RECIPE & GIFT IDEA: Vegan Ranch Dip with 'Real Garlic' Seasoning Mix

by Elizabeth Cancade, Culinary Nutrition Guide, 2021

Here's a creamy, dreamy ranch dip that is dairy and gluten free! Real Garlic, from Oak Lake, MB creates wonderful seasonings centred around their own garlic growing business and belief in local, nourishing foods. This fall, I stocked up on their inventory and bought more for sweet & simple gifts. This recipe plus a sachet of Real Garlic Ranch Seasoning Mix would be a wonderful gift for a food lover (and let's face it, everyone loves ranch!). And at only $8 per packet, it will fit your budget.

If you haven't gotten your hands on the seasoning mix, that's ok! Simply substitute with 1 tsp garlic powder and 1 tsp onion powder (or more to taste) and perhaps add a pinch more salt. The seasoning blend also has dried parsley, sea salt & pepper and dill if you'd like to add those, too.

CASHEW BASED DIP or MAYO/SOUR CREAM/YOGURT

I created this recipe from 1 cup of raw, soaked cashews with water for a creamy, thick texture that is vegan, dairy free and nutrient dense. If you have the Real Garlic Ranch Seasoning Blend, you can follow the instructions on the package to mix 1 tablespoon with 1 cup of sour cream, mayo or yogurt. But let me assure you, even non-vegans like myself will love the cashew-based version. My kids at it happily without question and I was satisfied knowing it was loaded with healthy fat, fiber and protein for all of us.

Happy Place: Pair it with a veggie tray before dinner and watch it disappear.