from Dreena’s Kind Kitchen
Calling all avocado lovers! Use as is for an all-around rich yet punchy dressing. Or, amp up the seasonings (as noted) for an avocado-based “kind” Caesar dressing. Either way, this recipe will guac your world!
Makes about 1½ cups
Ingredients:
3/4 cup avocado flesh (about 1 medium avocado)
1/2–1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
3/4 teaspoon sea salt
1 very small clove garlic or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
3/4 cup water, plus more as needed
3 tablespoons fresh lemon or lime juice
1–2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
Directions:
Starting with 3/4 cup water and the lower amounts of mustard and maple syrup, combine all the ingredients except for the lemon zest in a blender (or in a deep cup if using an immersion blender) and puree until very smooth. Stir in the lemon zest. Taste and adjust the seasonings as you like. To thin, add water 1 tablespoon at a time. Serve immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container until ready to use. This dressing is best to use fresh or within a day, since it will oxidize and the color and flavor will change.
Avo-Caesar Upgrade: Bump up the seasonings for an avocado-based Caesar dressing! To the ingredients listed, add:
- Additional 1/2–1 teaspoon Dijon
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional)
- 1–2 teaspoons vegan Worcestershire sauce
- Additional small clove garlic (or just 1 large clove) or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Use with all romaine lettuce or try a blend of kale and romaine (I usually go with half and half, but you can try any proportion). If using kale, dress the kale leaves first, following the directions for the Smoky Kale Caesar Salad (recipe in Dreena’s Kind Kitchen). Just before serving, add more dressing, romaine leaves, and any additional add-ins, such as Bread-End Croutons and Ma-mesan (recipes in Dreena’s Kind Kitchen).
Reprinted with permission from Dreena’s Kind Kitchen by Dreena Burton (BenBella Books). Photo by Angela MacNeil Photography. https://dreenaburton.com/books/
Nada’s Tips & Tricks: Our family loves green goddess dressing and this recipe provides that same flavour profile without the dairy. It was creamy and delicious – a definite staple in our kitchen!
