We have lightened this usually calorific dressing by using Greek yogurt, but it still packs plenty of flavour. It's so easy to make and stores in the fridge for a couple of days. Ranch dressing is one of those things that I could, and would, put on everything. It's creamy, it is full of flavour, what's not to love? Our Healthy Ranch Dressing has all the flavour you know and love, but a little bit lighter.
This creamy Greek yogurt based dressing feels far more indulgent than it actually is, and it is going to totally change your salads. It's so easy to make - just mix everything together in a bowl.
It's far more than a dressing too, as it's amazing as a dip. Skip the bottles of dressing and make this healthy ranch dressing yourself with just a few ingredients.
If you want to try some other homemade salad dressing recipes, then why not try our Tomato Vinaigrette, Honey and Mustard Dressing or Lemon Vinaigrette.
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Why you will love it
- Low in calories and fat - We have used fat free Greek yoghurt to keep this low in fat and it is just 22 calories a portion too.
- Easy - There is no cooking involved, you just have to mix everything together in a bowl.
- Quick - Less than 5 minutes is all you need to put this together.
Ingredients needed
- Greek yogurt - We used 0% to keep it very low fat, but you could use full fat if you wanted a creamier dressing.
- Dill - Fresh dill is always best, however you could use dried if that is all you have.
- Vinegar - We used apple cider vinegar.
- Milk - We used skimmed, but you could use semi-skimmed or whole if you prefer. You could also use buttermilk (and leave out the lemon) and it would make it feel a bit more indulgent.
- Lemon - We have used just the juice of half a lemon, but you could add some lemon zest if you want some extra lemon flavour.
- Dijon mustard - This adds a real boost of flavour and the Dijon adds some creaminess.
- Garlic - We think ranch should be pretty garlicy, so feel free to add more if you want.
- Sea salt and black pepper - Season to taste.
A full ingredients list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
How to make ranch dressing - Step by step
One: Put all of the ingredients into a bowl.
Two: Mix well.
Health benefits
We try to make our own dressings as often as we can (when time permits), because they really do only take a few minutes and they need minimal ingredients, compared to the long list of ingredients that you find in store bought dressings. Next time you are in a supermarket, look at the label of a salad dressing bottle. It's really long, and it really doesn't need to be. Just a few fresh ingredients and you have yourself a delicious and light salad dressing.
We have used Greek yogurt which makes this a protein packed dressing, and making it yourself means you can also control how much salt goes in to it. We always add salt, as it really does intensify all the other flavours, but you only need a little pinch.
Variations
How did we lighten up this ranch dressing? We used Greek yogurt of course. Ranch dressing is usually made with sour cream and mayo, which obviously tastes amazing, but can really make a salad high in calories.
If you really don't like the taste of Greek yogurt (bear in mind that this dressing tastes different from just plain Greek yogurt), then feel free to use a mixture of yogurt, mayo and sour cream, but remember it will change the nutritional value a lot.
Want a vegan version of this? Swap the Greek yogurt for a soya yogurt and use oat milk instead of skimmed. It won't quite have the same flavour, but it's a great vegan alternative.
What to serve with healthy ranch dressing
We love this dressing on a simple green salad, but it can be used as a dressing on any of your favourite salad like our Roasted Butternut Squash Salad.
It's not just good on salads though. It works really well as a dip and we love dipping our Baked BBQ Chicken Wings in this dressing. You can also dip some cucumber and carrot sticks in to it for a healthy snack.
It's also a really good dip for pizza - why not try our Greek Pizza, BBQ Chicken Pizza, Easy Naan Pizza or Garlic Mushroom Pizza?
Storage
If you store this dressing in an air tight container, then it will keep fresh in the fridge for 2-3 days. However, it is best fresh and because it is so easy to make, we usually just make as much as we need for that day.
Frequently Asked Questions
As long as you make sure everything is labelled gluten free and there is no cross contamination then this can be gluten free.
This recipe isn't vegan because of the Greek yogurt and milk, however you can use plant based alternatives.
Yes, you can make this in advance and then store it in the fridge until you are ready to serve it.
Yes, you can and should make double of this, as you will want to put it on everything!
Extra tips
• If you find this dressing a little thick, you can thin it out with more milk.
• Store in an air tight jar and it will keep for about 4 days in the fridge.
• You can make this vegan by using soya yogurt and oat milk.
• Add a little onion flavour by mixing in some fresh chives.
• This dressing makes a great dip for chicken wings.
More sauce recipes
If you’ve tried this homemade ranch dressing recipe, then let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.
Recipe
Healthy Ranch Dressing
Ingredients
- 8 tablespoon 0% Greek yogurt
- 10 g Fresh dill - chopped
- 1 tablespoon Apple cider vinegar
- 100 ml (0.5 cups) Skimmed milk
- 1 Lemon - (juice only)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 Garlic clove - crushed
- 1 pinch Sea salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Put all of the ingredients into a bowl.
- Mix well.
- Serve in a dressing bottle.
Recipe tips
- Store in an air tight jar and it will keep for about 4 days in the fridge.
- You can make this vegan by using soya yogurt and oat milk.
- Add a little onion flavour by mixing in some fresh chives.
- This dressing makes a great dip for chicken wings.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
Mireya
right now i'm loving: yogurth, lime juice, a dash of vinegar, salt, pepper and dried oregano, it goes great on cucumber and any arab styled food
Heidi Roberts
I don't really like mayo but your combination of greek yoghurt and sour cream sounds like my kind of dressing!
Louisa
That sounds like a much nicer and lighter dressing to me, ranch is so heavy ordinarily. I'd love to see a lighter caesar dressing, one of my favourites!
Morgan @ Peaches, Please!
this sounds like a ranch recipe I might actually like!
Janice Pattie (@FarmersgirlCook)
Another fab condiment made lighter, fresher and healthier. Bookmarking!
London Unattached Lifestyle and Travel
sounds lovely danni - I'm a big fan of greek yoghurt
Tina @ The Spicy Pear
I've heard of ranch dressing but not tried it. But I am liking your new version and bookmarking this page to try it.
Nayna Kanabar (@citrusspiceuk)
This looks like a nice versatile dressing.
Bintu @ Recipes From A Pantry
You had me at healthy - I love yoghurt dressings so I am always on the look out for more of these.
Jacqueline Meldrum
This is on my must-have-soon list. I do love ranch and this one looks lush!
Rebecca
This sounds yummy! Will definitely try! I developed a vegan ranch dressing that is amazing, as well, and it keeps in the fridge for weeks. If you'd like the recipe, let me know =).
Annie
I'd like the recipe!
Janie
Delish! I made a red wine vinegar dressing tonight & put too much dijon mustard in it, so much infact that Jonny wouldn't finish his salad! Oops! :)
Janie x
Charlotte
Ranch dressing is my favourite, as is Caesar. Would love a healthy recipe for that too please.
Dannii
I have that Caesar Salad recipe here
Choclette
Adore yogurt and often use it as a salad dressing. Don't think I have tried using Greek yogurt though.
Pam
Would like to see a healthy version of Honey Mustard Dressing/Dip
Charli
I adore ranch dressing, so going to make this! xx
Karen
I am a Ranch Dressing lover too and remember when I first discovered it in the States! I have also been the lucky recipient of Quick Jars bottles and jars and am using my bottles soon to decant some elderflower champagne in to from last year!
Jane
A low sugar tomato sauce recipe would be great!
Dannii
I posted a Healthy Ketchup recipe yesterday :)
Amrita Dasgupta
This is brilliant! I buy and Greek yoghurt like a maniac. I've never had ranch dressing but I'll be making this purely because of the Greek yoghurt :D I also have plenty of jars lying around because I re-use all my jam jars!
Isobelle
I would love some chilli sauce recipes. I am pretty much addicted to your chipotle sauce recipe, so it would be nice to be able to mix it up and try some new healthy chilli sauce recipes. Thanks.