Classic Celery and Ranch: The Cool, Crunchy Sidekick Your Wing Night Deserves
Every Friday night in my house is “wing night.” It started as a little tradition with my husband and two kids during football season something easy, fun, and let’s be honest, deliciously messy. But somewhere along the way, it wasn’t just about the wings anymore. It became about what to serve with wings, and suddenly, the humble celery and ranch combo started stealing the spotlight.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Sarah, it’s just celery and ranch.” But hear me out.
This isn’t your sad, soggy celery situation from the bottom of the takeout box. This is Classic Celery & Ranch done right. Creamy, herb-loaded, dairy-free ranch (yes, dairy-free!) and crisp, cold celery sticks that’ll have you double-dipping like it’s your full-time job.
And bonus? It’s one of those healthy wing night sides that even my picky eaters go for without bribery. Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Classic Celery and Ranch
- It’s fresh and easy No stovetop, no oven, just blend, chop, and chill.
- Dairy-free magic Thanks to soaked cashews and a splash of coconut milk, this celery and ranch dip is shockingly creamy and full of flavor.
- Pairs with everything Whether you’re making airfryer chicken wing sides or just need a go-to snack, this one delivers.
- Party-perfect Hosting? Add this to your list of easy party appetizers. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need to make Celery and Ranch
For the dreamy, herby ranch:
- 1 ½ cups raw cashews, soaked several hours (or overnight)
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- ½ cup water (add more to thin as needed)
- ½ cup coconut milk (carton, not canned)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- Small bunch of fresh chives, finely minced
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried dill
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon Himalayan salt
And, of course:
- 2 stalks of celery, cleaned and trimmed into sticks
How to Make Celery and Ranch
1. Soak Your Cashews
If you haven’t soaked your cashews yet, quick tip: cover them with hot water and let them sit for about 30 minutes to speed up the process. This helps make your dip extra creamy.
2. Blend That Ranch
In a high-speed blender, add your soaked cashews, lemon juice, water, coconut milk, and vinegar. Blend until smooth and luscious.
3. Add the Flavor Bombs
Toss in all your herbs and spices chives, parsley, dill, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Give it another quick blend or stir them in by hand for a more speckled, rustic look.
4. Chill It Out
Pop the ranch in the fridge for at least 20 minutes. This gives the flavors a chance to mingle (and your celery a chance to get nice and cold).
5. Prep the Celery
Slice your celery into easy-to-dip sticks. If you’re feeling fancy, serve them in a mason jar for that Pinterest-y look.
Tips for Perfect Celery and Ranch Every Time
- Need it thinner? Add a splash of water or milk until it hits your preferred dip/dressing consistency.
- Want it thicker? Use less liquid and go for a spoonable ranch perfect for dipping.
- Serving for a party? Double the batch. Trust me, it goes fast.
- Short on time? You can totally make the ranch the night before. It actually gets better after a little rest in the fridge.
A Little Story From My Kitchen
The first time I made this dairy-free ranch was kind of by accident. I was halfway through dinner prep, only to discover we were out of the store-bought stuff. In a pinch, I soaked some cashews, threw in every herb I could find, and… magic happened. My daughter literally said, “Mom, this tastes better than the bottle.” Cue proud-tears-in-the-kitchen moment.
🍗 This side is featured in my full roundup: What to Serve with Chicken Wings. Discover more crispy, cheesy, and fresh pairings!
Now, it’s become one of those staples I serve with Best Air Fryer Chicken Wings or even alongside Crispy Sweet Potato Fries. It’s also a hit at every game day party, girls’ night, or when I just need something snacky but smart.
FAQs About Celery and Ranch
Can I use a different milk besides coconut?
Absolutely! Almond, oat, or soy milk all work well. Just avoid canned coconut milk it’s too thick.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep the ranch in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 5 days. Celery sticks are best fresh, but you can keep them crisp in water.
Can I use store-bought ranch instead?
You can but once you try this homemade version, you might not go back. It’s that good.
Whether you’re prepping for game day, feeding a crowd, or just trying to add a little crunch to your dinner spread, celery and ranch is the quiet hero of the plate. Cool, creamy, and surprisingly satisfying it’s the balance your wings didn’t know they needed.
And hey, if you’re already pulling out your air fryer, check out my air fryer chicken wing sides and other easy party appetizers to round out your spread.
Because wing night? It’s not just about wings anymore.
With love (and a double-dip of ranch),
Sarah 🥬💚
Classic Celery and Ranch
Equipment
- High-speed blender
Ingredients
Cashew Ranch Dip
- 1.5 cups raw cashews soaked several hours or overnight
- 2 tbsp lemon juice juice of 1 lemon
- 0.5 cup water add more to thin as needed
- 0.5 cup coconut milk carton, not canned
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- fresh chives small bunch, finely minced
- 2 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 0.5 tsp dried dill
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 0.25 tsp Himalayan salt
Celery
- 2 stalks celery cleaned and trimmed into sticks
Instructions
- Soak the cashews in hot water for 30 minutes or in cool water for several hours or overnight.
- In a high-speed blender, blend soaked cashews, lemon juice, water, coconut milk, and vinegar until smooth.
- Add chives, parsley, dill, onion powder, garlic powder, pepper, and salt. Blend again or stir in for a more rustic look.
- Refrigerate the ranch for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors develop.
- Slice celery into sticks and serve chilled with ranch dip. Enjoy!
