After trying this keto sugar-free ranch dressing, you'll never return to the bottled stuff again! It only takes minutes to make, uses ingredients you probably already have on hand, and tastes better than anything you could find at the store.
I always opt to make home salad dressings because the ones at the store typically have added sugar, unhealthy oils, and preservatives. Plus, homemade tastes SO much better!
I've noticed that some ranch dressings I've tried (storebought and homemade) are good but have an "off" taste. But I'll give you the tips and tricks to ensure that this dressing has no "off" taste and is perfectly ranch-y (if that's a word!).
This is one of my go-to dressings, along with this Keto Caesar Dressing and Balsamic Vinaigrette!
Dressing or dip
Aside from serving with a salad, such as this Chicken Taco Salad and Wedge Taco Salad, it also works well in recipes such as these Chicken Ranch Tacos or a variety of other casseroles and recipes.
It also doubles as a low-carb dip for chopped veggies and recipes such as these buffalo wings!
To use as a dip, simply do not thin it out so it's a bit thicker.
Buttermilk
Typically, homemade ranch dressing is made with buttermilk or buttermilk powder. However, buttermilk is a bit high in carbs, coming in at 12 grams of sugar per cup!
While the carb count is relatively low after it's distributed throughout the whole recipe, today we're making a sugar-free ranch dressing recipe!
Plus, buttermilk isn't an ingredient people usually keep on hand. Another one of the reasons I love this recipe so much is that by making homemade buttermilk, I always have the needed ingredients. That way, I can make low-carb ranch anytime the craving hits!
To replace the buttermilk, we're adding vinegar to the mixture to replicate the tang and thinning the ranch with water.
It may seem unusual to use water instead of almond milk (cow's milk has too many carbs!), but I've found that pure, filtered water tastes the best in this recipe.
Sometimes the non-dairy milk can lend a slight aftertaste making it taste just a little "off".
The mayonnaise
For this recipe, be sure to use a very mild-tasting real mayonnaise. While you can use any mild-tasting mayo you prefer, I recommend my Homemade No-Fail Whole30 Mayo.
I also really like Soy-Free Veganaise and Sir Kensington because they have a very mild taste and clean ingredients. However, they have added sugar so while they are keto, it wouldn't technically be a completely sugar-free recipe.
💭 Top Tip: Be sure to use a very mild-tasting real mayonnaise for the best taste.
Note: I've tried some of the Primal/Paleo-approved mayos for this recipe and they leave a strong aftertaste that doesn't taste well in this recipe, so I don't recommend them.
Ingredients
Here are the easy ingredients:
- Mayonnaise - Be sure to use very mild-tasting mayonnaise.
- Sour Cream - Reduces the mayo taste and makes it rich and creamy.
- Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar - Adds tang similar to buttermilk.
- Garlic, Onion, Dill, Salt, Pepper, And Parsley - Classic ranch seasonings.
- Filtered Water - As needed to thin.
🔪 Easy instructions
- Stir together all of the ingredients in a storage bowl with a lid.
- Thin with water as needed.
- Cover and place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Storage instructions
This keto ranch dip or dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for 5 to 7 days.
Frequently asked questions
To turn this recipe into a 1:1 replacement for a packet of keto dry ranch seasoning, omit the mayo, sour cream, and vinegar. Then, use the following seasonings: 2 Tbsp. Dried Parsley, 1 tsp. Garlic Powder, 1 tsp. Onion Powder, ½ tsp. Sea Salt, ¼ tsp. Dried Dill, ¼ tsp. Black Pepper. Mix together and use in any recipe calling for a packet of dry ranch seasoning.
Even though ranch dressing has some added sugar, it still only has around 2 carbs per 2 Tablespoons making it keto-friendly. However, the store-bought variety is considered 'dirty keto' because it usually contains unhealthy oils and hidden sugars and additives.
To make this recipe dairy-free, replace the sour cream with coconut cream. For coconut cream, place a can of full-fat canned coconut milk in the fridge for 24 hours, then scoop out the cream. I only recommend using Thai Kitchen, Sprouts, and Native Forest brands. Other brands may not separate well or leave an aftertaste. If the coconut cream is too hard to stir, place it in a small bowl and pop it in the microwave for a few seconds, or just until soft but not melted.
To make this recipe paleo and whole30, use the dairy-free option above along with a paleo and whole30-compliant mayo.
💭 Top tips
- The mayo you choose is VERY important - it will make or break the recipe! Be sure to use a very mild-tasting real mayonnaise for the best taste. I recommend my Easy Homemade Mayo Recipe. Veganaise and Sir Kensington are also good choices.
- When thinning out the low-carb ranch dressing, I recommend using filtered water. Sometimes non-dairy milk can lend a slight aftertaste making it taste just a little "off"
Looking for more keto recipes?
I think you'll love these...
Or this Sriracha Aioli from Lynn's Way Of Life and this Keto Creamy French Dressing from My Life Cookbook look super yummy too!
If you've tried this Keto Sugar-Free Ranch Dressing Or Dip please let me know what you think in the comments below!
Craving more? FOLLOW ME on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, or E-Mail to find more delicious food!
📖 Recipe
Best Keto Sugar-Free Ranch Dressing Or Dip
Ingredients
- ¾ Cup Mild-Tasting Mayonnaise
- ¼ Cup Sour Cream
- ½ teaspoon Sea Salt
- ½ tsp. Garlic Powder
- 1 ½ tablespoon Dried Parsley or 4 tablespoon Chopped Fresh Parsley
- ½ tsp. Onion Powder
- ¼ tsp. Dried Dill
- 1 ½ tsp. Distilled White Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar
- ¼ tsp. Ground Black Pepper
- Filtered Water - as needed to thin
Instructions
- Note: Before starting, be sure to taste your mayo. If it has an aftertaste, it will come through in the ranch and ruin it, so you choose a different brand. Combine all ingredients except the water in a medium-sized container with a lid and mix together gently. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. If it tastes "flat", it needs more salt. Then, add filtered water as needed to thin.
- Cover and chill at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Store covered in the fridge for 5 to 7 days.
Add Your Own Notes
Notes
- The 1 gram of sugar is from the natural sugar found in sour cream.
- The mayo you choose is VERY important - it will make or break the recipe! Be sure to use a very mild-tasting real mayonnaise for the best taste. I recommend my Easy Homemade Mayo Recipe or Veganaise - even if you aren't vegan because it has such a great taste!
- When thinning out the low-carb ranch dressing, I recommend using filtered water. Sometimes non-dairy milk can lend a slight aftertaste making it taste just a little "off".
- To turn this recipe into a 1:1 replacement for a packet of keto dry ranch seasoning, omit the mayo, sour cream, and vinegar. Then, use the following seasonings: 2 Tbsp. Dried Parsley, 1 tsp. Garlic Powder, 1 tsp. Onion Powder, ½ tsp. Sea Salt, ¼ tsp. Dried Dill, ¼ tsp. Black Pepper. Mix together and use in any recipe calling for a packet of dry ranch seasoning.
- See the post above to make this recipe dairy-free, paleo, and/or whole30.
Nutrition
NET CARBS = Total Carbs - Fiber - Allulose - Xylitol
Nutritional information is approximate and may vary. Sugar alcohols, xylitol, and allulose are included in the total carbs and fiber.
Looking for more information on the keto diet? Check out my
Katelyn Adkins says
What can I use in place of coconut cream? I’m allergic to coconuts 🙁
Cassidy Stauffer says
If you can eat dairy, you can replace it with sour cream. If not, maybe you could find a coconut-free sour cream replacement at the health food store? Sorry I couldn't be of more help!
XO,
Cassidy
Paulina says
This dressing was perfect! I used sour cream instead of coconut cream, apple cider vinegar and omitted the parsley, mainly because I forgot it. Once I thinned it down, it was amazing on my keto taco salad!
Cassidy Stauffer says
Oh, thank you!!! I'm so happy you liked it 😍
XO,
Cassidy
Kate says
Thank you so much for this recipe. I omitted the vinegar and water this made my day and used sour cream as i find coconut cream is not my first choice of creams. I couldn’t be happier. Thank you very much!!!!!
Cassidy Stauffer says
Thank you, Kate - I'm SO excited you liked it 😀
-Cassidy
tj says
my wife and i are trying the whole30 plan. tonight, i followed this recipe along with the homemade mayo. first of all, i am a huge ranch dressing fan and i was quite skeptical at first. let me just say how amazing it turned out. i can't wait for my wife to try it!
Cassidy Stauffer says
Oh YAY ty!!!
I'm so happy you like it! I make this recipe every single Wednesday, it's one of our favorites 🙂
I hope your whole30 goes well! We do a whole30 once or twice and year so I have an entire section of whole30 recipes if you're interested 🙂
-Cassidy
Jen says
New to Whole30 (9 days in) and came across your blog. Not only did I make your olive oil mayo (first time ever making homemade mayo) I coupled it with making this ranch. I am in love! I am such a ranch fan and This is just awesome. I’ve been a little bored per se eating plain veggies as a snack and this willl hell for a few days. Awesome!
Cassidy Stauffer says
Oh YAY I'm so happy you like them!!! Yeah, I don't think I could make it through a whole30 without ranch - I'm obsessed, lol!!!
-Cassidy
Gavin says
Best ranch dressing I've ever had. We ordered wings the other day, and I had my wife make this dressing instead of using the restaurant's ranch.
Amanda says
This is the only ranch dressing we use! I make it every single week, and it goes on everything we eat. Love it!
Michelle says
Hi! I made this ranch During my whole30 ( with your mayo) and it pretty much got me through it! Not only that I’m still making it to this day, rather than buying from store. My Bf loves it too ? thank you so much!
Cassidy Stauffer says
Oh thanks Michelle, I'm so excited you liked it!!! I'm currently doing a whole30 and am making a double batch of this every week! I'm happy you like it as much as we do 🙂
-Cassidy
Jessica says
You wonderful person! I made the mayo last night. I do not like avocado mayo. I made the ranch this morning before work. I had to omit the coconut cream because I didnt have any. I tasted the ranch tonight. O M G!!! It tastes like ranch!! Thank you thank you!
Cassidy says
YAY Jessica!!! Yeah, I don't really like the avocado mayo either - it has a strong aftertaste, especially if you're using it for ranch. I've been making a double batch of this ranch recipe every Wednesday for years and it's still a family favorite! I'm so happy you liked it too ?
-Cassidy
Karen McSheffrey says
Did you replace the coconut cream with anything else, like almond milk? I do not like coconut, so I will not use it either.
Thank you...
Cassidy says
Hi Karen, you could replace it with sour cream or a dairy free sour cream. If you use a store-bought dairy free sour cream, be sure you like it and there's no aftertaste as it will affect the taste of the ranch 🙂 I hope this helps!!!
-Cassidy
Rachel says
I'm excited to try this ranch recipe. But does it have a strong coconut flavor? My family's cannot stand the taste of coconut (we've all tried to love it). I usually substitute homemade almond milk for coconut milk but I understand we need to use something thicker, a cream. So wondering if the 1/4 cup is an overpowering coconut flavor? Or something mild we could try to deal with?
Thank you,
Rachel
Cassidy says
Hi Rachel, as long as you use the recommended brands (thai kitchen, sprouts, or native forest) there shouldn't be an aftertaste. These brands are very neutral. If you don't want to use coconut cream though, you can use any dairy-free sour cream recipe as a substitute. I've also used plain non-dairy yogurt and that worked well. Of course, any substitutions you make will slightly alter the flavor so you may need to adjust the seasonings to your liking when making substitutions and choose something with an extremely mild flavor so it doesn't alter the ranch flavor too much. Hope this helps!!
-Cassidy
Christina Turner says
What's the shelve life?
Cassidy says
Hi Christina, this dressing will last for one week after your eggs expire 🙂
-Cassidy
Michelle Jones says
So delicious! Used your homemade mayo recipe and saw the link to this. Again, best recipe I've tried. Can't wait to make more of your recipes!
Angela says
Made this ranch dressing the other day - it's the BOMB!! Very delicious! Had to exercise self-control to not drink it! 🙂 Thanks for the recipe! I will be making it often! 🙂
Cassidy says
Thanks Angela! I love this ranch too and make it every single week!!!