This vibrant Vegan Salad Dressing adds a tasty mix of zesty, sweet, and tangy flavor to more than just your average bowl of greens!
My salads tend to be substantial—I load them up with everything from proteins to sunflower seeds, pickled beets, and vegan cheese. There’s never a shortage of deliciousness. But none of that matters without the right salad dressing. In my not-so-humble opinion, a salad isn’t complete until it’s generously coated in a flavorful dressing. This vegan salad dressing works for all diets and adds a vibrant burst of flavor to any meal.
The secret ingredient here is nutritional yeast. Ever heard of it? This popular vegan staple delivers a cheesy, umami flavor, making it a favorite for plant-based eaters. But the magic doesn’t end there. Tangy lemon juice enhances the earthiness of the nutritional yeast, while Dijon mustard adds robust flavor, balanced perfectly by the sweetness of the agave (or maple syrup).
And it’s not just for salads. I drizzle it over steamed veggies, use it as a marinade for tofu and tempeh, or even as a dip. Talk about versatility!
Is This Vegan Salad Dressing Healthy?
You bet it is. That’s why I love this recipe. It’s virtually fat-free (no oils!) and low in calories, yet still boasts a rich flavor, partially because of the nutritional yeast. This unique ingredient is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, particularly B vitamins. There’s not much you could change to make this dressing any healthier. Although, I wouldn’t hesitate to add a half teaspoon of turmeric and some black pepper. Black pepper increases the absorption of curcumin, turmeric’s beneficial compound, which is believed to have anti-inflammatory effects.
The Wonders Of Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional yeast (often called “nooch”) is such a unique and versatile ingredient. I love it for its unique flavor, but it’s so much more than that. It contains all nine essential amino acids that our bodies can’t produce, meaning it’s a complete protein. Fortified nutritional yeast is also a rich source of vitamin B12, a nutrient often considered lacking in vegan diets.
So, how can you use these little flakes of goodness? Sprinkle them over popcorn or roasted chickpeas, mix them into soups for added depth, or blend them into vegan cheese sauces and dressings such as this one. I love shaking nutritional yeast over roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes, and it even works as a flavorful addition to breading for baked or fried foods.
How To Make Ahead And Store
This dressing can be stored in an airtight container or mason jar in the fridge for up to 1 week. Give it a good shake before pouring.
Serving Suggestions
This vegan salad dressing is a fantastic addition to a wide variety of dishes. Drizzle it over a classic garden salad or this colorful Mediterranean Quinoa Salad. I love it in my lunch wrap filled with mixed greens, Crispy And Healthy Baked Tofu, Red Pepper Hummus, and sliced avocados. And what would Sautéed Broccolini be without this zingy dressing!
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon agave syrup or maple syrup
Instructions
- In a jar or small bowl, combine the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, nutritional yeast, and agave or maple syrup.
- Shake the jar well or whisk the ingredients in the bowl until fully combined.
- Transfer the dressing to a jar, if not already in one, and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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