Creamy Cucumber Ranch Dressing

Paleo. Dairy Free. Soy Free. Vegan. Delicious.

One of our favorite condiments is ranch dressing! But let's face it - the bottled stuff comes with lots of additives and preservatives that none of us need to be consuming. 

Making your own homemade salad dressings allows you to control the ingredients that go into it. This one is a dairy & soy free version that derives it's creaminess from ground cashews. The cucumber helps to bring the flavors together and provide the right consistency. 

This is sure to satisfy your ranch dressing craving! Plus you can have 3 tablespoons of it for the same amount of calories and less fat than one tablespoon of bottled ranch dressing. YAY! Use it over salads or pour it inside a wrap with some fresh veggies and lean protein. It is also excellent as a dip for veggies, chips, or even buffalo wings. Dip, pour, and share away friends! 

Creamy Cucumber Ranch Dressing (PRINT RECIPE)
Makes about 3/4 cup or 4-6 servings

Ingredients:
½ cup raw, unsalted cashews
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 heaping teaspoon fresh dill or ½ teaspoon dried
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
¾ cup peeled and diced cucumber (I leave about ½ the peel on mine for a little color and extra Vitamins!)
3-5 tablespoons filtered water

Directions:

1. Place raw cashews into a blender or food processor and blend until you get a coarse flour like consistency. 
2. Add the remaining ingredients in the order listed, through cucumber, and only 3 tablespoons water and blend for 30 seconds to 1 minute depending on your machine.
3. Give it a stir, the consistency should be much like ranch dressing with some small cucumber chunks. If it is still too thick, add 1 tablespoon water at a time until desired consistency is reached. 
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days*.
   
   

Try this dip with our Baked Sweet Potato Chips for a perfect, indulgent snack that will certainly satisfy. 

*After refrigeration, this dressing will thicken.  Just stir add a tablespoon of water, mix well, and it should be ready to pour again.

Enjoy!
~Billie & Jennifer

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