Homemade Ranch Dressing with Kefir Recipe

Kefir ranch dressing is a probiotic-rich, tangy, and creamy alternative to the typical store-bought dressings packed with seed oils and sweeteners. If you’re looking to add more probiotic foods to your family’s diet, this kefir ranch dressing recipe is the perfect way to do it!

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We are huge fans of kefir around our home. It’s something I’ve been making for several years now and it’s probably my favorite ferment to make because it’s so insanely fast + easy! I often recommend, if you want to get started with fermenting to try either milk kefir or water kefir for the easiest beginners experience!

For this recipe, you’ll need to have fully fermented milk kefir. If you don’t have milk Kefir grains yet you can buy them HERE.

Why You’ll Love This Kefir Ranch Dressing

• Gut-friendly: This dressing is made with homemade milk kefir, a fermented superfood. Kefir is proven to have a host of beneficial probiotics that boost gut health and improve digestion.
• Versatile: You can use this probiotic-rich kefir ranch dressing on salads, as a dip for veggies, or even on top of fresh greens for a tangy twist!
• Healthier option: Unlike store-bought ranch dressings that are filled with soy, seed oils and even sweeteners, this version uses greek yogurt and plain kefir, avoiding unnecessary additives and preservatives.
• Kid favorite: My littles will eat almost anything if it’s dunked in ranch. I love knowing I can offer them this dressing without feeling guilty about the ingredients!

What is Milk Kefir?  

Milk kefir is a fermented milk drink renowned for its probiotic properties and nutritional benefits.  

It is made by the fermentation of milk by a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY), resulting in a thick, tangy drink with a unique set of microorganisms.

Scientific studies have highlighted the potential health advantages associated with regular consumption of milk kefir. A research article published in the “Journal of Dairy Science” (Korsak et al., 2016) emphasized the rich probiotic content of kefir, with a diverse range of lactic acid bacteria and yeasts contributing to its microbial profile (source).

Kefir Versus Yogurt

So, how is kefir different from yogurt? And which is better for digestion?

These were just a few of the questions I had when I started making kefir.

I had been eating yogurt for years due to the beneficial bacteria and the high protein content so I wanted to make sure kefir was really worth the trouble to make!

Both kefir and yogurt are fermented dairy products known for their probiotic content, but kefir may offer certain advantages in terms of delivering probiotics to the intestine. Research published in the “Journal of Applied Microbiology” (Chen et al., 2017) has suggested that kefir contains a broader spectrum of probiotic strains compared to yogurt… Potentially enhancing its ability to survive the harsh conditions of the digestive system and reach the intestine intact (source).

While both kefir and yogurt are great for gut health, these scientific findings suggest that the unique composition of kefir may enable more probiotic strands to reach the gut, improving digestion and dairy tolerance.

Tips and Tricks for Making Kefir Ranch

• Use homemade kefir for the freshest, probiotic-rich results. I LOVE using raw milk to make kefir for an additional probiotic boost!
• If you’re using store-bought kefir, make sure it’s unsweetened and plain.
• This dressing is on the runnier side. If you are accustomed to a super thick dressing or want more of a dipping sauce, add a little more mayo or greek yogurt/ sour cream.
• Using avocado oil mayo or homemade mayonnaise will give this dressing the perfect consistency without unhealthy fats.
• Adjust the sea salt according to your taste preference for the best experience.

FAQ about Kefir Ranch dressing

Can I use store-bought kefir instead of homemade milk kefir?
Absolutely! Store-bought kefir (like Lifeway Kefir) works just fine, but making your own kefir will give you more control over the taste and probiotic content. If you do opt for store bought, be sure it is plain and unsweetened.

What’s the difference between homemade yogurt and kefir?
Kefir is thinner and has a stronger tang than homemade yogurt, plus it contains more strains of beneficial bacteria, making it a powerhouse for gut health. Yogurt is still a fantastic probiotic food that has a slightly more mild flavor than kefir.

How long does kefir ranch dressing last in the fridge?
This dressing should last about a week in an airtight mason jar in the fridge. Shake well before using to maintain the perfect consistency.

Ingredients:

This recipe is VERY forgiving so don’t worry if you don’t have every single herb listed here. I’ve made it with minced garlic instead of garlic powder, just dill for green herbs when I ran out of parsely and many other substitutes.

• Milk Kefir
• Full Fat Greek Yogurt
• Mayo (preferably avocado mayo or homemade if you want to avoid soy)
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Dried parsley
• Dried dill
• Dried chives
• Sea salt
• Dried tarragon (optional)
• Mustard powder
• Cayenne Pepper
• Pinch of fresh cracked black pepper (to taste)

Supplies:

• Blender (I like using my single serve ninja blender for easiest clean up)
• Glass jar with lid
• Mixing bowl
• Spatula or wooden spoon

Step By Step: How to Make Kefir Ranch Dressing

In your blender, blend the plain kefir, sour cream, and mayo until smooth.

Add the garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, dill, chives, salt, pepper, tarragon, cayenne pepper, and mustard powder. Blend well.

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If you want a thicker dressing, you can add a little more greek yogurt or sour cream.

Transfer the dressing to a mason jar and refrigerate. Serve over your favorite seasonal food, salads, or as a dip for favorite foods like fresh veggies!

Enjoy this delicious way to sneak probiotics into your family’s diet while enjoying one of your favorite foods!

If you enjoyed this delicious Kefir Ranch Dressing recipe, PLEASE share with friends and family!

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