Here is my favorite hemp seed recipe! This creamy hemp seed dressing is fast, easy, and full of herby green flavor! Both vegan and keto, it is nut-free and soy-free! Use it as a dip for veggies, over Buddha Bowls, or a creamy vegan salad dressing tossed with greens.
Hemp seeds (or hemp hearts) are all the rage these days due to their numerous health benefits. This is the recipe we make most with them and I can’t think of a veggie that doesn’t want to be dunked or bathed in this creamy, luscious dressing.
We’ve been loving it as a dip for radishes, salad turnips, carrots, broccoli, and cucumbers, as well as an all-around salad dressing for salad greens. Oh! And it does wonders for broccoli – in this Broccoli Salad!
What I love about this hemp seed recipe, besides its creamy texture and lovely flavor, is how adaptable it is. We’ve made it with a whole number of herbs, and it always turns out. Dill, parsley, cilantro, and basil are my favorites, but I’m sure you’ll come up with more. Plus, it can be made in 5 minutes flat. Oh, and did I mention it’s vegan and keto? Whoa!
Hemp Seed Dresssing Ingredients
- hemp hearts– make sure to side the tender insides or “hearts “of the seeds, also called hulled hemp seeds. You can also use soaked, raw cashews.
- olive oil more to add richness
- fresh lemon juice
- Apple Cider vinegar (or other pale vinegar)
- garlic cloves
- salt and pepper
- nutritional yeast (or sub-white miso paste)
- fresh herbs: flat-leaf parsley (or dill, cilantro, tarragon, mint, chives, or basil, or a combo)
Hemp Seed Dressing Instructions
- Place all ingredients, except the herbs in a blender. Starting on low speed, gradually increasing, blend until creamy and smooth (make sure the garlic is blended). If you need to add another tablespoon or two of water, to get the blender going, that is fine.
- Add the herbs, and blend until chopped up finely.
- This will be a good “dip” consistency. If you’d like a looser salad dressing, add a little more water or olive oil to thin to the desired consistency.
Storage
Hemp seed dressing is best served chilled, and will thicken in the refrigerator. Store in a sealed jar, or covered bowl in the fridge. It keeps for 4 days in the fridge or can be frozen for 3 months.
serving suggestions
- Serve as a tasty dip with farmers market veggies or chips.
- Drizzle over Buddha Bowls or healthy grain bowls.
- Toss with your favorite salad greens.
- Use as a spread for sandwiches or wraps.
Benefits of Hemp Seeds
- Rich in Nutrients: Hemp hearts are packed with essential nutrients like protein, healthy fats (omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids), vitamins (such as vitamin E), and minerals (including magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron, and zinc).
- Excellent Source of Protein: They contain all nine essential amino acids, making them a complete protein source. This is especially beneficial for vegetarians and vegans.
- Heart Health: The balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in hemp hearts may support heart health by reducing the risk of heart disease and improving cholesterol levels.
- Digestive Health: Hemp hearts are rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber, which can aid digestion and promote gut health.
- Reduced Inflammation: The omega-3 fatty acids in hemp hearts have anti-inflammatory properties, potentially helping to reduce inflammation in the body.
- Skin Health: The fatty acids and nutrients in hemp hearts may contribute to healthier skin, potentially alleviating symptoms of conditions like eczema.
- Weight Management: Hemp hearts are nutrient-dense and can help keep you feeling full, potentially aiding in weight management when incorporated into a balanced diet.
More Fun Ways to Use Hemp Seeds in your recipes!
- Smoothies: Add a couple of tablespoons of hemp hearts to your favorite smoothie for an extra boost of protein and nutrients.
- Yogurt or Oatmeal Topping: Sprinkle hemp hearts over yogurt, oatmeal, or cereal to add a nutty flavor and a nutritional punch.
- Salads: Use hemp hearts as a topping for salads to add a crunchy texture and extra protein.
- Baking: Incorporate hemp hearts into baking recipes like muffins, bread, or energy bars for added nutrients and a nutty taste.
- Homemade Granola: Mix hemp hearts with other nuts, seeds, and dried fruits to create your own nutritious granola blend.
- Pesto or Sauces: Blend hemp hearts into pesto or sauces for pasta or vegetables to enhance their nutritional value.
- Soups or Stews: Sprinkle hemp hearts on top of soups or stews just before serving to add texture and a nutritional boost.
- Coating for Proteins: Use ground hemp hearts as a coating for tofu chicken, fish, or tofu before baking or frying.
- Salad Dressings and Dips: Blend hemp hearts into homemade salad dressings for added creaminess and nutritional benefits.
More Favorite Salad Dressings
- Vegan Green Goddess Dressing
- Creamy Cashew Basil Dressing
- Mustard Seed Maple Dressing
- Greek Salad Dressing
- Italian Dressing
- Creamy Avocado Dressing
- Dilly Ranch Dressing
- Creamy Pesto Dressing
- Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing
Anyways, another way to eat more fresh healthy veggies is to have something delicious to dip or dress them in. Creamy Vegan Hemp Dressing! Cheers!
Print
Creamy Herby Hemp Dressing
- Prep Time: 5
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 ¼ cup
- Category: dressing, dip
- Method: blended
- Cuisine: Western
- Diet: Vegan
Description
5-Minute Creamy Hemp Dressing is vegan, herby and delicious- an easy way to spice up your favorite salads and veggie platters! Make this with fresh dill, parsley or basil! Keto and vegan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup hemp hearts
- 1/2 cup water, more to thin
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, more to add richness
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons Apple Cider vinegar (or other pale vinegar)
- 3– 4 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (or sub 1 teaspoon white miso paste)
- 1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley (or dill or basil, or a combo- and chives are nice too)
- optional: 2 tablespoons tarragon or basil
Instructions
- Place all ingredients, except the herbs in a blender.
- Starting on low speed, gradually increasing, blend until creamy and smooth (make sure the garlic is blended).
- If you need to add another tablespoon or two of water, to get the blender going, that is fine.
- Add the herbs, blend until chopped up finely.
- This will be a good “dip” consistency. If you’d like a looser salad dressing, add a little more water or olive oil. (Just 2-3 tablespoons or so.) This is best served chilled, and will thicken in frigerator. Store in a sealed jar, or covered bowl in the fridge.
Notes
Adding the vinegar will extend it’s shelf life to 4-5 days. ( Insteading of using all lemon juice). Fee free to sub-soaked cashews for hemp hearts.
Hemp hearts can be found at most grocery stores in the bulk section, or baking section or online. They are also available at Costo and Trader Joe’s, sometimes called “hulled” hemp seeds.
You can sub-soaked raw cashews for the hemp hearts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2.5 tablespoons
- Calories: 75
- Sugar: 0.3 g
- Sodium: 147.9 mg
- Fat: 6.7 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
- Carbohydrates: 1.7 g
- Fiber: 0.6 g
- Protein: 3.5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
This dressing is sooooo good! I’ll never go back to dairy-based dressings when this is easier, healthier, and tastier.
Wonderful, really appreciate your review!