– raw, vegan, gluten-free –
I am a digestion-geek. For years, I bet a day hasn’t slipped by that I haven’t done some sort of reading and researching about the digestive system. And what I have learned, is that without a healthy digestive system, we can’t have a healthy body. To strive for optimal health, we must start with our core… our stomach, gut, tummy, second brain, solar plexus, potbelly, whatever you wish to call it.
Did you know that fats (healthy ones) help the body absorb nutrients? Vegetables are essentially fat-free and are a rich source of healthy carotenoids. In order for these carotenoids to be absorbed by the digestive system, fat is needed.
Today’s healthy fat comes in the form of cashews. So not only will help us to absorb the nutrients that we need from our veggies, it also will give the dressing a wonderful, creamy mouthfeel. They are rich in “heart-friendly” monounsaturated fatty acids which help lower harmful LDL-cholesterol while increasing good HDL cholesterol.
As with all good things in life, one must practice moderation. One trick that I learned years ago was to pour my dressing into a small bowl that sits beside my salad bowl. When I went to take a bit of salad, I would dip the prongs of my fork into the dressing first, then load my fork with veggies. This gave every bite a taste of dressing without over “dressing” my salad. Just an idea. I hope you enjoy this recipe.
Yields 2 3/4 cups
Could you not grind to powder some dehydrated tomatoes for the paste for this dressing? Looking forward to trying this. Am watching the oils and the wheat. Sigh. :(
By the way. Love that jar!
Thanks, me too. I LOVE jars… all shapes and sizes :)
Hi Gayle, There isn’t any oil or wheat in this recipe. Well, natural fats/oils from the cashews. :) Yes, if you have dry enough tomatoes, you could grind them to a powder, just be sure to get it fine. Have a great day, amie sue
Would it be possible to replace the cashews with advocado?
Could be Daniel.. it will effect the end flavor but you can try it. I haven’t so I can’t really say for sure. :)
Amie-Sue,
Can I use rehydrated “sun dried” tomatoes instead of tomato paste?
I would think so Meta. I am not sure on what measurement so start off with a smaller amount and increase as needed with taste testing. :) amie sue
Amie-Sue, I love your salads with a “kick” to them like your “marinated cauliflower potato salad.” I made your Raw Russian and Almond Cole Slaw recently. What would you suggest to add to it …to give it a “kick.” It’s easy to make and taste good but I would like a stronger more intense flavor/taste. If that makes sense. You are always so helpful and I thank you.
Good morning Meta,
I am not sure what direction that you want to take the “kick”…. are you referring to a “heat”? You could add cayenne, black pepper, a hot chili pepper, fresh garlic adds a pungent heat. If you just want to make the over-all flavor stronger, you could simply increase the existing spices to your liking. Have a great weekend, amie sue
Hello – how much stevia extract in place of the agave nectar?
Good evening,
When it comes to stevia, it is best to add it to taste. Start very small since it is a concentrated sweetener, then build up drop at a time. Russian Salad dressing isn’t really sweet but again you can control that. If it were me, I would start with 3 drops of liquid NuNaturals stevia and take it from there.
Does that help? Blessings, amie sue