Like most people I look forward to summer and all that the season holds.This includes a wider variety of foods. It seems that I crave salads more in the summer than the winter and have discovered 3 Plant-Based Salad Dressing Recipes for the Summer of 2023.
Typically I don’t use salad dressing as I like the taste of the medley of flavors that the greens and veggies provide all on their own. For whatever reason, this changes during the summer. I love trying new dressings, especially the lighter taste of things.
If you’re like me and enjoy a variety of salad dressings you may seem to settle on two or three favorites. Here’s the three favorites that are my “go-to” dressings all summer long. Two of these are WFPB without oil, and all three are delightful and every type of eater enjoys them. Oh and they’re also easy to make!
The Best Summer Salad Dressings
This strawberry vinaigrette dressing is found at My Whole Food Life and not only is it light and delicious, it’s even got the word Easy in its title. Just right for summer salads.
Easy Plant-Based|Vegan Strawberry Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- 2 cups organic strawberries Fresh is best but frozen may work in a pinch
- 2 Tbs balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tbs red wine vinegar
- 1 Tbs lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic
Instructions
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In a small blender, combine all the ingredients and mix until smooth.
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Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Magical Oil-Free Vegan Salad Dressing is as tasty as its name suggests. I thank Dreena Burton from Plant Powered Kitchen for creating this gem as it’s delicious and a favorite of many. Be prepared to make and serve this often!
Magical Oil-Free Vegan Salad Dressing
From Plant-Powered Kitchen: This dressing uses applesauce to emulsify the ingredients and produce a surprisingly thick-oil free salad dressing! Try it as is first, and then play with some of the seasoning to your own preferences.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp mild miso chickpea miso or brown rice miso
- 3/4-1 tsp dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- 1/8 tsp cinnamon
- 11/2 tbsp pure maple syrup or more to sweeten to taste if desired
- 1/4 tsp rounded sea salt or more to taste
- freshly ground pepper to taste
Instructions
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Using an immersion blender and deep cup combine all ingredients until very smooth. If using a blender, you may need to double the batch for enough blending volume. Taste, and if you'd like a little sweeter add another teaspoon or so of maple syrup. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper as well. If you'd like a thinner dressing, simply add a couple of teaspoons of water and blend through again.
Bonus Dressing
Even though I love the two dressing described above, I’ve included another favorite. This is a vegan ranch recipe that my husband created. He took the liberty of using Veganiase (vegan mayo) which tosses out the notion of this dressing being oil free, but it sure is tasty nonetheless. It’s great for salads as well as a veggie dip.
Easy Vegan Ranch Dressing
Ingredients
- 1 cup Veganiase Vegan Mayonaisse
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk original/plain organic soy milk works well
- 1/4 tsp celery seed
- 1/2 tsp dried or fresh (chopped) dill
- 1/4 tsp dry mustard
- 1/4-1/2 tsp sea salt to taste
- 2 tsp chopped parsley
Instructions
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Combine all ingredients except the milk into a mixing bowl
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Add approximately 1/2 the milk and whisk. Keep adding milk until it reaches the desired consistency. It will thicken after its been refrigerated for a few hours. If your'e making it ahead of time, use all the milk. If you're eating it right away, just add until it's the desired consistency.
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Store covered, in the refrigerator for a up to a few days. Add milk if it's too thick.
Enjoy these easy to make yet powerfully tasty dressings all summer long. It’s okay to use these throughout the year too! Here’s two more recipes that are perfect for a summer meal.
P.S. If you’re new to the plant-based lifestyle and are looking for a place to learn and gain some support and encouragement, join our free private Facebook group called She Builds Healthier Habits, Learn to take charge of your health and stay the course with the whole food plant-based lifestyle. Join She Builds Healtheir Habits