Transform your everyday salads into culinary masterpieces with these three vibrant, dairy-free dressings. These recipes combine fresh ingredients and bold flavors to create versatile dressings that will revolutionize your meal prep routine. From the vibrant Carrot Ginger to the herb-packed Green Goddess and the nutty Sunflower Seed dressing, these recipes prove that healthy eating can be both nutritious and delicious.
Ingredients
Carrot Ginger Dressing
- 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped (1 cup/150g)
- 1½ tablespoons grated ginger (38g/1.5-inch piece)
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) maple syrup
- ⅓ cup (80ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- 1½ teaspoons (7.5ml) toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon (15g) mellow miso
- ⅓ cup (80ml) unseasoned rice vinegar
- 1-2 tablespoons (15-30ml) lime juice
- Salt to taste
Green Goddess Dressing
- ½ cup (75g) raw cashews
- ¼ cup (15g) packed cilantro or parsley
- ¼ cup (15g) packed fresh basil
- ¼ cup (15g) fresh chives
- 1 lemon, juiced (about 3 tablespoons/45ml)
- 1 clove garlic (3g)
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) coconut aminos or tamari
- ⅓ cup (80ml) water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Creamy Nut-Free Dressing
- ½ cup (70g) toasted sunflower seeds
- 1 clove garlic (3g)
- 1 teaspoon (2g) crushed red pepper
- 1 tablespoon (15g) mellow/white miso
- 1 lemon, juiced (about 3 tablespoons/45ml)
- ¾ cup (180ml) water
- Salt to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Carrot Ginger Dressing
- Prepare Ingredients:
- Peel and roughly chop carrots into 1-inch pieces
- Peel and grate ginger
- Blend:
- Combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender
- Blend until completely smooth (2-3 minutes)
- Scrape down sides as needed
- Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste and adjust lime juice, maple syrup, and salt
- Blend again briefly if adjusted
Green Goddess Dressing
- Prep Cashews:
- Soak cashews overnight OR
- Quick-soak in hot water for 15 minutes
- Drain thoroughly
- Prepare Herbs:
- Wash and dry all herbs
- Roughly chop for easier blending
- Blend:
- Combine all ingredients in blender
- Process until silky smooth
- Add water if needed for desired consistency
Creamy Nut-Free Dressing
- Toast Seeds:
- Toast sunflower seeds in dry pan until fragrant
- Let cool completely
- Blend:
- Combine all ingredients in blender
- Process until completely smooth
- Add water gradually to achieve desired consistency
Timing:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15-20 minutes (excluding soaking time)
Pro Tips and Tricks
- Use room temperature ingredients for smoother blending
- Toast seeds and nuts for enhanced flavor
- Use a high-speed blender for the smoothest results
- Add water gradually to control consistency
- Taste and adjust seasonings at room temperature
Variations and Substitutions
- Sweeteners: Replace maple syrup with honey or agave
- Oils: Substitute olive oil with avocado oil
- Herbs: Mix and match fresh herbs based on preference
- Heat Level: Adjust crushed red pepper to taste
- Acid: Swap lime/lemon juice with apple cider vinegar
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long do these dressings last?
A: Store refrigerated for up to 10 days in airtight containers.
Q: Can I freeze these dressings?
A: Not recommended as texture may change upon thawing.
Q: How can I make the dressings thicker/thinner?
A: Adjust water content gradually to achieve desired consistency.
Q: Are these dressings Whole30 compliant?
A: Modify by omitting maple syrup and using compliant miso.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Store in glass jars with tight-fitting lids
- Leave minimal air space in containers
- Shake well before each use
- Bring to room temperature for best flavor
- If separation occurs, blend again briefly
- Label containers with date and contents
These versatile dressings aren’t just for salads – use them as:
- Dips for raw vegetables
- Sandwich spreads
- Bowl dressings
- Marinade for proteins
- Drizzle for roasted vegetables
Make your meal prep exciting and nutritious with these dairy-free dressing options that prove healthy eating can be both convenient and delicious.