Ranch Dip is a classic condiment that can serve as an delicious accompaniment that can help your little ones start enjoying new veggies.
A lot of parents tell me that they’re close to giving up on their kids to eat their vegetables. I’m not saying that it’s the easiest feat to accomplish, but when parents hang in there and make the extra effort, seeing their little one chomping down happily on a nutritious veggie is a very rewarding and satisfying experience. When I prepare vegetables for my kids (which is daily), I often try to utilize a bit of fun to encourage them to eat more then just one or two bites. I’ve got lots of veggie methods. I roast them up with a bit of maple syrup, slice them thin and bake up chips, add a sprinkle of zesty herbs, let the kids squirt something yummy on them like Braggs or even add a delicious dip.
When I was a kid, Ranch was one of my favorite dressings, but it usually came straight out of a store-bought squeeze bottle, loaded with additives. This Weelicious Ranch Dip recipe recreates that great taste I used to love, but is incredibly fresh, healthy and just as creamy. If you’re a parents who’s had an uphill battle getting your kid to eat veggies, try serving up this recipe before dinner when the kids are really hungry and want something to munch on. You can put it out with an assortment of cut up veggies like carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, cucumbers or sugar snap peas. I find that if I just start eating a bit on my own (without saying a thing to the kids), shortly after they are mimicking what I’m doing, dipping away and enjoying every last bite! Let me know what your favorite ranch and veggie combos are in the comments below!
Ranch Dip
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup yogurt (i use greek yogurt)
- 2 tablespoon veganaise or mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- kosher salt to taste
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine.
- Serve.
You mention roasting vegetable in maple syrup. I would love a recipe for that? What temperature? And do you add anything other than maple syrup? Also, what vegetables do you suggest?
I cannot speak for her but in my opinion it is bc Greek yogurt is thick and creamy and really good, while also being good for you! you could compare it to the consistency of sour cream with much less fat and all of the pro-biotic benefits of yogurt. it is not as “tangy” as traditional plain yogurt. give it a try! Oh! and it is also great to marinate meat in. The acidity will tenderize just about any cut of meat (and you can rinse of the yogurt before grilling, etc. if you like). 🙂
May I ask why you prefer Greek yogurt? I’ve noticed it has been your preference in a number of recipes.
Thanks : )
Carla
ok I’m a pretty picky ranch dressing eater, hate the store bought stuff, love the restaurant stuff. I have a recipe that is ok, but this one is pretty good! I think the lemon juice and little bit of dijon make it perfect.
I don’t see why not! It might be a little watery than using yogurt but I’m sure it will be fine 🙂
Can Kefir be used?
I am going to make this for sure but for me and the husband 🙂 that’s what I love about all of your recipes, they are both kid and adult friendly!
I am a big fan of the garlicky-stays on your breath for hours variety of restaurant ranch and I’ve found that I can make it at home for tons fewer calories using low fat sour cream and non-fat buttermilk. I add dill, minced onion, garlic, salt and mustard powder. Sometimes I add a little parmesan cheese to thicken it some. My daughter, who’s a picky ranch eater, too, loves it. I need to try it with the yogurt. Great post! A friend turned me on to your site and I can’t wait to peruse it!
This is awesome! How does it compare to the taste of store bought ranch? Thanks!
Awesome! I’ve been looking for a simple ranch dressing recipe. My 2.5-year-old will eat anything with ranch dressing, and yes, I usually just give it to her out of the store-bought squeeze bottles. It’s how I can get her to eat many veggies and even fish!
Silk soy yogurt would work as well 🙂
Have you tried this with non-dairy yogurt? What would you recommend? We usually buy Silk soy yogurt.
For dry foods, I would suggest Innova Evo, Wellness Core or Nature’s Variety Instincts. They are grslineas which means they’ll have less carbs and don’t have any of the allergens found in most other dry foods (corn, wheat or soy).For canned foods, there are tons of good ones out there. One very good one is Nature’s Variety Instincts. This is what I feed. It’s $1.79 per can. I think it’s one of the highest priced canned foods out there. Which DOESN’T mean it’s the best, but it is very good and it has worked very very well for my problem child.See the What to feed link for other suggestions. This is a very handy link you can go to the sites and use the store locators to find where the food is sold in your area.I’m also linking you to my blog so you can learn more about identifying other good foods.EDIT: I think kanan meant to say that it’s good you’re switching to CANNED. LOL
I would keep it up to a week or two 🙂
I would also like to know how long this would last in the fridge… Any ideas?
How long can this be kept in the fridge?