Creamy Anti-Inflammatory Salad Dressing or Sauce

We’ve had quite a bit of dessert inspiration lately, but I know everyday life calls for scrumptious ways to enjoy savory foods, too. This creamy anti-inflammatory salad dressing delivers with just a little sweet, a little savory, a little tangy, a little spicy and a whole lot of satisfying and nutritious versatility.

The Best Dairy-Free Anti-Inflammatory Salad Dressing

It was over a decade ago that I first read about anti-inflammation in the book The Inflammation Syndrome by Jack Challem. The term has continued to pop up from time to time on healthy diet chats and posts, but this year, it’s really gaining steam. At the Fancy Food Show, foods like turmeric were abuzz and just last week, my husband’s doctor recommended he incorporate some more anti-inflammatory foods into his diet.

At first I was a little stumped on where to make changes – our diets seemed pretty solid as is – but then I remembered that the dressing on our daily big salads could use a healthy makeover. Rather than modify, I started from scratch with several nutrient-rich ingredients that I knew would go well together

Ingredient Notes

• Raw Cashews – Found in studies and observations to have protective anti-inflammatory compounds.
• Chia Seeds – These new darlings have a wonderful Omega ratio and are even pretty darn rich in calcium.
• Cashew Milk – Same goodness as cashews and it provides a little extra body and rich flavor.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – Beloved in natural circles, it is a more controversial food, but even the medical community recognizes it’s probiotic properties.
• Honey – Topically a fantastic inflammation fighter, and studies have shown equivalent potential for coating the throat. But strict vegans can substitute agave nectar!
• Ginger – Contains it’s very own potent anti-inflammatory compounds called gingerols – no joke!
• Turmeric – A new superstar against inflammation – shown to have positive effects in digestive conditions and battling cancer, too!
• Black Pepper – Helps to significantly increase the bioavailability of turmeric.
• Curry Powder – More ginger, turmeric, and pepper bundled with a smattering of other healthy spices.
• Mustard – Studies have shown that this ingredient can up the cancer-fighting skills of cruciferous veggies – a must if you serve the creamy anti-inflammatory salad dressing atop kale or broccoli. Plus, it rounds out the flavor.

Using a cashew milk and chia blend in place of typical mayo not only pumps up the nutrition, but it also gives you generously sized low-fat, oil-free servings. It contains just 5 to 6 grams of fat per full 3 tablespoons! Enjoy this creamy anti-inflammatory salad dressing atop your favorite salad greens, or drizzle it over steamed cauliflower or potatoes. It can be served at room temperature, or if you opt to gently heat it as a sauce, note that it will thicken even more.

Special Diet Notes: Anti-Inflammatory Salad Dressing

By ingredients, this recipe is dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, gluten-free, grain-free, peanut-free, soy-free, vegan / plant-based, vegetarian, and mostly paleo (easily adaptable for strict paleo).

Alisa Fleming

Creamy Anti-Inflammatory Salad Dressing or Sauce

5 from 1 vote

This rich, lightly sweet dressing is so delicious, that I've allowed for a bigger serving size.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings (about 3/4 cup)

Course: Sauce

Cuisine: American

Calories: 91

Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• ¼ cup raw cashews
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds use white for a lighter color
• ⅔ cup So Delicious Dairy Free Unsweetened Cashew Milk
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon raw honey use agave nectar for strict vegan
• ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
• ½ teaspoon fresh minced ginger
• ½ to ¾ teaspoon curry powder to taste (I used Trader Joe's - the full amount)
• ⅛ teaspoon mustard powder
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

Method

 

1. Place the cashews and chia seeds in a spice grinder or small food processor and grind into a powder. It's okay if it begins to clump.
2. Put the cashew-chia mixture in your blender with about half of the cashew milk. Blend until smooth, about 30 to 60 seconds.
3. Add the remaining cashew milk, vinegar, honey or agave, turmeric, ginger, curry (to taste), mustard, salt, and pepper. Puree for about 60 seconds more, or until nice and smooth. Taste, and adjust seasonings, if desired.
4. For maximum thickening and to let the flavors meld, chill for 30 minutes, and then briefly blend or whisk before pouring atop your salad. Can be gently heated and served with steamed vegetables, if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 3tablespoonCalories: 91kcalCarbohydrates: 9.3gProtein: 2.2gFat: 5.9gSaturated Fat: 1.6gSodium: 76mgFiber: 1.9gSugar: 4.8g

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