dressing – The Vegan Rhino

July 19, 2019May 14, 2020

Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

When it’s hot and humid outside (like it is here in sunny SoFla), this refreshing strawberry salad with homemade poppy seed dressing is the meal you need to beat the heat. One of the best parts about it is how easy it is to make and how versatile it can be! Whether you want to add other fruits or nuts – or even a different dressing, the options are endless.

Yield 4

Ingredients

1 package spinach

1 cup strawberries, sliced

1/2 red onion, sliced thinly

1/3 cup pecans, chopped

Poppy Seed Dressing:

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

1-1/2 Tbsp. avocado oil

1-1/2 Tbsp. poppy seeds

1-1/2 Tbsp. agave

1/2 tsp. dijon mustard

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

2 Tbsp. lemon juice

Directions

In a large bowl, lay the spinach down and top with strawberries, onion, and pecans.

In a smaller bowl or mason jar, combine the dressing ingredients and give a good mix until well combined.

Pour on top of the salad and serve.

January 18, 2019May 14, 2020

Tahini-Agave Mustard Dressing

I don’t know about you guys, but honey mustard has always been one of my favorite dipping sauces. In my recipe, I use tahini as the base ingredient instead of mayonnaise, as well as raw agave to replace the honey. Whether you are dunking your French fries, having a “burger”, or enjoying a salad, this dressing covers it all- Literally! I usually keep a few bottles of dressing in my refrigerator at all times, this being one of those (and my homemade ranch usually being another). Having some go-to sauces is extremely handy and will make you second guess buying store bought versions they aren’t as healthy for you. Not only do they taste better, but they don’t have any preservatives and you get to control the flavor 100% of the way, making it spicier or more mild depending on your taste!

Yields 4-5 servings

Ingredients

1/2 cup tahini

2 Tbsp. lemon juice

1/2 cup + 1 Tbsp. dijon mustard

2 Tbsp. white vinegar

1/2 cup raw agave

1/4 tsp. Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

Directions

Using a hand held emersion blender, combine all ingredients into a mason jar and blend until well-mixed.
Use dressing for salads or dipping sauces.

Chef’s tip: Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a touch of spice.

December 3, 2018May 14, 2020

Homemade Ranch Dressing

Ranch dressing is usually made with buttermilk or other dairy ingredients, but not this time! My homemade ranch dressing is made with fresh parsley, dill and other plant-based ingredients. It’s really the best tasting ranch I’ve had, and better than anything store-bought. Other than it being super easy to make, the benefit of making it at home are having no added chemicals or preservatives that would otherwise been added. This dressing is great to drizzle on any salad or even as a dip for vegetables, so be sure to keep this stocked up in your fridge!

Yields 2-3 servings

Ranch Dressing:

1 cup vegan mayonnaise

1/2 cup vegan sour cream, (optional)

1/4 cup cashew milk

1 tsp. garlic powder

1/4 tsp. onion powder

1/4 tsp. Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

1/8 tsp. ground black pepper

1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar

2 tsp. fresh parsley

1/2 tsp. fresh dill

1/2 tsp. chives

1-1/2 tsp. lemon juice, freshly squeezed

Directions

In your blender, add all of the dressing ingredients (except parsley, dill, and chives) and blend until well mixed. Mix in the herbs and set in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld together.

Chef’s tip: Feel free to add some cayenne pepper or some sriracha to make this ranch spicy!

November 6, 2018May 14, 2020

Southwestern Black Bean Salad

Cut the carbs and try this loaded salad for #TacoTuesday today! This salad is filled with fresh fruits and vegetables like red onion, juicy mango and pineapple, cherry tomatoes, and creamy avocados. One bite and you won’t be able to stop! That’s because the reviving taste of the fresh lime juice mixed with the black beans and other flavors will keep you wanting more!

Yields 2 servings

Ingredients

16 oz. organic spring mix

1/2 cup black beans

2 Tbsp. hemp seeds

1/3 cup mango salsa

1/8 cup red onion, sliced

1/2 avocado, sliced

1 tsp. fresh cilantro, chopped

Vinaigrette:

1/2 cup avocado oil

1/8 cup agave

1/2 cup lime juice, fresh squeezed

1 tsp, garlic

1/2 tsp. Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

1/4 tsp. Spicely Organics Ground Black Pepper

Directions

Salad:

On a large plate, place all of the lettuce down in a big layer. Top with cooked black beans, hemp seed, mango salsa, red onion, cilantro, and avocado.

Dressing:

In a small bowl, mix together all dressing ingredients until well combined.
Top salad with dressing and serve with sides of lime wedges.

Chef’s tip: To spice things up, add 1/4 tsp. jalapeño to the dressing,

September 2, 2018May 14, 2020

Tahini Dressing

Need a dressing that is light, fresh and fragrant minus all the extra calories? This tahini dressing packs a huge punch for only needing a little bit on your salad, sandwich, or whatever you chose. Just simply blend everything up in a blender and watch how it transforms into a creamy and flavorful dressing.

Yields 4 oz

Ingredients

1/2 cup of Vitacost Certified Organic Unsalted Sesame Tahini, well stirred

1/3 cup water

1/3 cup lemon juice

1 large garlic clove

2 Tbsp. Flat Leaf Parsley, freshly chopped

1/4 tsp Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

1/4 tsp Spicely Organics Black Peppercorns- Tin

Directions

In a blender, combine all ingredients above and pulse until mixture is smooth and well combined. Place into airtight container and allow dressing to set for 30 minutes, or until chilled.

Chef’s tip: I recently discovered adding 1/2 tsp of dijon mustard to the dressing adds a great flavor that is much different than the normal tahini (Thanks Elyssa and Jeff)