Tired of store-bought dressings packed with hidden calories and artificial ingredients? Get ready to revolutionize your salad game with this mind-blowing vegan, oil-free creamy Italian dressing that's not just healthy, but absolutely delicious! In just 5 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dressing that's so creamy and flavorful, you won't believe it's completely plant-based and made without a drop of oil.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 5 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup cashews, soaked
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Begin by soaking the cashews in water for at least 30 minutes. This will help soften them, making it easier to blend into a creamy texture. If you're short on time, you can use hot water to soak them for about 10-15 minutes instead.
- Once the cashews are adequately soaked, drain and rinse them under cool water to remove any excess starch. This will help ensure a smooth consistency in your dressing.
- In a blender or food processor, combine the soaked cashews and 1/4 cup of fresh water. Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Add the red wine vinegar, nutritional yeast, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the blender. Blend again until all ingredients are well incorporated and the dressing is smooth.
- Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or red wine vinegar to suit your preference.
- If the dressing is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little more water, blending again until you reach your desired consistency.
- Once the dressing is ready, transfer it to a clean jar or container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Before serving, give the dressing a good shake or stir, as it may separate over time. Enjoy your vegan oil-free creamy Italian dressing on salads, as a dip, or drizzled over roasted vegetables!
Tips
- Soak Smart: For the smoothest possible dressing, soak your cashews thoroughly. Hot water can speed up the process if you're short on time.
- Blend to Perfection: Take your time blending to ensure a completely smooth consistency. Stop and scrape down the sides of the blender to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Customize Your Flavor: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste. Love garlic? Add an extra pinch. Prefer a tangier dressing? Increase the red wine vinegar slightly.
- Consistency is Key: If the dressing is too thick, add water a tablespoon at a time. If it's too thin, let it sit for a few minutes to thicken naturally.
- Storage Hack: Always store in an airtight container and give it a good shake before serving, as natural separation is normal with homemade dressings.
- Versatility Tip: This dressing isn't just for salads! Use it as a dip for vegetables, a sauce for grain bowls, or a creamy drizzle over roasted veggies.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 80kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
