Vegan pink sauce ranch dressing drizzled on a fresh salad

Vegan Pink Sauce Ranch Dressing That’ll Brighten Your Meals

ByJOHN
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Why Make This Recipe

Vegan Pink Sauce Ranch Dressing is a delightful and vibrant addition to any meal. Whether you’re drizzling it over a fresh salad, using it as a dip for veggies, or spreading it on your favorite sandwich, this dressing not only adds flavor, but it also brings a pop of color to your plate. Plus, it’s dairy-free and made with wholesome ingredients, making it a great choice for vegans and those looking to cut down on dairy.

Creating your own salad dressings at home can be rewarding and allows you to customize flavors to suit your taste. This particular ranch dressing combines the rich texture of cashews with the tartness of vinegar and lemon juice, balanced by the sweetness of dragon fruit. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to whip up a batch of this creamy, pink sauce that is not only pleasing to the eyes but also incredibly tasty.

This Vegan Pink Sauce Ranch Dressing is a great alternative to store-bought dressings that may contain preservatives and artificial flavors. By making it at home, you control all the ingredients. Additionally, it’s versatile enough for a variety of dishes, from salads and wraps to burgers and pasta—making any meal feel vibrant and special.

How to Make Vegan Pink Sauce Ranch Dressing

Making Vegan Pink Sauce Ranch Dressing is simple, and you’ll need a few key ingredients. Most of them are pantry staples, and others can be found in any grocery store. The biggest secret to the pink color is the use of dragon fruit, which not only adds that beautiful hue but also brings a subtle sweetness to the dressing.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Raw cashews (Soaked for 30 minutes)
  • 1 cup Unsweetened plant milk (Almond or oat milk recommended)
  • ⅔ cup Dragon fruit (Use red-fleshed variety for best results)
  • 2 tablespoons White vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Maple syrup (Optional, adjust based on sweetness)
  • 1 clove Garlic (Pre-chopped can save time)
  • ½ teaspoon Salt (Adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon Chili powder (Adjust to spice preference)
  • ½ teaspoon Onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh dill (Chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon Chives (Chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon Parsley (Chopped)

Directions:

  1. Soak the Cashews: Start by soaking the raw cashews in water for about 30 minutes. This softens them and makes them easier to blend into a creamy consistency.

  2. Prepare Dragon Fruit: While the cashews are soaking, take your red-fleshed dragon fruit and chop it into small pieces. You’ll need ⅔ cup of this fruit.

  3. Combine Ingredients: After the cashews have soaked, drain and rinse them. In a blender, combine the soaked cashews, unsweetened plant milk, dragon fruit, white vinegar, lemon juice, maple syrup (if using), garlic, salt, chili powder, onion powder, dill, chives, and parsley.

  4. Blend Until Smooth: Blend on high until the mixture is creamy and smooth. If the dressing is too thick, you may add a bit more plant milk until you reach your desired consistency.

  5. Taste and Adjust: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, lemon juice, or maple syrup based on your personal preference.

  6. Transfer to a Jar: Once everything is blended and seasoned to your liking, transfer the dressing into a clean jar or an airtight container.

  7. Chill: It’s best to let the dressing chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and enhances the creaminess.

How to Serve Vegan Pink Sauce Ranch Dressing

Vegan Pink Sauce Ranch Dressing serves as a wonderful addition to many dishes. You can use it to:

  • Dress Salads: Drizzle it over a garden salad filled with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and any other veggies you enjoy. It adds color and flavor without overpowering the salad.

  • Dip for Veggies: Serve it as a dip alongside fresh veggies like carrots, bell peppers, celery sticks, or anything crunchy. It’s a fun and tasty way to enjoy your vegetables, especially for kids.

  • Spread on Sandwiches and Wraps: Use it as a spread on sandwiches and wraps. It adds a creamy layer that ups the flavor of your favorite fillings.

  • Burger Topping: Pour it over veggie burgers or grilled portobellos for an extra burst of flavor.

  • Pasta Sauce: Even as a pasta dressing, this pink ranch sauce could work wonders. Toss it with cooked pasta and chopped vegetables for a quick pasta salad.

How to Store Vegan Pink Sauce Ranch Dressing

For storage, place the Vegan Pink Sauce Ranch Dressing in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It should last for about 5 to 7 days when stored properly.

Tips for Storing:

  • If you notice the dressing thickens after a few days, you can thin it out by whisking in a little bit of water or additional plant milk.

Tips to Make Vegan Pink Sauce Ranch Dressing

  1. Choose the Right Cashews: Make sure to use raw cashews. Roasted or salted cashews will change the flavor profile, making it less ranch-like.

  2. Adjust the Sweetness: The maple syrup is optional. If you prefer a more savory dressing, feel free to skip it or use just a small amount.

  3. Experiment with Herbs: If you don’t have fresh dill, chives, or parsley, feel free to substitute dried herbs or use other fresh herbs that you enjoy.

  4. Make It Spicier: For those who enjoy a kick, add a bit more chili powder or a dash of hot sauce to heat things up.

  5. Use a High-Speed Blender: To achieve that creamy texture, a high-speed blender works best. If you only have a regular blender, blend the cashews first before adding the other ingredients.

Variation

While the Vegan Pink Sauce Ranch Dressing is delicious as is, you can try some variations to reflect your taste preferences:

  1. Smoky Flavor: Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky ranch dressing that pairs great with BBQ dishes.

  2. Basil Twist: Replace the dill with fresh basil for an Italian take on the dressing, perfect for pasta salads.

  3. Creamy Avocado: Blend in half an avocado for an even creamier and richer dressing.

  4. Cilantro Lime Ranch: Swap parsley and dill for fresh cilantro and add lime juice instead of lemon juice for a refreshing twist on the traditional ranch flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of plant milk?
Yes! While almond and oat milk are recommended, you can use any unsweetened plant milk you prefer, such as soy, coconut, or rice milk.

2. Is it necessary to soak the cashews?
Soaking the cashews makes them easier to blend and yields a smoother, creamier dressing. If you’re short on time, you can use a high-powered blender to make it without soaking, but the texture may not be as creamy.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dressing keeps well in the refrigerator for about 5 to 7 days. Making it ahead can save you time during busy weekdays.

By incorporating this Vegan Pink Sauce Ranch Dressing into your meals, you will surely brighten up your dining experience with its vibrant color and delightful flavors! Enjoy your cooking, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different ways of using this versatile dressing!

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Vegan Pink Sauce Ranch Dressing

Print Recipe

A delightful and vibrant vegan ranch dressing made with cashews and dragon fruit, perfect for salads, dips, and sandwiches.

  • Author: hbibamine1980
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dressing
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: Vegan
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup Raw cashews (Soaked for 30 minutes)
  • 1 cup Unsweetened plant milk (Almond or oat milk recommended)
  • ⅔ cup Dragon fruit (Use red-fleshed variety for best results)
  • 2 tablespoons White vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Maple syrup (Optional, adjust based on sweetness)
  • 1 clove Garlic (Pre-chopped can save time)
  • ½ teaspoon Salt (Adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon Chili powder (Adjust to spice preference)
  • ½ teaspoon Onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh dill (Chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon Chives (Chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon Parsley (Chopped)

Instructions

  1. Soak the cashews in water for about 30 minutes.
  2. Chop the red-fleshed dragon fruit into small pieces.
  3. Drain and rinse the soaked cashews.
  4. In a blender, combine the soaked cashews, unsweetened plant milk, dragon fruit, white vinegar, lemon juice, maple syrup, garlic, salt, chili powder, onion powder, dill, chives, and parsley.
  5. Blend on high until creamy and smooth, adjusting with more plant milk if too thick.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Transfer the dressing into a clean jar or airtight container.
  8. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5 to 7 days. If dressing thickens, whisk in a bit more plant milk or water.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 9g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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