A Zesty and Nutritious Plant-Based Delight
Lime tahini dressing is a delicious and creamy condiment that combines the rich, nutty flavour of tahini with fresh lime juice’s bright, tangy essence. This versatile dressing is easy to prepare and packed with beneficial nutrients, making it a fantastic addition to salads, grain bowls, roasted vegetables, or even as a dip for fresh veggies. Each ingredient contributes to both flavour and health benefits, creating a dressing that elevates any dish while supporting your well-being.
- Tahini: At the heart of this dressing is tahini, a paste made from ground sesame seeds. Tahini is rich in healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats, which benefit heart health. It also contains many nutrients, including protein, dietary fibre, magnesium, copper, phosphorus, iron, and important vitamins such as B1 (thiamine) and B6. The healthy fats in tahini help promote satiety, making you feel fuller for longer.
- Lime: The juice of fresh lime adds a vibrant and zesty flavour that not only brightens the dressing but also enhances its nutritional profile. Lime is an excellent source of vitamin C, which is crucial for immune function, skin health, and the absorption of iron from plant-based foods. The acidity of lime juice also aids in digestion and contributes to a refreshing taste.
- Dates: provide a natural sweetness to the dressing, balancing the acidity of the lime. They are rich in dietary fibre, which supports a healthy digestive system, aids in blood sugar regulation, and promotes heart health. Dates are also packed with essential nutrients, including potassium, magnesium, copper, and vitamins B6 and A, making them a powerhouse of nutrition.
- Nutritional yeast: is a common ingredient in plant-based cooking, known for its cheesy flavor and high nutritional value. It’s an excellent source of B vitamins, including vitamin B12, which is vital for energy production and can be particularly important for those following a vegan diet. Nutritional yeast also contains protein and fibre, further contributing to the health benefits of this dressing.
- Water: is used to thin out the dressing to the desired consistency, helping to create a smooth and creamy texture without adding calories. It keeps the dressing light and refreshing, making it perfect for drizzling over hearty salads or roasted vegetables.
- Smoked paprika: This flavorful spice adds a subtle smokiness to the dressing, enhancing the overall taste while providing antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress in the body. Smoked paprika also contains several vitamins and minerals that support overall health.
- Garlic powder: not only enriches the dressing with a savoury depth but also carries numerous health benefits. Garlic is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and potential heart health benefits, as it may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Apple cider vinegar: An important ingredient in many dressings, apple cider vinegar adds a tangy zing that complements the lime well. It is known for its potential benefits in aiding digestion, promoting gut health, and possibly helping to regulate blood sugar levels.
- Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard offers a sharp and tangy flavour that enhances the overall profile of the dressing. Mustard seeds possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and mustard is generally low in calories while being full of flavour, making it a great addition to dressings.
Health Benefits
- Heart-Healthy Ingredients: The combination of tahini, lime juice, and ingredients like garlic in this dressing is excellent for cardiovascular health. Tahini provides healthy fats that can help lower cholesterol levels, while lime juice adds vitamin C, which promotes blood circulation.
- Digestive Support: The fibre content from tahini, dates, and nutritional yeast aids digestion and promotes gut health. Apple cider vinegar can also enhance digestion and support a healthy gut microbiome.
- Rich in Antioxidants: The spices used, such as smoked paprika and garlic powder, are rich in antioxidants that help protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation, which are known contributors to chronic diseases.
- Vital Nutrient Supply: This dressing is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, B vitamins, calcium, iron, and magnesium, all of which are vital for various bodily functions, including energy production, bone health, and immune function.
- Low in Sugar: By using dates as a natural sweetener, this dressing avoids refined sugars, making it a healthier alternative to many store-bought dressings that are often high in sugar and artificial ingredients.
- Versatility: Lime tahini dressing can be used in various ways. It’s perfect as a salad dressing, a dip for veggies, or a sauce for grain bowls. Its versatility encourages a wide variety of healthy eating options.
- Plant-Based and Vegan-Friendly: This dressing is entirely plant-based, making it suitable for vegans and those reducing their consumption of animal products while still enjoying a creamy, flavorful dressing.
- Diary-Free Creaminess: The tahini provides a creamy texture without the need for dairy, offering a delicious alternative for those who are lactose intolerant or following a dairy-free diet.
Lime tahini dressing is a fantastic and nutritious way to enhance your meals while providing numerous health benefits. Its creamy consistency, zesty flavour, and wholesome ingredients make it a delightful addition to salads, bowls, and more. Enjoy creating delicious dishes while nourishing your body with this powerhouse dressing!
Lime Tahini Dressing
Ingredients
- ¼ cup tahini
- 1 lime juice
- 2 dates
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
- ½ cup water
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp dijon mustard
Instructions
- Place all ingredients into a blender, mix to combine.
- Add more water if the dressing is too thick for what you need to use it for.
- Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to one week.