Oil Free Greek Dressing

This Oil Free Greek Dressing has all the Mediterranean flavors without the oil. It's creamy, tangy, and full of herby goodness. Enjoy it on our Vegan Greek Salad.

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. This sauce is vegan, soy-free, no-oil, easy to make, and delicious. Also, try it on our Mediterranean Quinoa Salad and Rainbow Salad.

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 replacement for oil and 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.

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.

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: These serve as the creamy base, replacing oil to provide a rich, velvety consistency and a mild taste, allowing other flavors to shine.
2. Garlic: When blended, it integrates smoothly and adds a pungent kick and depth, bringing that classic Mediterranean zest.
3. Red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar*: Helps to thin the dressing to a pourable consistency and offers a tangy and acidic flavor.

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

A full list of ingredients with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Variations and Substitutions

1. More Lemon Goodness: Add a pinch of lemon zest if you want a more lemon-forward dressing. If you're into lemony dressings, check out our Lemon Tahini Dressing.
2. Try Herbs: While oregano is traditional, you can add a sprinkle of dried thyme, basil, or parsley for a variation.

How to Make Oil-Free Greek Dressing

Step 1

Add cashews to a pot with water and gently boil for 3 to 5 minutes. Alternatively, you can soak them overnight in water. Drain and set aside. The goal is to soften them enough to blend into a smooth, creamy dressing.

Step 2

Add the soaked cashews, garlic, vinegar, water, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to a mini bullet blender.

Step 3

Blend until smooth and creamy. Enjoy immediately!

Expert Tips

1. 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.
2. The salad dressing will be creamy after blending and will thicken slightly as it sits. If it's too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water to thin it out.
3. Store leftovers in an air-tight container like a mason jar with a lid.

Serving Suggestions

• Vegan Greek Salad: Drizzle over a mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, kalamata olives, and Vegan Tofu Feta.
• Grain Bowls: Use as a topping for quinoa, roasted vegetables, and chickpeas. This sauce works on our Easy Chickpea Buddha Bowl, Nourish Bowl, or high-protein Chickpea Tempeh Bowl.
• Dip for Veggies: Serve as a creamy dip for carrots, celery, and bell peppers. Check out our Healthy Girl Dinner for inspiration.
• Other Salads: Use as a marinade for tofu or tempeh before baking, sauteing, or grilling.

Recipe FAQs

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.

Other Oil-Free Dressings to Check Out

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