I just posted my favorite dairy-free ranch dressing recipe, which is delicious with so many things. But the ranch seasoning mix I use to make it can be a recipe in its own right! You can keep it on hand for whipping up a quick batch of ranch, or use it as a seasoning on vegetables, chicken, tofu, or other protein. It’s a basic blend that uses herbs and spices that go with nearly any savory dish.
Easy Dairy-Free Ranch Seasoning Blend that’s also Versatile
Herb and spice blends are so handy to have on hand, but some can be expensive, or might even contain milk or other fillers. This is one that I like to have around as just a standard, all-purpose seasoning. I address some options in the FAQs below.
Can This Be Use as a Ranch Seasoning Packet Substitute?
In some ways, but it isn’t the same. Store bought ranch packets include dried buttermilk and are more powders than seasoning blends. So you can use this dairy-free ranch seasoning for the great flavor, but it’s not going to have that same powdered and buttermilk vibe that might be used for some applications. This is a fresh herb and spice salt seasoning without additives. You could technically add a dairy-free milk powder and some lemon powder for a closer copycat, but I don’t find this cost effective or convenient.
Why Do You Use Such a Small Amount in the Ranch Dressing?
That’s the beauty of skipping fillers! The amount of actual seasonings in those packets is actually quite small. They’re mostly fillers like milk powder. A little bit of this dairy-free ranch seasoning blend goes a long ways! All you need is a 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon per serving.
How Can I Use this Dairy-Free Ranch Seasoning in Recipes?
Of course, you can make dairy-free ranch dressing with it. But you can also just sprinkle it on vegetables, meat, fish, or tofu before roasting, air frying, or grilling. It’s a great non-spicy option. I like to use it in coating or breading for chicken. For that buttermilk vibe, mix mayo, a little lemon, and some of the seasoning for coating chicken or strips. Then dredge in breading seasoned with more of the mix. This seasoning is also good with freshly cooked rice, creamy dairy-free pasta, or in pasta salad. For the latter, I like to use the dill option.
I don’t like Parsley. What Else Can I Use?
Parsley is a quintessential “ranch” seasoning, but it isn’t essential for a good mix in general. You can use the dill option and omit the parsley, or use some other herbs. If using other herbs, I would reduce the amount to 1 to 2 tablespoons. Herbs de Provence, thyme, oregano, marjoram, basil, or a combination of these are all nice options with the other seasonings.
Special Diet Notes: Ranch Seasoning Mix
By ingredients, this recipe is dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, gluten-free, grain-free, nut-free, peanut-free, soy-free, vegan, vegetarian, paleo, and keto friendly. Just be sure to use it with other ingredients that suit your dietary needs!
- ¼ cup dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- Crush the parsley with your fingers or a mortar and pestle, or pulse it a couple times in your spice grinder.
- Add the parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt to a jar. Cover and shake well to combine.
- Shake before each use. The parsley is lighter, so the other ingredients can settle. See below for homemade ranch dressing.
Quick Dairy-Free Ranch Dressing: Use 1 tablespoon of this seasoning in place of the seasonings in my Dairy-Free Ranch Dressing Recipe.
Small Batch Dairy-Free Ranch Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoons water or unsweetened dairy-free milk beverage, ¾ teaspoon Ranch Seasoning Mix (recipe above), and ¼ teaspoon lemon juice. Add more liquid, as needed, to reach your desired consistency. Makes about ⅓ cup or two generous servings.
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