Almond Dressing
Almond-based salad dressings are not talked about enough! While classic vinaigrettes and creamy ranches dominate the dressing scene, there’s a hidden gem that deserves more attention: dressings created from blended almonds. They have a rich flavor, a uniquely creamy, complex texture, and many wonderful nutritional benefits.
Almond dressings such as this one bring a unique twist; they truly have a prominent almond, nutty taste, and their texture is worlds apart from milky, creamy cashew dressings. This Almond Dressing in particular is also very versatile. It can be drizzled onto a bowl of either fresh, vibrant salads, or even added to warm dishes, such as roasted vegetables, tofu, or grain bowls. Plus, crafting your own almond dressing allows you to customize the flavors and ingredients to suit your preferences, ensuring that every dish you use this with is a masterpiece tailored to your taste.
This dressing has a rich, buttery flavor due to the hearty, healthy fats in the almonds. Using almonds also provides sustained energy and satiation, making your salads not only delicious but also satisfying and nourishing. Furthermore, choosing almond milk over water to thin out the recipe contributes to the overall creaminess and almond taste, while keeping the dressing light. Liquid aminos, a savory seasoning made from soybeans, infuses the dressing with umami richness, enhancing its depth of flavor without overwhelming the palate. Maple syrup adds a hint of natural sweetness, balancing out the acidity of fresh lemon juice and the tanginess of mustard.
In a world where store-bought dressings often come laden with preservatives, additives, and an excess of sugar and sodium, this homemade Almond Dressing offers a refreshing alternative. By creating your own dressing from scratch, you have full control over the quality of ingredients, ensuring that your salads are not only delicious but also remain wholesome and nutritious. If you’re heavy-handed with your salad dressings, you want to be making them at home! Because they’re so nutritious, you can enjoy an extra drizzle or two without compromising your healthy eating habits.
What I love most about my dressings in particular is that I never make them with oil, either! Especially when you’re creating a nut-based dressing, you already have all the healthy fats you need, so incorporating oil is not at all necessary. The dressings are already so incredibly creamy when the nuts of choice are blended well with either water or dairy-free milk and the other necessary, flavorful ingredients.
I enjoy this Almond Dressing of course on salads, but I’ve even dipped tofu wraps in it, added it to warm rice bowls with a combination of vegetables like roasted brussel sprouts, cauliflower, zucchini and carrots. It keeps well in the refrigerator for several days, so you can get all kinds of uses out of it!
Almond Milk: Almond milk serves as the creamy base for this dressing, imparting a delicate nuttiness and smooth texture. Nutritionally, almond milk is low in calories and a great source of vitamin E, making it a heart-healthy choice.
Almonds: Whole almonds add depth and richness to the dressing, along with its unique, earthy texture. They provide a satisfying crunch and intense almond flavor. Almonds are packed with healthy fats, protein and fiber, offering a dose of satiating nutrients and promoting overall wellness.
Liquid Aminos: Liquid aminos are simply a lower-sodium soy sauce alternative. They contribute savory umami notes to the dressing, enhancing its depth of flavor. You may choose to use soy sauce instead, but feel free to use slightly less if you do so in order to not overdo it on the saltiness.
Maple Syrup: Maple syrup lends a touch of sweetness to balance the savory and tangy elements of this Almond Dressing. As a natural sweetener, maple syrup adds depth of flavor without the need for refined sugars, making it a better choice for those watching their sugar intake.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens up the dressing with its citrusy zing, adding a refreshing contrast to the rich nuttiness of the almonds. Additionally, lemon juice provides a dose of vitamin C and antioxidants, promoting immune health and overall well-being.
Mustard: Mustard brings a subtle tanginess to the dressing, helping to bind the ingredients together and create a cohesive texture.
Seasonings and Spices (Garlic Powder, Cumin, Coriander, Chili Powder, Paprika and Salt): A blend of aromatic spices infuses the dressing with complex, multidimensional flavor. Each spice adds its unique flair, from the warmth of cumin to the smokiness of paprika.
Ingredients
¾ C almond milk
½ C almonds
½ T liquid aminos
1 T maple syrup
1 T lemon juice
½ tsp each of garlic powder, cumin, coriander, chili powder, paprika and salt
1 tsp mustard
Instructions
1. Begin by soaking the almonds in water overnight or for at least 6-8 hours. This step helps to soften the almonds, making them easier to blend into a smooth consistency. If you have a high-speed blender, such as a Vitamix or a Ninja, you can skip this step and blend them without soaking them at all.
2. If you did soak your almonds, drain and rinse them, then transfer to your blender or food processor. Add the rest of the dressing ingredients as well.
3. Blend the ingredients together on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining. You may need to stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the blender and ensure even blending.
4. If the dressing is too thick, you can add a little more almond milk to reach your desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too thin, you can add a few more almonds to thicken it up.
5. Once blended, taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings to your preference if necessary. You can add more lemon juice for acidity, maple syrup for sweetness, or salt for a more prominent flavor overall.
6. Transfer the Almond Dressing to a clean glass jar or container and refrigerate until ready to use. Drizzle it over your favorite salads, grain bowls, or roasted vegetables for a burst of flavor and nutrition.
Stefanie is the founder of Life, Veganized, and a passionate vegan and animal advocate. She creates vegan recipes for all palates and resides in Los Angeles with her adorable puggle, Zeus.
