydrate 0.9 g
Dietary fiber 0 g
Total sugars 0.3 g
Net carbs 0.9 g
Total fat 7.3 g
Saturated fat 2.4 g
Cholesterol 12 mg
Sodium 48 mg
Potassium 13 mg
Calcium 17 mg
Disclaimer: The nutritional value provided is based on general information and should not be considered as a substitute for professional dietary advice or medical guidance. The values are derived from reputable sources, such as food databases or nutritional labels, but there may be variations in nutrient content depending on factors such as brand, preparation methods, and serving sizes.
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Ranch dressing
Ingredients
- 6 tbsp. (90 g) Sour cream/ Greek yogurt (full fat 10%)
- 4 tbsp. (60 g) Mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp. (30 g) Heavy cream*
- 1-2 tsp. Lemon juice
Ranch seasoning
- 1 tbsp. Fresh Dill, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp. Parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp. Fresh Chives (optional), finely chopped
- 1 Garlic clove, pressed or grated
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste