Cilantro Lovers Dressing (or Basil!)

It’s said that you either love cilantro or hate it. Well, this dressing is for the cilantro lovers! It’s vibrant, tangy, fresh, and pairs spectacular with Asian- or Mexican-inspired dishes.

Course dressing

Keyword basil, cilantro, dressing

Servings cup (just under)

Equipment

1 blender

Ingredients

1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves lightly packed (see note for basil version)
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 tbsp fresh parsley note: preserves color
2 tbsp pumpkin seeds
3 - 3 1/2 tbsp fresh lemon juice or lime juice use lemon for basil version
1 - 1 1/2 tbsp pure maple syrup sweeten to desired taste
1 tsp dijon mustard
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp ground cumin optional for basil version
few pinches allspice omit for basil version
ground black pepper if desired

Instructions

In a blender, add all ingredients (starting with 3 tbsp lemon/lime juice (lemon preferable with basil) and 1 tbsp maple syrup) and puree until well combined and somewhat smooth. This will be easiest using a high-powered blender. If you have trouble getting the mixture smooth, you may need to double the batch so there is enough liquid in the jar to puree. Once pureed, taste, and adjust with extra lemon/lime juice and/or sweetener and extra salt/pepper if desired. Serve!

Notes

Basil Note: Only use fresh basil in this recipe - you cannot substitute dried. If using basil, opt for lemon juice over lime juice, and omit the allspice and optionally the cumin.