Hemp Seed Dressing (Nut Free, Oil Free!) ~ Veggie Inspired

Name: Hemp Seed Dressing
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup hemp hearts; 1/4 cup unsweetened, plain, dairy free yogurt; zest of 1 lemon; juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons); 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/8 teaspoon celery seed (optional); 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste); 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley; 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill; 2-3 tablespoons water

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This creamy Hemp Seed Dressing is flavorful with bright lemon, fresh herbs, and classic ranch-style spices. Use it as a salad dressing for leafy greens or make a thicker version and use it as a dip for crudités. Made easily in a blender in just 5 minutes!

Creamy white hemp seed dressing in a jar with a gold whisk.

Ranch is a classic American salad dressing that everyone loves. It’s creamy, flavorful and versatile. This version is dairy free, nut free, soy free, and oil free. Drizzle it over salads, Buddha bowls, baked potatoes, or use it as a dip for fresh cut vegetables.

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Ingredients you need

Recipe ingredients arrayed in individual bowls. — Hemp Seed Dressing ingredients: hemp seeds, vegan plain yogurt, lemon, fresh parsley, fresh dill, onion powder, garlic powder, celery seed (optional), salt and pepper.

Ingredient notes and substitutions

Hemp hearts ~ Hemp hearts are hulled hemp seeds, which are the seeds of the hemp plant. They are very nutritious and contain very little to none of the THC, the psychoactive compound in marijauna, and are totally harmless.

Hemp seeds contain high amounts of healthy fats, protein, and minerals. [source]

Although the seeds can be eaten raw, most of what you’ll find in the grocery store are hemp hearts, which is what I use in this hemp seeds dressing recipe.

Close up overhead view of a bowl full of hemp seeds.

More recipes using hemp seeds: Avocado Toast, Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies, Super Seed Crackers, and Hemp Tofu Burgers.

If you don’t have or can’t have hemp seeds, raw cashews would work in this recipe, as well. Note that if you use cashews, this recipe will not be nut-free. And, although, I haven’t personally tried it, I think sunflower seeds may work, also.

Yogurt ~ I like to use a little yogurt in this recipe to add to the creaminess and tang. Choose an unsweetened plain variety.

I prefer the almond milk varieties, but coconut milk or soy based yogurts will work, as well.

Herbs ~ Fresh parsley and fresh dill add so much flavor.

Small amounts of dried herbs can be used instead, but it won’t have the same flavor punch. Use about ⅓rd of the amount of dried herbs to fresh.

Lemon ~ Fresh lemon really brightens up the dressing.

Spices ~ Onion powder and garlic powder are classic ranch spices. I like to use a little celery seed, too, but it’s optional if you don’t have it.

How to make the recipe

2 photo collage of adding the ingredients to a blender and puréeing them.

Place the hemp seeds, yogurt, spices, lemon juice and water into a high speed blender (1). Blend until smooth and creamy (2).

6 photo collage of adding the fresh herbs to the blended dressing and whisking them.

Pour the blended dressing into a bowl or jar. Add the fresh chopped dill (3, 4) and whisk to incorporate (5). Add the chopped fresh parsley (6, 7) and whisk to incorporate (8).

Storage

Store this hemp seed dressing in an air-tight container or jar in the fridge for 5 to 6 days.

Pro tips for success

~ Use a high speed blender for best smooth results.

~ Use fresh lemon juice, not bottled.

~ Use fresh herbs, not dried.

~ Add water to reach your desired consistency. Use less water to make a thicker consistency that can be used as a dip. Use a little more to make a pourable dressing.

~ Do not blend the herbs with the other ingredients in the blender. Whisk them into the blended dressing.

~ Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more lemon, spices, or salt to your taste.

~ This hemp seed dressing recipe can easily be doubled.

FAQs

Are hemp seeds the same as hemp hearts?

Hemp hearts are hulled hemp seeds.

What are the healthy benefits of hemp hearts?

Hemp hearts are an excellent source of plant based complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids. They also boast high amounts of iron, vitamin E, omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids, magnesium, zinc, and B vitamins.

Are there side effects of eating hemp seeds?

The only side effects you need to worry about is from possible interactions with prescribed blood-thinners, as hemp seeds have been shown to reduce blood clotting. [source] As always, speak with your doctor first if you have concerns.

Overhead close up hemp seed dressing drizzled over a leafy green salad.

More vegan salad dressings

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