Blue Cheese Dressing
If you loved blue cheese dressing before going plant-based, this is the recipe for you! It is a very simple preparation! Sure, there are recipes out there with less ingredients but this one doesn’t use any ingredients that should only be used medicinally, if at all.
The base of this recipe is tahini. Tahini is a creamy paste made from ground sesame seeds, rich in healthy fats, plant-based protein, and essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron. A two-tablespoon serving provides around 170 calories, 15 grams of fat (mostly unsaturated), 5 grams of protein, and 3 grams of carbohydrates. It is packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that support heart health, bone strength, and digestion. Tahini is also a good source of B vitamins and vitamin E, which help boost energy and skin health.
Another ingredient that makes this recipe is nutritional yeast. Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast loaded with B vitamins, protein, and fiber, making it a popular choice for those looking to enhance their nutrient intake and in the plant-based community. Just two tablespoons contain about 40 calories, 5 grams of protein, and a significant amount of B12 (if fortified), which supports brain function and red blood cell production. It also contains beta-glucans, which supports immunity and heart health. Nutritional yeast has a cheesy, umami flavor and can be sprinkled on dishes for added nutrition. I also love it on popcorn!
This recipe would be nothing without the dill! Dill is a fragrant herb known for its fresh, slightly tangy flavor. Nutritionally, it is low in calories but rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, manganese, and flavonoids that may help reduce inflammation and support heart and digestive health. A tablespoon of fresh dill provides a small but beneficial amount of essential vitamins. Dill has been used in traditional medicine for digestive relief and antibacterial properties.
Now, without further ado, here is the recipe.
Blue Cheese Dressing (Plant-based)
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup raw cashews, roughly chopped and soaked in hot water for 30 minutes
- ¼ cup raw tahini
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2½ tsp nutritional yeast
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1–2 tbsp water, until desired thickness
- 1 tsp dried dill
- ⅛ tsp white or chickpea miso (optional)
- ½ tsp pink Himalayan salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp Monk’s pepper
Instructions
- Soak cashews in hot water for 30 minutes, then drain.
- In a bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, garlic & onion powder, and miso (if using).
- Add 1–2 tbsp water to reach the desired consistency.
- Stir in dried dill and chopped cashews.
- Season with salt and black pepper. Let sit for 10–15 minutes before serving for best flavor.
