How to make Vegan Creamy Italian Dressing

Vegan Creamy Italian Dressing offers a sumptuous and herbaceous alternative to its traditional, dairy-based counterpart, inviting everyone, including vegans and those with dairy sensitivities, into the realm of classic Italian flavors. Infused with aromatic herbs such as basil, oregano, and thyme, this dressing marries these with a tangy blend of vinegar and lemon juice, all emulsified into a smooth and velvety texture courtesy of plant-based ingredients like blended soaked cashews or silken tofu.

The dressing is designed to add zest and a touch of indulgence to a wide range of dishes, from crisp salads and steamed vegetables to heartier fare like pasta salads and grain bowls. Nutritional yeast may be included to impart a subtle cheesy note without the cheese, and finely minced garlic rounds out the flavor profile, providing that characteristic Italian gusto.

Crafted for convenience and healthfulness, this Vegan Creamy Italian Dressing can be quickly whisked together and customized to personal taste preferences, making it a perfect addition to any kitchen repertoire. Whether you’re looking to spruce up your weekday salad or impress at a dinner party with a homemade dressing, this creamy vegan delight is a guaranteed way to bring the essence of Italian cuisine to your table – no dairy required.

Vegan Creamy Italian Dressing recipe

Vegan Creamy Italian Dressing

Vegan Creamy Italian Dressing presents a delightful mix of traditional Italian flavors in a plant-based form, offering a rich and herbaceous taste that can elevate a variety of dishes. This version substitutes dairy with ingredients such as blended cashews or silken tofu, creating a smooth and luxurious texture, while the use of almonds or almond milk adds a subtle nuttiness.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Sauce

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 serving

Calories 112 kcal

Equipment

• 1 bowl

Ingredients

  

• 6 tbsp soft silken tofu
• 2 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 4 tbsp water
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp oregano flakes
• 1/2 tsp rosemary flakes
• 1/2 tsp basil flakes
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 pinch freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

 

• Place the tofu in a bowl of mini food processor or immersion. Add the water blender and blend or process until well chopped.
• Add the rest of the ingredients and process until almost smooth but still retain color from herb flakes.
• Serve dressing immediately on salad or as you desired or store in an air tight container and keep in the fridge. Use dressing within a week.

Keyword garlic powder, soft silken tofu

Cooking Tips about Vegan Creamy Italian Dressing

• Herb-Infused Foundation: Incorporate generous amounts of classic Italian herbs such as basil, oregano, thyme, and maybe even a little rosemary or parsley. Fresh is always best, but dried herbs work when fresh ones aren’t available. Crushing the dried herbs between your fingers before adding them can help release more flavor.
• Creamy Without Dairy: Utilize plant-based ingredients like soaked cashews, silken tofu, or blended white beans to achieve a rich, creamy texture. Soaking cashews overnight will ensure they blend smoothly into the perfect consistency.
• Acidic Balance: Add vinegar (like red or white wine vinegar) and lemon juice for a refreshing tang. These elements are crucial in creating the zesty taste that’s characteristic of Italian dressing.
• Cheesy Flavor Without Cheese: Nutritional yeast can provide a cheese-like flavor without using dairy. It’s a staple for mimicking the umami taste typically provided by cheese or anchovies in traditional dressings.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Though not necessary, a small amount of good-quality extra virgin olive oil can be whisked in at the end for richness. For an oil-free version, simply omit this step.
• Garlic For Gusto: Either fresh minced garlic or garlic powder can be used to add depth. If using fresh, make sure it’s finely minced to distribute evenly throughout the dressing.
• Sweetness: Counterbalance the acidity with a touch of maple syrup or agave nectar. Adjust the amount to your liking but start with less—you can always add more if needed.
• Season Properly: Salt and freshly ground black pepper are essential for enhancing all the flavors within your dressing.
• Thicken Naturally: A small amount of Dijon mustard not only thickens the dressing but also adds a complex tangy sharpness.
• Chill Before Serving: After mixing, refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to develop fully, resulting in a more cohesively seasoned dressing.

Serving suggestions about Vegan Creamy Italian Dressing

• Garden Fresh Salad: Toss this herbaceous dressing with a mix of fresh greens, sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and olives to create a vibrant garden salad.
• Italian Pasta Salad: Mix the dressing into a cold pasta salad with rotini, cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, and vegan mozzarella chunks.
• Grilled Veggie Marinade: Use it as a marinade for grilling vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, infusing them with an Italian flavor.
• Dip for Crudités: Serve it as a flavorful dip for a platter of raw vegetables like carrots, celery, cauliflower, and broccoli.
• Sandwich Spread: Elevate any vegan sandwich by adding this creamy dressing as a spread on crusty Italian bread, along with your favorite sandwich fillings.
• Roasted Potato Drizzle: After roasting baby potatoes, drizzle them with the Vegan Creamy Italian Dressing for a herby and tangy touch.
• Vegan Antipasto: Drizzle the dressing over a vegan antipasto platter filled with marinated vegetables, olives, pepperoncini, and slices of vegan sausage.
• Savory Grain Bowl: Spoon the dressing over a bowl of farro or quinoa paired with steamed asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and white beans for an Italian-inspired grain bowl.
• Wrap Dressing: Use it to add flavor to wraps packed with lettuce, chickpea cutlets, vegan cheese, and sliced peppers.
• Chickpea Salad: Make a chickpea salad by mixing cooked chickpeas, diced veggies, vegan parmesan, and the creamy Italian dressing for a protein-packed meal.

Top 5 FAQs about Vegan Creamy Italian Dressing

• What makes Vegan Creamy Italian Dressing creamy without using dairy? To achieve a creamy texture without dairy, this dressing uses plant-based ingredients such as soaked cashews or silken tofu, which when blended, create a luxurious and smooth consistency. Almonds or almond milk may also be used for a subtle nutty flavor.
• How does the dressing get its traditional Italian flavor? The traditional Italian flavor comes from a combination of classic herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, and sometimes parsley or rosemary. Garlic, vinegar, and lemon juice add depth and tanginess to the dressing, while nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy taste without actual cheese.
• Can Vegan Creamy Italian Dressing be used in other ways besides a salad dressing? Absolutely! This versatile dressing can be used as a marinade for vegetables or plant-based proteins, drizzled over steamed vegetables, mixed into pasta salads, and even served as a dipping sauce for bread or crudités.
• Is this type of dressing healthy? Vegan Creamy Italian Dressing can be considered a healthier alternative since it eliminates dairy and often uses whole food plant-based ingredients. As such, it can be lower in cholesterol and saturated fats compared to traditional dressings.
• How should I store Vegan Creamy Italian Dressing, and how long will it last? Store Vegan Creamy Italian Dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Typically, if made fresh and kept chilled, it can last up to a week. Remember that flavors may continue to develop and meld over time, enhancing the taste.

In conclusion, the Vegan Creamy Italian Dressing is a true testament to the versatility of plant-based cuisine, showing that even the most classic flavors can be enjoyed without compromising on ethics or dietary needs. Rich in aromatic herbs and perfectly balanced with tangy vinegar and lemon juice, it offers everything one could want from an Italian dressing, but with the added benefit of being completely dairy-free.