Hidden Valley Ranch contains inflammatory soybean and canola oils as the primary fat source, plus artificial flavors, MSG, phosphates, and multiple preservatives. This DIY version eliminates all seed oils and replaces them with heart-healthy avocado oil, while using real organic herbs instead of artificial flavoring compounds.
Based on: Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing
· Makes approximately 32 servings
· Serving: 30g (2 tablespoons)
Why This Recipe is Seed Oil Free
Commercial Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing from Hidden Valley often contains inflammatory seed oils like canola, soybean, or sunflower oil. This homemade version replaces them with healthier fats like butter, ghee, coconut oil, or avocado oil — giving you the same great taste without the processed oils.
Ingredients
Avocado oil
240ml (1 cup) · Chosen Foods 100% Pure Avocado Oil
Natural emulsifier to create stable mayonnaise base, adds richness and lecithin
Organic cultured buttermilk
480ml (2 cups) · Organic Valley Cultured Lowfat Buttermilk
Provides signature ranch tanginess and creamy texture, contains beneficial probiotics
Organic apple cider vinegar
30ml (2 tablespoons) · Bragg Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar with Mother
Adds acidity for flavor balance and helps stabilize the emulsion naturally
Organic dried dill weed
4g (2 tablespoons) · Simply Organic Dill Weed
Provides the distinctive herby ranch flavor, replaces artificial flavorings
Organic garlic powder
3g (1 tablespoon) · Simply Organic Garlic Powder
Delivers savory depth and classic ranch taste without synthetic garlic flavoring
Organic onion powder
3g (1 tablespoon) · Simply Organic Onion Powder
Adds mild onion flavor that's essential to ranch profile
Dried chives
2g (1 tablespoon) · Simply Organic Chives
Provides mild onion notes and authentic ranch herb blend
Organic parsley flakes
2g (1 tablespoon) · Simply Organic Parsley
Adds fresh herb flavor and natural green color
Sea salt
6g (1 teaspoon) · Redmond Real Salt
Enhances all flavors and replaces processed sodium additives
Organic raw honey
12g (2 teaspoons) · Nature Nate's Raw Unfiltered Honey
Replaces added sugar and high fructose corn syrup with natural sweetness
Organic xanthan gum
1g (1/4 teaspoon) · Bob's Red Mill Xanthan Gum
Natural thickener to replicate commercial texture without modified food starch
Instructions
Step 1. Create the mayonnaise base first. In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine 3 organic egg yolks (54g), 15ml (1 tablespoon) apple cider vinegar, and 3g (1/2 teaspoon) sea salt. Pulse 3-4 times to combine. With the machine running, very slowly drizzle in 240ml (1 cup) avocado oil in a thin stream - this should take 2-3 minutes total. The mixture will suddenly thicken and turn pale yellow when properly emulsified. If it breaks, stop immediately and restart with a fresh egg yolk.
Step 2. Prepare the herb blend by combining 4g (2 tablespoons) dried dill, 3g (1 tablespoon) garlic powder, 3g (1 tablespoon) onion powder, 2g (1 tablespoon) chives, 2g (1 tablespoon) parsley flakes, and remaining 3g (1/2 teaspoon) sea salt in a small bowl. Whisk thoroughly to distribute evenly - herb blends can clump easily, so break up any lumps with the back of a spoon.
Step 3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise base, 480ml (2 cups) cold organic buttermilk, remaining 15ml (1 tablespoon) apple cider vinegar, and 12g (2 teaspoons) raw honey until completely smooth. The honey may resist mixing initially - whisk vigorously for 30-45 seconds until no streaks remain.
Step 4. Sprinkle 1g (1/4 teaspoon) xanthan gum over the surface of the mixture and immediately whisk continuously for 60 seconds to prevent clumping. The mixture will thicken slightly. Add the prepared herb blend and whisk for another 30 seconds until evenly distributed throughout.
Step 5. Taste and adjust seasonings - ranch should be tangy, herby, and slightly salty with a hint of sweetness. Add more vinegar for tang, salt for flavor depth, or honey if too acidic. The flavors will meld and intensify after chilling, so don't over-season initially.
Step 6. Transfer to clean glass jars or bottles, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Seal tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to marry and consistency to stabilize. The dressing will thicken slightly when cold.
Storage
Store in refrigerator for up to 10 days - significantly shorter than commercial versions due to lack of preservatives. Shake or stir before each use as natural separation may occur. Do not freeze as emulsion will break.
Cost Comparison
Cost per serving (homemade)$0.25
Cost per serving (store-bought)$0.31
Savings19%
While upfront costs are higher due to organic ingredients, you're eliminating inflammatory seed oils, artificial preservatives, and MSG while gaining superior nutrition. The real savings come from bulk buying - ingredients make multiple batches and last months.