Homemade Parmesan Ranch Dressing (Perfect for Market Salads)
This Parmesan Ranch Dressing is a creamy, herb-packed upgrade to classic ranch — perfect for dressing up a vibrant market salad or spooning over crisp veggies. With just the right balance of tang, richness, and fresh herbs, this version is made with kefir (or buttermilk), freshly grated Parmesan, and lots of flavor-forward pantry staples.
Servings: 6
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1 cup plain kefir or buttermilk or non-dairy yogurt like cashew or coconut
- ¼ cup mayo or sour cream I use soy-free Vegenaise
- ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese or Pecorino or vegan Parmesan
- 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh chives or 1 teaspoon dried or 1 scallion finely chopped
- 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh dill or 1 teaspoon dried
- 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried
- 1 Tablespoon fresh basil
- 1 to 1 ½ Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon agave or sugar
- Pinch of cayenne or hot sauce
- ½ teaspoon dried mustard
- ¾ teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Market Salad
- 4-6 heads of Little Gem lettuce or 1 head of romaine or the equivalent of your favorite mixed lettuces
- 1 watermelon radish julienned or 2-3 standard radishes thinly sliced
- A big handful of sugar snap peas julienned or left whole
- 1 Avocado sliced
- A generous sprinkle of walnut meal or ⅓ cup walnuts finely chopped
- Extra leaves of fresh herbs
- 1 edible flower petals only
Instructions
- Stir dressing ingredients together.
- Toss salad components with enough dressing to coat lightly.