Creamy Cilantro Sunflower Seed Dressing
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Total Time
10 mins
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Servings
4 (2-Tbsp servings)
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Calories
56 kcal
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Course
Condiments
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Cuisine
International
Creamy Cilantro Sunflower Seed Dressing
Description
The Creamy Cilantro Sunflower Seed Dressing is made by blending raw, unsalted sunflower seeds with lemon juice, fresh cilantro leaves, garlic cloves, sea salt, and water until smooth and creamy. Using a small blender works best, or a large blender if the recipe is tripled. If the blender is not powerful, soaking the sunflower seeds in hot water for at least 30 minutes before blending softens them and eases blending.
The dressing offers a tang from lemon juice balanced by fresh herbal notes from cilantro, complemented by the mild garlic and lightly nutty flavor of sunflower seeds. It has a smooth, creamy consistency without using dairy products, making it suitable for gently coating greens or vegetables.
It’s ideal served over mixed greens with sliced vegetables such as cucumber, red bell pepper, or radish. Black beans can be added to salads or bowls for protein. This dressing keeps refrigerated for 4-5 days in a sealed container. Adjustments in acidity, salt, or water can be made after blending to suit taste and desired thickness.
Ingredients
DRESSING
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds raw, unsalted
- 3 Tbsp lemon juice (~1 large lemon)
- 1/4 cup cilantro leaves or sub another soft herb such as basil, parsley, or dill, fresh, loosely packed
- 2 small cloves garlic (1 small clove = 4 g)
- 1/4 tsp salt sea salt
- 1/3 cup water
FOR SERVING optional
- mixed greens
- vegetables cucumber, red bell pepper, radish, etc, sliced
- black beans rinsed and drained
Instructions
- A small blender works best for making this recipe as written. If using a large, upright blender, triple the batch. If you have a powerful blender, there’s no need to soak the sunflower seeds and you can proceed to the next step. If you do not have a powerful blender, soak sunflower seeds in hot water for at least 30 minutes, then drain.
- To a small blender, add all ingredients (sunflower seeds, lemon juice, cilantro, garlic, salt, and water). Blend on high until creamy and smooth.
- Taste and adjust as needed, adding more lemon juice for acidity, garlic for zing, fresh cilantro for herby flavor, sea salt to taste, or water to thin (keeping in mind it will dilute the flavor and the dressing will thicken once in the refrigerator).
- We like serving on a simple side salad of mixed greens and sliced veggies. Black beans can be added for protein and fiber. Or serve over grain and veggie bowls!
- Leftover dressing will keep in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Not freezer friendly.
Notes
- This recipe yields about 1/2 cup (120 ml) of dressing as written.
- Soak sunflower seeds in hot water for 30 minutes before blending if your blender is not powerful.
- Leftover dressing keeps in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days in a sealed container.
- The dressing prep time does not include seed soaking, which is optional depending on blender strength.
- Optional serving additions include mixed greens, sliced vegetables, and black beans for protein.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4(2-Tbsp servings)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 56 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1two-tablespoon serving | |
| Calories | 56 | 3% |
| Carbohydrates | 3.1g | 1% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 4.5g | 7% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.4g | 2% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1.6g | 8% |
| Trans Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 148mg | 6% |
| Potassium | 74mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 0.9g | 4% |
| Sugar | 0.5g | 1% |
| Vitamin A | 90IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 5.4mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 11.4mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.5mg | 3% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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