I’ve cracked the code to the creamiest dairy-free sunflower seed dressing! Using these exact ingredients, you can create a well-balanced dressing with a depth of flavor that hits all the right notes. Plus, it takes mere minutes to make!
This sunflower seed dressing is rich and creamy, with a nutty, slightly earthy flavor and just a touch of sweetness. It’s the kind of dressing that feels a little unexpected in the best way.
A squeeze of lemon juice, some garlic, and a spoonful of miso take it over the top, adding brightness and depth that make everything you drizzle it on taste better.
Key ingredients you’ll need
Salad dressings are a simple way to take a meal you find a bit boring to something you’re excited to dig in to. However, I would say salad dressings are on the simple side: just blend up some ingredients and you’re good to go. For something so simple, you really want to make sure you nail the balance and ratios of ingredients. Here is the golden list of ingredients:
- Toasted sunflower seeds: Toasting the sunflower seeds first adds a nutty richness that makes for the perfect base for this dressing. You can also use raw sunflower seeds, but the flavor won’t be as deep.
- Lemon : Adding this zesty citrus note brightens the dressing.
- Miso : This star player brings the umami, adding savory depth.
- Garlic : Because everything tastes better with a little garlic!
- Optional cayenne: If you don’t mind a little heat, a pinch of cayenne adds a subtle kick
Why this sunflower seed dressing will brighten your day
Have you tried a sunflower seed dressing before? I feel like sunflower seeds are underrated. They’re less expensive than cashews, but also blend up to be velvety, creamy, and dreamy. What’s not to love?!
Reasons why this sunflower seed dressing will brighten your day:
- Ease: It takes a total time of just five minutes to make: just pop the dressing ingredients in a blender, push a button, and you’re golden! It couldn’t be easier.
- Taste: You don’t need many ingredients to make something simply delicious – just 7 items, including salt and water!
- Easy storage: It lasts for a week in your fridge so it’s perfect for meal prep. Just whip up a batch, store it in an airtight jar or container, and keep it cool in the fridge.
- Crowd-pleaser: It’s easy to make gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce instead of the miso. Thanks to the creamy consistency, it’s kind of like a delicious alternative to mayonnaise.
Serving suggestions
- Drizzle: Slather it over your favorite salad. I love it on this grilled zucchini salad or a salad with heartier greens, like a kale salad .
- As a sauce: Serve it up with some roasted or grilled veggies , or in a sandwich or wrap.
- On a bowl: This sunflower seed dressing is particularly great on grain bowls, like this summer quinoa bowl .
- Protein: Spoon this over salmon or fish, or use it as a marinade with tofu or chicken. The garlic and miso will infuse a rich flavor.
- As a dip: I love dipping fresh vegetables in it, like sliced red peppers or carrot sticks.
How do I store sunflower seed dressing?
It keeps well in the fridge for up to a week, so pour it into an airtight jar or container and refrigerate for about 5 days.
I don’t have a high-powered blender. Can I still make this?
If you don’t have a high-powered blender, use sunflower seed butter instead of whole seeds. This will give you a creamy dressing without chunks from half-blended sunflower seeds.
Can I add anything to the sunflower seed dressing?
You can adjust the heat level by omitting or adding cayenne. It’s also great with some fresh herbs—add a handful of cilantro, parsley, or dill to the blender for added freshness.
Sunflower Seed Salad Dressing Recipe
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Ingredients
- ▢ ½ cup toasted sunflower seeds (see notes)
- ▢ ¾ cup water
- ▢ Juice from 1 lemon
- ▢ 1 tablespoon miso (use gluten-free soy sauce instead, if needed)
- ▢ 1 clove garlic
- ▢ Optional: a pinch of cayenne
- ▢ ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Place all the sunflower seed dressing ingredients into your high-powered blender and blend on high until smooth. ½ cup toasted sunflower seeds, ¾ cup water, Juice from 1 lemon, 1 tablespoon miso, 1 clove garlic, Optional: a pinch of cayenne, ¼ teaspoon salt
- Store for up to a week in a jar in your fridge.
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here .
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Sunflower Seed Salad Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup toasted sunflower seeds , see notes
- ¾ cup water
- Juice from 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon miso , use gluten-free soy sauce instead, if needed
- 1 clove garlic
- Optional: a pinch of cayenne
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Place all the sunflower seed dressing ingredients into your high-powered blender and blend on high until smooth. ½ cup toasted sunflower seeds, ¾ cup water, Juice from 1 lemon, 1 tablespoon miso, 1 clove garlic, Optional: a pinch of cayenne, ¼ teaspoon salt
- Store for up to a week in a jar in your fridge.
Notes
https://www.theendlessmeal.com/creamy-sunflower-seed-salad-dressing/
