Ranch dressing is a favorite for salads, marinating different proteins, and even for dipping pizza. But what if I told you there are ranch substitutes out there that allow you to have all the flavor you want, with added health benefits? All of the options below have a great taste, but are filled with bonuses like additional vitamins, unsaturated fats (think heart health!), and fiber. Even better, they're as unique as the different recipes you can use them in. Try these ranch substitutes and you'll never head back to the Hidden Valley again.
For Dipping Veggies: Greek Yogurt "Ranch" Dip
Technically, this still has "ranch" in the title of the recipe, but I say that this still counts for our list of ranch substitutes. Sliced veggies aren't many people's first choice for snacks, so we often reach for ranch to punch up the flavor. This recipe from A Couple Cooks has the same flavor as bottled ranch, but it uses unprocessed herbs and spices. Plus, the Greek yogurt will give you a kick of added probiotics.
For Marinating Chicken: Italian Dressing
Italian dressing has been a staple in my kitchen for years, and for good reason. If you're using dressings like ranch to marinate your chicken (or steak, turkey, and pork), you sound like the type of person who wants a quick solution to a tasty meal. Italian dressing marinades follow the same cook-quick method that ranch marinades do, but with better nutrient value; try more Vitamin K, less saturated fats, and more unsaturated fats on for size. Vitamin K specifically is pretty much your body's personal first aid kit; it helps regulate blood clotting to recover from injuries and keeps bones strong.
#SpoonTip: Look for an Italian dressing that's low in added sugars, like Bolthouse Farms Italian Vinaigrette.
For Dipping Pizza Crusts: Honey
Okay, hear me out. I know that this is a wild card in the land of ranch substitutes, but what good is savory without a little sweet? You often find honey on cheese platters, so why not on a cheese pizza? Restaurants like Emily in Brooklyn have had a good deal of success with drizzling honey on pizza. Plus, honey is full of antioxidants, some of which have been known to lower blood pressure.
For Dressing Salads: Avocado Dressing
Craving that same creamy, velvety texture that you'd get from ranch? Give avocado a try. All you have to do is puree this fruit (yes, avocado is a fruit) and add your favorite seasonings, and you have a dressing for salads full of heart-healthy fats. Since the flavor of avocado is so mild, this dressing will be totally customizable depending on what salad you make.
For Dipping Spicy Foods: Tomato Sauces
I promise, this isn't just an excuse to push my marinara sauce addiction onto other people. It's just that sweeter sauces made from milder ingredients, like tomatoes, make the perfect ranch substitutes when eating something a little spicy. If you make the sauce yourself, you can be assured that your sauce is free from preservatives and heavy amounts of sodium. If you feel like the sauce is missing a lil' something, the Food Network recommends adding vinegar for a kick.
For Topping Burgers: Hummus
This popular dip makes a perfect ranch substitute for topping burgers and sandwiches. The velvety texture mimics the feel of ranch dressing, but with many more health benefits, and a smidge more protein. Plus, hummus offers more fiber and calcium than ranch dressing ever could. Taste and health benefits? Sign me up!
I'll let you in on a secret: I've never been the biggest fan of ranch dressing. But with this list of ranch substitutes, I feel like I'll never be missing out on America's favorite dressing again. Try out some of these hacks and see if your salads and snacks will ever be the same.