you can turn extra firm tofu into a deliciously creamy tofu ranch dressing! great for salads, dips, and drizzling on top of bowls.
the inspiration
I really love using tofu to make dressings, sauces, and dips. Last year I made a Green Goddess Dressing, Hidden Tofu & Veggie Sauce, and Vegan Caesar Dressing. So, I wanted to add to the family with this Vegan Tofu Ranch!
As I like to get in a decent amount of plant protein using tofu to create a creamy dressing works out really well. Plus, tofu is packed with nutrients that are so great for us. So, it works out to create lush dressings and sauces that are sneakily healthy.
Also, while I do not have a nut allergy a lot of recipes will use cashews. This does limit people who have nut allergies and nuts are much more expensive than tofu. So, I find using tofu works out a lot better for many reasons!
the ingredients
- Extra Firm Tofu: the extra firm tofu will be the base of our tofu ranch! You can use any brand you like and you do not need to press it.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: the apple cider vinegar helps to add tang to the tofu ranch.
- Maple Syrup or Agave: this just helps to balance out the flavor. It doesn’t make the tofu ranch sweet, just rounds out the flavor.
- Seasonings: you will need a few seasonings to really help give this some great flavor! We need garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper.
why do you use extra firm tofu and not silken tofu?
On social media last year when I shared the other recipes I got many questions about why aren’t you using silken tofu? And there are two big reasons. However, aside from that it does all come down to personal preference, so if you like silken tofu better go for it.
With extra firm tofu or even firm tofu I am able to control the consistency of my dip, sauce, or dressing better. I can add in as much water as I want to make it as thin or thick as I want. Because silken tofu contains so much water once you blend it you are sort of stuck with that consistency and thickness.
Extra firm tofu has more protein. As I have protein goals and I like to be able to sneak some in from my dressings, dips, or sauces this allows me to get in a little bit more than silken would.
how to make the tofu ranch
This recipe really couldn’t be any easier. While a high speed blender is preferred, a regular blend should be able to handle this fine.
All you need to do is add all of the ingredients in and blend. Once it is smooth you can taste it and add in more seasonings or water to your preference.
Then, you are all done. Seriously, only takes less than 5 minutes to make this delicious tofu ranch dressing.
best ways to enjoy the tofu ranch
Of course you can enjoy this recipe however you like. I have been enjoying dipping my tofu in there or drizzling a tablespoon or two over my bowls.
It is of course also great on salads, in wraps, sandwiches, dipping veggies or crackers in. The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to a vegan ranch dressing.
You can also make it and serve it on the side of these Air Fried Vegan Chick’n Tenders, Easy Air Fryer Buffalo Tofu, or with these Buffalo Chickpea Enchiladas. Trust me there is no wrong way to use this tofu ranch!
what else can i add to the tofu ranch?
While I do really happen to love the flavor as is, I know some people like other flavors. So, here are just a few ideas of things you can add into this tofu ranch:
- You can use herbs like fresh dill, chives, or tarragon.
- You can add in a few splashes of pickle juice (my personal favorite).
- You can add in a teaspoon of dijon mustard, nutritional yeast, or white wine vinegar.
- Make it even creamier by using some vegan sour cream, vegan mayonnaise, vegan Greek-style yogurt, or olive oil in addition to the tofu.
Is this recipe allergy friendly?
It does not use nuts or gluten. The recipe does contain soy.
How do I store the tofu ranch?
I always love to save glass jars from pretty much anything I buy! So, I always have those laying around. Making it great for storing things like homemade dressings. You can store it in a jar or a container.
How long will this recipe last in the fridge?
This tofu ranch dressing will last for about 5 to 6 days in the fridge. As long as it smells okay and looks the same it should be good to go!
Can I freeze this recipe?
No, I would not recommend freezing this.
Why is it slightly green?
The blended up dried parsley.
over 75 amazing vegan recipes
Get My Cookbook, Plantiful!
“A fantastic cookbook that stands by itself outside a specific vegan genre. Inspirational and well thought out. I especially liked the early sections which have a great deal of explanation, clearly a lot of thought has gone into every page. If you are a vegan, vegetarian or just looking at adding in different ideas you should be this book! Essential for any kitchen library.”
Vegan Tofu Ranch Dressing
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ block extra firm tofu
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup water or to your desired consistency
Instructions
- Add all ingredients into a blender. You do not want to press the tofu. Keep the water to help for blending.
- Taste and add in any extra seasonings or water to your preference. If you like a thinner dressing or dip add in a few extra teaspoons of water.
- Store in a container in the fridge or enjoy right away.
Video
Notes
- Nutrition facts are based on my gram measurements put into Cronometer. Yours may vary, they are to help you get an idea.
- Please do not repost recipes without my permission. Sharing a direct link is always highly encouraged and appreciated.
- For any questions you may have please refer to the FAQ above the recipe card.
- This recipe will make approximately 1.3 cups (310ml) of tofu ranch dressing, with a serving size being 2 tablespoon (30ml). This makes about 10 servings.
Nutrition
Did you try this recipe? Tag me on Instagram @plantifullybased to let me know how it went. If you enjoyed this recipe please be sure to leave a comment or review, it is so helpful for the blog. Thank you!
Plantifully Based® is part of the Amazon Affiliate Partner Program. Links on here may be from Amazon or other affiliate programs. If you decide to purchase through a link I will receive a small commission. This helps to run the blog and make more recipes.
hey there!
Hey, I’m Francesca!
Thank you for checking out my recipe! I am happy to have you here and hope you explore more delicious vegan recipes.
It tatses amazing and beats out all others I have bought at the store!
Hi Brett! So glad you enjoyed it thank you so much for trying it!
I made this twice. As is my practice, my first time through I follow the recipe as written. And it was good! But for me there wasn’t a lot of flavor and tofu can really take over. So the second time I substituted a crushed fresh garlic clove for the garlic powder and I chopped a couple of green onions in to replace the onion powder and I used a bunch of fresh herbs. Either way it is a really good dressing and punched up with fresher ingredients it had plenty of flavor for me! I will make this again and again; love that it has so much protein.
Thanks for trying it out!
How long can yon keep in the refrigerator?
Hi I did answer this in the FAQ section right above the recipe card 🙂
Great!
How would ranch seasoning work with this recipe rather than the separate spices?
Hi Kathleen, if you have a blend that is dairy free and vegan and that works for you sure. I have never been able to find a vegan ranch seasoning packet.