3 quick, plant-based dressings (oil-free & vegan)

When transitioning to a whole food, plant-based lifestyle, one of the misconceptions people encounter is the idea that there isn’t a lot of foods from where to choose, or that everything will taste like lettuce. But there is actually a great array of delicious foods that are enjoyed daily by plant-based eaters, from simple to complex dishes. Fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts and seeds are prepared in a variety of ways according to individual tastes, each contributing powerful nutrition.

Creating dressings and sauces is an easy way to transform an everyday dish into a fun eating experience. From the recipe books of Anya Cass (Cooking With Plants), here are three plant-based dressings that are hassle-free and require no cooking!

#1: Sweet Chili Chutney*

Fantastic on sandwiches or salads

Ingredients

• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 ripe mango
• 10 large pitted dates
• 1-3 red chilis
• 4-6 garlic cloves (peeled)
• 1 teaspoon ginger (freshly grated) 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

Method

Blend all ingredients in food processor or blender (or hand blender), pulsing to keep it slightly chunky. Pulse until you reach desired consistency.

#2: No-Cook Instant Blender Gravy*

Great over potatoes or any other steamed vegetables, as well as for dipping

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cup cooked chickpeas, drained
• 1/2 cup nutritional yeast flakes
• 1/4 cup scallions (green onions)
• 2 tablespoons miso paste (soy, chickpea or rice varieties are all great)
• 2 tablespoons tamari (or Braggs aminos or coconut aminos))
• 1/4 teaspoon white (or black) pepper
• 1 clove garlic, peeled
• 1 teaspoon dried sage leaves (or other dried herbs of your choice)

Method

Blend all ingredients in a blender (or use a hand blender) until smooth (about 1 minute).

#3: Nut-Free Vegan Cheese Sauce*

Delicious with just about any food or for dipping

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1/2 cups oats
• 1 cup cooked and soft cauliflower
• 1 roasted red pepper
• 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper (slightly milder than black pepper)
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon miso paste (white)
• 2 tablespoons oil-free tahini
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 cup soy milk, unsweetened (or any other plant-based milk)
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric (optional, we add this for a brighter yellow color)

Method

Blend all ingredients in a blender (or use a hand blender) for 1-2 minutes until creamy.

*Avoid any foods that may contain ingredients to which you are allergic. Contact us for healthy nutritional suggestions and other delicious food ideas.