Nutty Cream Dressing for Vibrant Salads

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €3.21 · €0.53/serving

• 1 cup creamy natural peanut butterEst. price €1.20–€2.50
• 1/4 cup fresh lime, orange, or lemon juiceEst. price €0.25–€0.60
• 4 oz. silken or soft tofuEst. price €0.80–€1.80
• 1 Tbsp. soy sauceEst. price €0.10–€0.25
• 2 Tbsp. honey or maple syrup, plus more for drizzlingEst. price €0.30–€0.70
• 1 (2) piece ginger, peeled, finely gratedEst. price €0.15–€0.40
• Kosher saltEst. price €0.01–€0.05
• 1/4 cup unsalted roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas), chopped unsalted dry-roasted peanuts, hemp seeds, or chia seeds (for serving; optional)Est. price €0.40–€0.90

Steps

1. 1

   In a blender, mix together peanut butter, lime juice, tofu, soy sauce, and 2 tablespoons of honey. Put the ginger in a fine-mesh sieve over the blender and extract as much juice as possible by pressing down on it; discard the solids. Blend everything on medium-high speed until well combined. While blending, pour in 1/4 cup of hot water and continue blending until the dressing is uniform, lightened, and smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more water gradually if desired. Taste the dressing and season with kosher salt to your liking.

2. 2

   On a spacious platter, artfully place the assortment of fruits and vegetables. Pour approximately 1/2 cup of dressing into a small bowl, then mix in honey and scatter your preferred nuts and/or seeds on top (use any combination you like). Store the excess dressing in a sealed container and refrigerate for future use.

3. 3

   Prepare the dressing in advance by making it up to 5 days before serving. Store it in the refrigerator to keep it chilled until ready to use.

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• Cultural note

  This dressing combines ingredients commonly found in Asian cuisine, such as soy sauce, ginger, and tofu, reflecting influences from Asian culinary traditions. Peanut butter adds a creamy texture and nutty flavor, creating a fusion of flavors that can be enjoyed in a variety of vibrant salads.

• Seasonal note

  This Nutty Cream Dressing is versatile and can be enjoyed year-round. However, fresh ginger and lime juice are typically more abundant and flavorful during the summer months, making it an ideal time to prepare this dish.

• Health note

  This dressing is a good source of plant-based protein from tofu and pumpkin seeds. It also contains healthy fats from peanut butter and pumpkin seeds, as well as important vitamins and minerals like Vitamin B6 and Zinc. However, it is high in calories and fat, so portion control is key for maintaining a balanced diet.