How to make Plant-based French dressing with dates

Certainly! Plant-based French dressing with dates is a delightful twist on the classic French dressing that is usually known for its oil, vinegar, and tomato base. In this version, dates are used to add natural sweetness as an alternative to processed sugars typically found in dressings. This dressing aligns with plant-based diets and provides a healthier option for those looking to avoid refined sugars while still enjoying the vibrant flavors of a traditional French dressing.

The magic of this dressing lies in its blend of tart vinegar or lemon juice balanced by the caramel-like sweetness of dates, which are pureed to create a smooth and consistent texture. Oil is optional in this recipe, and for those seeking an oil-free alternative, pureed fruits or vegetables can provide a creamy thickness to the dressing without the added fats. Rich in flavor yet light in composition, this dressing is perfect for drizzling over crisp greens, marinating tofu or tempeh, or adding a zesty punch to grain bowls.

Herbs and spices such as garlic, mustard, and black pepper are included to incorporate depth and complexity to the flavor profile. Plant-based French dressing with dates is not only delicious but also introduces a wholesome, nutrient-dense aspect to meals, appealing to anyone pursuing a health-conscious, eco-friendly, or vegan lifestyle. It’s a testament to how simple, natural ingredients can be transformed into delicious culinary creations.

Plant-based French dressing with dates recipe

Plant-based French dressing with dates

Plant-based French dressing with dates offers a refreshing and naturally sweetened take on the traditional French dressing. By utilizing the natural sweetness of dates, this version avoids processed sugars and aligns with plant-based nutritional values, making it an excellent choice for those looking to reduce refined sugar intake.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Sauce

Cuisine French

Servings 7 serving

Calories 112 kcal

Equipment

• 1 high powered blender

Ingredients

  

• 3 dates
• 2 1/2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp rolled oats
• 1 tbsp hemp hearts
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp mustard powder
• 1 tsp Braggs liquid amino acids
• 1 cup water

Instructions

 

• Combine all the ingredients in a high powered blender or food processor and blend or process until smooth and creamy
• Stop the blending and scrape down the sides of the blender bowl. Add water to the dressing little at a time until desire consistency is reached, dressing will not be too runny but in between .Taste and make necessary adjustment to suit your taste.
• Serve dressing immediately as you want and store any leftover in an air tight container and keep in the fridge, use within 7 days

Keyword apple cider vinegar, tomato paste

Cooking Tips about Plant-based French dressing with dates

• Choose high-quality dates: Look for fresh, plump dates like Medjool or Deglet Noor. They should be soft and caramelly, which will blend smoothly and provide natural sweetness to the dressing.
• Properly prepare dates: Remove the pits and soak the dates in warm water if they’re not soft enough. This will make them easier to blend and help distribute their sweetness uniformly throughout the dressing.
• Blend until smooth: Use a high-speed blender to achieve a creamy texture with the dates. Blend all ingredients until you get a smooth, homogenous mixture without any date bits.
• Adjust sweetness: Start with fewer dates and add more as needed after tasting. The natural sweetness of the dates is potent, so it’s best to build it up gradually to suit your palate.
• Balance flavors carefully: A good French dressing has a balance between sweetness, sourness, and savory flavor. Taste and tweak the levels of acidity (vinegar/lemon juice) and seasonings to strike that perfect balance.
• Experiment with vinegars: Red wine vinegar is traditional in French dressing, but feel free to experiment with balsamic or apple cider vinegar for different flavor profiles.
• Incorporate different herbs and spices: Depending on the desired outcome, you can add various herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano to complement the sweetness of the dates and create complexity.
• Oil substitution: If avoiding oil, use pureed fruits like applesauce or fruit vinegars for a touch of tangy creaminess while maintaining a whole-food, plant-based approach.
• A pinch of mustard: Mustard can emulsify and bind the dressing while adding depth. A little Dijon or stone-ground mustard can elevate the taste.
• Chilling time: Let the dressing chill in the fridge before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and results in a more harmonious flavor.

Serving suggestions about Plant-based French dressing with dates

• Sweet and Tangy Green Salads: Dress mixed greens, arugula, or baby spinach with this dressing to balance the sweet notes of the dates with the peppery taste of the leaves.
• Roasted Vegetable Medley: Drizzle the dressing over roasted root vegetables like carrots, beets, and sweet potatoes for a delightful contrast of flavors.
• Grain Bowl Companion: Add a punch of flavor to grain bowls featuring quinoa, brown rice, or farro with this sweet and tangy dressing.
• Fruity Couscous Salad: Mix the dressing into couscous along with diced apples, raisins, nuts, and finely chopped herbs for a refreshing side dish.
• Mediterranean Pasta Salad: Toss together whole-grain pasta with cherry tomatoes, olives, diced cucumber, and feta cheese, then coat with the date-infused dressing for a Mediterranean flair.
• Palette for Dipping: Use it as a dipping sauce for fresh vegetable crudities or pita bread, providing a healthier option for snacking without sacrificing flavor.
• Marinated Tofu or Tempeh: Soak tofu or tempeh in the dressing before baking or grilling to infuse them with the dressing’s rich sweetness and acidic notes.
• Coleslaw Variant: Create a unique slaw by combining shredded cabbage, carrots, and apple slices with the dressing—a perfect blend of sweet, tart, and crunchy textures.
• Beans and Legume Salads: Enhance a three-bean or chickpea salad with the complex flavors of this dressing, complemented by fresh parsley or cilantro.
• Avocado Delight: Halve an avocado and fill the center with the dressing, garnishing with chopped nuts or seeds for an easy, nutrition-packed treat.

Top 5 FAQs about Plant-based French dressing with dates

• What makes this French dressing plant-based? Plant-based French dressing with dates forgoes traditional ingredients like processed sugars and may sometimes omit oil. Instead, it relies on natural plant-derived components such as pureed dates for sweetness and tart vinegar or lemon juice for acidity. The inclusion of dates aligns the dressing with plant-based diets.
• How do you sweeten the dressing without using sugar? Dates act as the natural sweetener in this dressing. They are pureed into a smooth texture that not only sweetens the dressing but also adds a rich, caramel-like flavor that complements the acidic ingredients.
• Is there an oil-free version of this French dressing? Yes, the recipe can be modified to be oil-free by eliminating oil and using alternative ingredients like pureed fruits or vegetables to achieve the desired consistency. Pureeing these ingredients helps to emulsify the dressing and add body without added fats.
• What are some serving suggestions for this type of dressing? This dressing pairs beautifully with crisp greens, is delightful when drizzled over roasted root vegetables, enhances grain bowls, couples well with Mediterranean salads, and serves as a flavorful marinade for tofu or tempeh.
• Can I store this dressing for later use? How long does it last? Plant-based French dressing with dates should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Typically, it can be kept for up to a week. Given its natural ingredients, the flavors might even intensify after a day or two, so making it ahead of time can be beneficial.