Oil Free Greek Dressing

Oil free Greek dressing does not mean you're missing out on flavor. Nope! This oil free Greek dressing has all the Mediterranean flavors. Creamy, tangy, and full of herby goodness, it’s delicious and easy to make. This sauce is vegan, soy-free, no oil, and delicious.

When it comes to Greek salads, the dressing is the star of the show. Traditionally, Greek salad dressing has olive oil as the main ingredient. This recipe swaps out oil for cashews, making a deliciously tangy, creamy, and bursting-with-flavor dressing.

Why Oil Free?

Going oil-free doesn’t mean you have to compromise on flavor. You can get a rich texture with whole food ingredients like cashews. Here’s why you might consider going oil-free:

• Lower in Calories: By removing the oil, you cut the calorie count without losing the flavor. This helps with weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight. Check out this article, Is Olive Oil Healthy?
• Nutrient Rich: Cashews are a good source of healthy plant fats and minerals like magnesium and zinc.
• Whole Food Focus: This dressing uses minimally processed ingredients, so it is perfect for a whole food, plant-based diet.

Oil Free Greek Dressing Ingredients

This oil free Greek dressing uses a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients to get a big Mediterranean flavor:

1. Raw cashews
2. Garlic
3. Red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar*
4. Dried oregano
5. Dijon mustard
6. Lemon
7. Black pepper
8. Salt

*Note: If you're doing the Daniel Fast, choose the apple cider vinegar.

How to Make Oil Free Greek Dressing

1. Soak (or Quick-Boil) Your Cashews

Soak your cashews for 2 hours in hot water, or ideally overnight. If you’re short on time, boiling the cashews in water for 3 to 5 minutes will do the trick. The goal is to soften them enough to blend into a smooth, creamy dressing.

2. Blend

Add the soaked cashews, garlic, vinegar, water, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to a mini blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. I like using my Magic Bullet for small-batch sauces and dressings. The salad dressing will be creamy. It will thicken slightly as it sits. If it's too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water to thin it out.

3. Taste and Adjust

After blending, give it a taste. Adjust the salt, pepper, or vinegar to your liking. For more herb flavor, add an extra pinch of oregano.

Store unused dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Variations and Storage Tips

1. More Lemon Goodness: Add a pinch of lemon zest if you want a more lemon-forward dressing.
2. Try Herbs: While oregano is traditional, you can add a sprinkle of dried thyme, basil, or parsley for a variation.
3. Storage: Store this salad dressing in an airtight container (like a mason jar) in the fridge for up to 5 days. It will thicken as it chills, so stir in a little water to loosen it before using.

How to Use This No Oil Greek Dressing

This dressing is so versatile you can use it in:

• Vegan Greek Salad: Drizzle over a mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, kalamata olives, and tofu feta.
• Grain Bowls: Use as a topping for quinoa, roasted vegetables, and chickpeas.
• Dip for Veggies: Serve as a creamy dip for carrots, celery, and bell peppers.
• Marinade: Use as a marinade for tofu or tempeh before baking, sauteing, or grilling.

Nutritional Benefits of This Dressing

• Cashews: Heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, protein, and minerals.
• Garlic: Anti-inflammatory and immune boosting.
• Lemon Juice: Vitamin C and antioxidants.
• Oregano: It is antioxidant-rich and adds flavor and benefits.

By using cashews instead of oil, this dressing still has a creamy texture and extra nutrition. Win-win for your taste buds and your health.

Making your own salad dressing at home is so easy and rewarding. This oil free Greek dressing proves you don’t need oil to make a delicious and satisfying dressing. Whether you’re using it on a traditional Greek salad, as a dip, or in other dishes, this will become a staple in your kitchen.

Try it out, and let us know how you use it in your meals! Comment below.