As the seasons change, our taste buds can get a little restless. But fear not! We’ve got just the thing to keep your salads fresh and exciting: 20 creamy vegan salad dressings that’ll take you on a culinary journey around the world. From tangy and zesty to rich and indulgent, these recipes are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
In this article, we’ll be exploring the wonderful world of plant-based dressing options. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking for some tasty alternatives to traditional ranch or Caesar dressings, you’ve come to the right place. So grab your blender and let’s get started on this delicious adventure!
Creamy Avocado Lime Dressing
Elevate your salads and sandwiches with this creamy and tangy dressing that combines the richness of avocado with the brightness of lime.
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine avocados, lime juice, yogurt, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
Cooking Time: None! This dressing is ready in just a few minutes of blending.
Tahini Lemon Garlic Dressing
Elevate your salads and sandwiches with this creamy and tangy Tahini Lemon Garlic Dressing, perfect for adding a burst of flavor to any dish.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup tahini
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. Blend until smooth.
2. With the blender or food processor running, slowly pour in the olive oil through the top.
3. Continue blending for about 30 seconds, until the dressing is creamy and emulsified.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: None!
Tips:
– Adjust the amount of garlic to your liking.
– Use this dressing as a marinade for grilled meats or vegetables.
– Refrigerate leftover dressing for up to 5 days.
Coconut Miso Ginger Dressing
Elevate your salads with this creamy and tangy dressing that combines the warmth of ginger, the umami of miso, and the richness of coconut.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/4 cup coconut cream
– 2 tablespoons white miso paste
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine yogurt, coconut cream, miso paste, ginger, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired. If too thick, add a little water. If too thin, add a little more yogurt or coconut cream.
4. Transfer dressing to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (prep time), 30 minutes (refrigeration time)
Cashew Ranch Dressing
Elevate your salads and snacks with this rich and tangy cashew-based ranch dressing, made with just a few simple ingredients. Perfect for vegans and non-vegans alike!
Ingredients:
• 1 cup soaked cashews
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Drain and rinse the cashews, then add them to a blender with the remaining 1/2 cup water.
2. Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
3. Add the apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper to the blender.
4. Blend until well combined and emulsified.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (includes soaking time for cashews)
Sunflower Seed Caesar Dressing
Elevate your salad game with this unique and delicious Sunflower Seed Caesar Dressing, featuring the nutty flavor of sunflower seeds. Perfect for those looking to mix up their usual Caesar routine.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds, shelled and chopped
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine mayonnaise, yogurt, lemon juice, vinegar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Stir in chopped sunflower seeds.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None required!
Maple Dijon Mustard Dressing
Elevate your salads and sandwiches with this sweet and tangy dressing, perfect for fall and winter gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and maple syrup until smooth.
2. Add Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well combined.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness or tanginess to your liking.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time:
– Prep time: 5 minutes
– Chill time: 30 minutes
Silken Tofu Basil Pesto Dressing
Elevate your salad game with this creamy and flavorful vegan dressing! By blending silken tofu, basil, garlic, and lemon juice, you’ll create a rich and tangy condiment perfect for drizzling over mixed greens, pasta, or as a dip.
Ingredients:
– 1 block of silken tofu (14 oz)
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
– 3 cloves of garlic, peeled
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Drain and rinse the silken tofu, then place it in a blender or food processor.
2. Add the basil leaves, garlic, and lemon juice to the blender.
3. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Cooking Time: None! Just blend and serve.
Spicy Peanut Butter Dressing
Elevate your salads or noodle dishes with this creamy and spicy peanut butter dressing! This recipe combines the richness of peanuts with a kick of heat, perfect for those who like a little excitement in their meals.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup creamy natural peanut butter
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon sriracha sauce (or more to taste)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine peanut butter, yogurt, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and ginger. Blend until smooth.
2. Add sriracha sauce and blend until well combined.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None! This dressing is ready to use straight away.
Balsamic Fig Vinaigrette
This sweet and tangy vinaigrette combines the rich flavors of balsamic vinegar and caramelized figs, perfect for dressing salads or using as a marinade. With just a few ingredients, you can create a unique and delicious condiment to elevate your dishes.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh figs (about 2-3 figs)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine balsamic vinegar, chopped figs, and salt. Blend until smooth.
2. With the blender or food processor still running, slowly pour in the olive oil through the top.
3. Add the honey and blend until well combined.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Turmeric Tahini Dressing
Add a bright and creamy twist to your salads with this flavorful Turmeric Tahini Dressing recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup tahini
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon grated turmeric
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine tahini, lemon juice, water, apple cider vinegar, turmeric, and salt.
2. Blend on high speed for about 30 seconds, until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Add the garlic and blend for another 10-15 seconds, until well combined.
4. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
5. Transfer the dressing to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Cooking Time:
– Prep time: 5 minutes
– Blend time: 45 seconds
– Total time: 10 minutes
Roasted Garlic Hummus Dressing
Roasted Garlic Hummus Dressing: Elevate your salads and sandwiches with this creamy, flavorful condiment that combines the richness of roasted garlic with the classic taste of hummus.
Ingredients:
– 3 cloves roasted garlic (see note)
– 1/2 cup cooked chickpeas
– 1/4 cup tahini
– 1/4 cup lemon juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 minced garlic clove
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons water
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine roasted garlic, chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and olive oil.
2. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Add minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until well combined.
4. With the blender running, slowly add water and continue blending until desired consistency is reached.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes (prep time included)
Note: To roast garlic, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the top off a whole head of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap in foil. Roast for 30-40 minutes or until tender and caramelized.
Chipotle Lime Cashew Dressing
Elevate your salad game with this creamy and tangy Chipotle Lime Cashew Dressing, perfect for adding a smoky kick to any greens.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup cashews
– 1/4 cup lime juice
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Soak the cashews in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Drain and rinse the cashews, then blend with lime juice, Greek yogurt, chipotle peppers, and honey until smooth.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None required! Just chill and serve.
Orange Sesame Ginger Dressing
This refreshing dressing combines the zesty flavors of orange and ginger with the nutty goodness of sesame oil, making it a perfect addition to your favorite salads.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine orange juice, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and grated ginger.
2. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
3. Add honey and blend until well combined.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
Cooking Time: None
Herbed Almond Yogurt Dressing
A refreshing and flavorful condiment perfect for topping salads, vegetables, or using as a dip.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
– 1 tablespoon finely sliced almonds
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, parsley, and dill.
2. Stir in the sliced almonds and lemon juice until well combined.
3. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: None! This is a quick and easy recipe that’s ready in just 5 minutes.
Smoky Paprika Tahini Dressing
Elevate your salads and vegetables with this creamy, smoky dressing that combines the richness of tahini with the depth of paprika.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup tahini
– 1/4 cup lemon juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and smoked paprika. Blend until smooth.
2. With the blender or food processor running, slowly pour in olive oil through the top. Continue blending until well combined and creamy.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Blueberry Balsamic Dressing
This refreshing dressing combines the natural sweetness of blueberries with the rich flavor of balsamic vinegar, perfect for topping salads, grilled meats, or vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, puree the blueberries until smooth.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard until well combined.
3. With the blender or food processor running, slowly pour in the balsamic mixture and continue blending until smooth.
4. With the motor still running, slowly pour in the olive oil through the top of the blender or food processor.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (blending only)
Mango Habanero Lime Dressing
Elevate your salads with this unique and refreshing dressing that combines the sweetness of mango, the spicy kick of habanero peppers, and the brightness of lime.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– 2-3 habanero peppers, seeded and chopped
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine mango, habanero peppers, lime juice, and honey. Blend until smooth.
2. With the blender or food processor still running, slowly pour in the olive oil. Continue blending until well combined.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None
Yield: About 1 cup of dressing
Pumpkin Seed Cilantro Dressing
A refreshing twist on traditional salad dressings, this Pumpkin Seed Cilantro Dressing combines the nutty flavor of pumpkin seeds with the brightness of cilantro and a hint of tanginess.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro
– 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine yogurt, cilantro, pumpkin seeds, apple cider vinegar, and honey.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Season with salt to taste.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Apple Cider Vinegar Maple Dressing
Elevate your salads with this tangy and sweet dressing that combines the natural sweetness of maple syrup with the tanginess of apple cider vinegar.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar and maple syrup until well combined.
2. Slowly pour in the olive oil while continuously whisking until smooth.
3. Add Dijon mustard, salt, and parsley to the mixture; whisk until well combined.
4. Taste and adjust sweetness or tanginess as needed.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Chocolate Raspberry Vinaigrette
Elevate your salads with this decadent vinaigrette that combines the sweetness of raspberries and the richness of chocolate. Perfect for a unique flavor profile, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup good-quality dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
– 1/4 cup raspberry jam
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, melt the chocolate chips over low heat, stirring occasionally.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the raspberry jam until well combined.
3. Let cool slightly, then whisk in the vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes (mostly melting time)
Summary
Get ready to elevate your salad game with these 20 creamy vegan salad dressing recipes, perfect for every season! From classic ranch to international-inspired flavors, this collection has something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for a tangy avocado lime dressing or a spicy peanut butter dressing, there’s a recipe here to suit your taste buds. With ingredients like cashews, tofu, and miso paste, these dressings are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. So go ahead, get creative, and make salad night a whole lot more interesting!