Vegan Oil-Free Creamy Italian Dressing

• Produce

  • 1/2 tsp Garlic powder

• Condiments

  • 1 tbsp Lemon juice, fresh
  • 1 tsp Maple syrup or agave
  • 1/4 tsp Mustard powder, dry yellow

• Baking & Spices

  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper, ground
  • 1/4 tsp Paprika
  • 1/2 scant tsp Sea salt, fine

• Oils & Vinegars

  • 3 tbsp Red wine vinegar

• Liquids

  • 5/8 cup Water

• Other

  • 1 tbsp (+ 1/4 teaspoon to add after blending dried Italian seasoning blend without salt or red pepper (I use McCormick brand

Found on thevegan8.com

Description

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup (112 g) raw, unsalted cashews (While I prefer the flavor with all cashews, for a lower fat version, you can sub half white beans and half cashews, but I would not recommend all beans or it really does change the taste/texture)
• 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons water
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup or agave (use 2 teaspoons for less acidic flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dry yellow mustard powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tbsp (+ 1/4 teaspoon to add after blending) dried Italian seasoning blend without salt or red pepper (I use McCormick brand)
• scant 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

• If you do not have a high powered blender, then you will need to soak your cashews for 8-12 hours, the longer the better. Drain and rinse, then proceed with the recipe. They may not get 100% smooth in a regular blender and I find blending in a food processor (if you dont have a Vitamix/Blendtec) gets things smoother than a standard blender.
• Add all of the ingredients to a high powered blender (I use a Vitamix) and blend until completely smooth and creamy. I found the flavor to be perfect, but if you want more tart, then add a bit more lemon or red wine vinegar. Keep in mind, that the flavor reaches its true taste after chilling, as well as thickens even more. Stir in the remaining 1/4 teaspoon Italian dried herbs.
• Chill in the fridge a minimum of an hour and then enjoy! When is sits overnight in the fridge, it will thicken up to the consistency of a dip, you can leave as is or add just a tiny bit of water to thin.