Homemade Ranch Seasoning

Most people don’t realize how much sodium and saturated fat is packed into traditional store-bought ranch seasoning packets. Let’s break it down side by side. This homemade ranch seasoning mix isn’t just dairy free and plant-based, it’s also significantly lower in sodium and additives.

Nutrition Facts Comparison (per 2 tablespoons)

Health eCooks Homemade Ranch Seasoning

• Calories: 21
• Total Fat (g): 1
• Saturated Fat (g): 0
• Sodium (mg): 38
• Cholesterol (mg): 0
• Carbohydrates (g): 2
• Fiber (g): 1
• Added Sugar (g): 1
• Protein (g): 1

Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning

• Calories: 80
• Total Fat (g): 7
• Saturated Fat (g): 1.5
• Sodium (mg): 520
• Cholesterol (mg): 5
• Carbohydrates (g): 2
• Fiber (g): 0
• Added Sugar (g): 0
• Protein (g): 1

Why the Homemade Version Is Healthier

• 93% less sodium than Hidden Valley. Just 38 mg vs 520 mg per serving.
  
  
• Zero saturated fat and cholesterol with no added fats.
  
  
• No additives or preservatives like maltodextrin, MSG, or “natural flavors.”
  
  
• Plant-based and dairy free ranch seasoning, making it suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets.
  
  
• More fiber thanks to pistachios and nutritional yeast.

This recipe is one of the best low sodium seasoning options for adding real flavor without processed ingredients. If you’re watching blood pressure, cholesterol, watching your sodium intake, or just trying to eat cleaner, this homemade, heart-healthy version is a great swap.

Grind the Base:
In a food processor or spice grinder, pulse the pistachios, nutritional yeast, and salt until they’re the texture of coarse meal — like fine breadcrumbs. This gives the mix body and flavor.

Stir in the Spices:
Transfer the mixture to a small bowl. Add paprika, dill, sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne. Stir well to evenly distribute everything. Store in a sealed jar or spice container.

You can turn this homemade ranch seasoning mix into a creamy, protein-packed low sodium ranch dressing in just a few minutes using nonfat plain Greek yogurt. It’s thick, tangy, and perfect for salads, veggie dips, or grain bowls. All without the added sodium and fat of bottled dressings.

Ingredients

• ¾ cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt – Use unsweetened for best flavor and texture
  
  
• 2 tablespoons Homemade Ranch Seasoning – Packed with herbs and savory flavor
  
  
• 2 to 4 tablespoons water, skim milk, or unsweetened plant-based milk (like almond milk or oat milk) – Adjust quantity for desired consistency
  
  
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice or apple cider vinegar – Adds brightness and tang
  

Instructions

1. Mix the Base: In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt and 2 tablespoons of the dry ranch seasoning. Stir well until the seasoning is fully incorporated.
   
   
2. Adjust the Texture: Add 2 tablespoons of water or unsweetened plant milk and stir again. For a thinner, pourable dressing, add more liquid 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
   
   
3. Add Brightness: Stir in the lemon juice or vinegar. This gives the dressing a classic ranch-style tang without buttermilk or sour cream.
   
   
4. Chill Before Serving: Let the dressing sit in the fridge for at least 15 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld and thickens the texture slightly.

Storage Tips

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days
  
  
• Stir before each use — natural separation may occur
  
  
• Do not freeze — the yogurt base won’t hold up well after thawing
  

This ranch seasoning turns Greek yogurt into a creamy, flavorful dressing with far less sodium than store-bought ranch. It's great for dipping, drizzling, or tossing with crisp greens.

No paprika or cayenne?
Use 2½ teaspoons of ground Aleppo pepper instead. It’s milder than cayenne and has a fruity, slightly smoky heat that works great in this ranch seasoning recipe.

Not following a vegan diet?
You can swap nutritional yeast with 2 tablespoons of powdered Parmesan cheese for a more traditional ranch flavor.

No pistachios?
Raw cashews or shelled sunflower seeds will also work. Just be sure to keep them unsalted to control the sodium.

• Just 38 mg sodium per 2-tablespoon serving
  
  
• 0 grams saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol
  
  
• Only 21 calories per serving with plant protein and fiber
  
  
• Vegan and dairy free ranch seasoning
  
  
• Dietitian-reviewed and meets heart-healthy standards

This dry ranch seasoning is incredibly versatile. Here are some healthy ways it can be used:

• Sprinkle on grilled or baked chicken breast before cooking
  
  
• Mix with olive oil and coat salmon fillets before roasting
  
  
• Toss with roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or carrots
  
  
• Stir into plain Greek yogurt for a low sodium ranch dip
  
  
• Mix into mashed avocado for a creamy dairy free ranch spread
  
  
• Use as a dry rub for tofu or tempeh before pan-searing

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: None
Total Time: 5 minutes

Calories: 21 per 2 tablespoons

Dietary Tags: Vegan, Low Sodium, Low Calorie, Low Fat, Heart Healthy, Gluten-Free, Low Carb, Diabetic-Friendly, Bariatric-Friendly

Is ranch seasoning healthy?
It depends on the version. Most store-bought ranch seasoning mixes are high in sodium, contain saturated fat, and often include many additives and preservatives like MSG and maltodextrin. This healthy ranch seasoning is a better choice. It’s low in sodium (just 38 mg per 2 tablespoons), has no saturated fat or cholesterol, and uses simple, plant-based ingredients with no added preservatives. We designed it with dietitians to meet heart-healthy and low-sodium guidelines, so it fits into a variety of eating plans, including diabetic, low-fat, and GLP-1-supportive diets.

How long does homemade ranch seasoning last?
Store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 2 months. Keep it away from heat and humidity to preserve the spices.

Can I use this as a seasoning packet replacement in recipes?
Yes! Use 2 tablespoons in place of a standard store-bought ranch packet. It works in everything from dips to casseroles.

Is this dry ranch seasoning good for people with heart disease?
Yes, it was designed with low sodium and no saturated fat, which fits most heart-healthy guidelines. Always check with your care provider for personal needs.