It’s time to make processed, store-bought, dairy-free ranch dressings a thing of the past. My Spicy Tahini Ranch Dressing is full of real, simple ingredients (including my beloved tahini) to create the dairy-free ranch dressing that dreams are made of. Whether you’re eating this on a salad, with some chopped-up veggies, or even by the spoonful (we won’t judge!) this recipe packs a punch, and is sure to satisfy your spice-seeking taste buds.
Friends, if you’ve been here before, then it’s no secret that I love tahini. In fact, I love it so much, that some of my most popular recipes center around it. From my viral Life Changing Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies, to my Ultimate Kale Salad with Creamy Tahini Dressing, to even my Spicy Tofu Tahini Noodles, it is my mission to show the world just how delicious and versatile tahini can be. I’m just kidding, but if I could be the official spokesperson for all the world’s tahini, I would!
So when I spent a day, in my kitchen, trying to create the *perfect* dairy-free ranch, this oh-so-special ingredient immediately came to mind. And lo and behold… with the help of tahini, this recipe came together so easily.
If you’re new to the world of dairy-free, then perhaps you’re wondering how ranch dressing can be made without the milk. After all, the epitome of ranch dressing is a creamy, milky dip, traditionally made of buttermilk. But in this recipe, it’s the tahini that truly brings out the creaminess! Don’t ask me how it works – it just does!
What You Need to Make This Creamy, Dairy-Free Ranch Dressing
All you need are a few ingredients (mostly spices!) to make this delicious Spicy Tahini Ranch Dressing. The best part is, these are almost entirely pantry staples, which means that this recipe is super easy to whip up on a whim!
- Tahini: As I mentioned, tahini is truly the star of this recipe. I personally love my Soom Foods tahini, but if you can’t get your hands on that one, then I recommend either the Sprouts brand or Whole Foods brand tahinis!
- Lemon Juice: Lemon juice adds the perfect amount of acidity to this recipe, just like mayo or vinegar would in a more traditional ranch recipe!
- Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard adds the perfect amount of “tang” – don’t question it, just do it!
- Spices: In this recipe, we’ll be using dried parsley, dried chives, dried dill, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, sea salt, and cracked black pepper. Yum!
- Water: The water will help to thin out the dressing, so that it reaches the perfect consistency.
How To Make This Simple and Easy Dressing
Making this ranch dressing could not be any easier! Simply add all of your ingredients to a large bowl (minus the water) and mix until they’re fully combined. Then, as you’re stirring, slowly add-in the water. If you like a thicker ranch dressing, then you’ll want to add less water. And if you like it runnier, then you’ll want to add more. If you’re unsure which consistency you prefer, think of it this way: if you plan to eat this recipe as a dip, then make it thicker. And if you plan to eat it as a dressing over a salad, then make it runnier.
A Note About the Spice
As mentioned, this is a spicy ranch dressing, meaning this recipe packs a punch! It gets its spice from a kick of cayenne pepper, and let me tell you – it’s delicious. If you love a bit of spice, then you will absolutely love this recipe. And the good news is, the spice is buildable in this recipe!
I recommend starting with a 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and then tasting it and see how it sits with you. If it’s not quite spicy enough for you, then kick it up to 1/2 teaspoon! I personally use 1/2 teaspoon, and I love the heat that it brings!
What to Eat This Spicy Tahini Ranch Dressing With
If you’re looking for some inspiration on what to serve this dressing with, then look no further! Of course, it would be delicious swapped into any of my salad recipes, like my Ultimate Kale Salad or my Strawberry Arugula Salad, or even drizzled over my Smashed Chickpea Avocado Salad Sandwich.
And if you prefer to eat this ranch like a dip, then I highly recommend dunking my crispy Everything Chicken Tenders into it, serving it alongside my Zucchini Pizza Bites for a classic combination, or having it with my Crunchy BBQ Cauliflower Wings for the perfect game day appetizer!
If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a comment and rating below! And of course, since I practically live on Instagram, tag me in your creations so I can see them and repost on my IG stories! Enjoy! xx
** Photography by Gayle McLeod
Ingredients
- ½ Cup Tahini, I recommend the Soom Foods tahini!
- ¼ Cup Lemon Juice, this is equivalent to the juice of about 2 whole lemons
- 1 Teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- 1 Tablespoon Dried Parsley
- 1 Tablespoon Dried Chives
- 2 Teaspoons Dried Dill
- 1 Teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ¼ – ½ Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper, I do 1/2 because I like mine spicier – but you can vary how much you use depending on how much spice you like!
- 1 Teaspoon Sea Salt
- ½ Teaspoon Cracked Black Pepper
- ¼ Cup + 2 Tablespoons Water, plus more, if needed.
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine all of the dressing ingredients (minus the water) and mix to combine well.
- Then, slowly add in the water while your stir, until your dressing reaches the desired consistency. If you like a thicker dressing, you can add less water, and if you like it thinner, add more!
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You can add more cayenne pepper to make this dressing extra spicy!
- Store in a covered mason jar, in the fridge, for up to one week. Enjoy!
Rate & review
SELECT A RATING and tell me what you think!
What others are saying
Delicious and delightful! Thanks for the great recipe! I could see many tasty applications for this, though today it’s my salad dressing.
I am so glad you enjoyed this dressing, Lucy! Thank you so much for making it, and for leaving such a kind review!
I can’t wait try this! What a great combination of flavors!
Thanks for sharing! Does it keep long ?
Delicious and dangerous! LOL! I wanted to lick the bowl clean tbh. Gross, I know, but that’s how good this was! Thank you for sharing the recipe!
I am so happy to hear that, Joanne! Thank you so much for your review!
Really good! I was so happy that I already had everything on hand for a last-minute salad dressing. I will keep making this!
Yay! Thank you so much, Natalie!
The dressing was quick and easy to make. It was delicious!
I am so happy to hear that, Toni! Thank you for your review!