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    Home » Gluten Free » Pesto Salad Dressing (gluten free, dairy free)

    Pesto Salad Dressing (gluten free, dairy free)

    Aug 18, 2023 by Kayla Cappiello

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This pesto salad dressing dressing is made with fresh basil, fresh spinach, pine nuts, olive oil, and oat milk. It’s a thick, smooth, and creamy dressing that’s perfect for any salad. This is a naturally gluten free recipe. It is also a dairy free recipe because it doesnt use any cheese or dairy products. Since there is no dairy that also makes this a vegan recipe.

    The fresh basil and spinach give the dressing a bright, herb-forward flavor, while the pine nuts add a bit of crunch. The olive oil and oat milk make the dressing rich and creamy.

    This dressing is also gluten-free and dairy-free, making it a great option for people with dietary restrictions.

    pesto salad dressing

    why you’ll love this recipe

    • This pesto salad dressing is made with fresh basil, fresh spinach, pine nuts, olive oil, and oat milk.
    • It’s a thick, smooth, and creamy dressing.
    • It’s gluten-free and dairy-free.
    • It’s easy to make and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
    • This dressing takes less than 5 minutes to make
    • You can use it on sandwiches, salads, pizzas or even to dip vegetables in.
    salad with pesto salad dressing

    ingredients & substitutions

    Fresh Basil

    Basil is a leafy green herb that is native to Southeast Asia. It has a strong, herbaceous flavor that is often described as being minty, peppery, and slightly sweet. Basil is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as potassium and magnesium. It has been shown to have a number of health benefits, including reducing inflammation, boosting the immune system, and improving blood sugar control.

    If you do not have fresh basil, you can use dried basil for this pesto salad dressing. However, you will need to use less dried basil than fresh basil, as it is more concentrated. If you do not have fresh spinach, you can use kale, collard greens, or arugula.

    Fresh Spinach

    Spinach is another leafy green vegetable that is packed with nutrients. It is a good source of vitamins A, C, K, and folate, as well as potassium and magnesium. Spinach is also a good source of dietary fiber. It has been shown to have a number of health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer.

    Pine Nuts

    Pine nuts are a type of tree nut that is native to the Mediterranean region. They have a mild, nutty flavor and a slightly crunchy texture. Pine nuts are a good source of healthy fats, vitamin E, and magnesium. They have also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. If you do not have pine nuts, you can use walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds or cashews.

    Olive Oil

    Olive oil is a type of vegetable oil that is extracted from olives. It has a mild, fruity flavor and a rich, smooth texture. Olive oil is a good source of healthy fats, vitamin E, and antioxidants. It has been shown to have a number of health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer. If you do not have olive oil, you can use another type of vegetable oil, such as avocado oil or canola oil.

    Oat Milk

    Oat milk is a plant-based milk that is made from oats. It has a mild, milky flavor and a creamy texture. Oat milk is a good source of vitamins A and B12, as well as fiber. It is also a good source of calcium, making it a good option for people who are lactose intolerant. If you do not have oat milk, you can use another type of plant-based milk, such as almond milk or soy milk.

    salad with pesto salad dressing

    taste & texture

    The Pesto Salad Dressing is thick, smooth, and creamy, with a bright, herbaceous flavor from the fresh basil and spinach. The pine nuts add a bit of crunch, and the olive oil and oat milk make the dressing rich and flavorful. It’s the perfect dressing for any salad, and it’s also gluten-free and dairy-free.

    The fresh basil and spinach give the dressing a bright, herbaceous flavor. The pine nuts add a bit of crunch. The olive oil and oat milk make the dressing rich and creamy. The dressing is thick and smooth, making it easy to toss with salad greens. The dressing is gluten-free and dairy-free, making it a great option for people with dietary restrictions.

    creamy pesto ingredients

    directions

    Step 1

    Add all ingredients to a blender.

    Step 2

    Blend until the texture is smooth and creamy.

    expert tips & tricks

    Preventing the pesto salad dressing from turning brown: To prevent pesto sauce from turning brown, add a thin layer of olive oil to the top of the sauce before storing it.

    how to serve & store

    Refrigerator: To store the pesto salad dressing in the refrigerator, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

    Freezer: To freeze pesto sauce, place it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you are ready to use the pesto sauce, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.

    Avoid Storing Pesto Sauce in a Metal Container: Do not store pesto sauce in a metal container, as the acid in the sauce can react with the metal and give the sauce a metallic taste.

    salad with pesto dressing

    Pesto Salad Dressing (gluten free, dairy free)

    Kayla Cappiello
    This dressing is made with fresh basil, fresh spinach, pine nuts, olive oil, and oat milk. It's a thick, smooth, and creamy dressing that's perfect for any salad.
    The fresh basil and spinach give the dressing a bright, herb-forward flavor, while the pine nuts add a bit of crunch. The olive oil and oat milk make the dressing rich and creamy.
    This dressing is also gluten-free and dairy-free, making it a great option for people with dietary restrictions.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save to Email
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Servings 1 cup

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 cups fresh basil
    • 1 cup fresh spinach
    • 2 tbsp pine nuts
    • 2-3 tbsp olive oil
    • 2-3 tbsp oat milk

    option to add 2 tbsp water or 2 tbsp oil for a thinner dressing

    Instructions
     

    • Add all ingredients to a blender.
    • Blend until the texture is smooth and creamy.

    Notes

    Preventing Pesto Sauce from Turning Brown: To prevent pesto sauce from turning brown, add a thin layer of olive oil to the top of the sauce before storing it.
    Refrigerator: To store pesto sauce in the refrigerator, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
    Freezer: To freeze pesto sauce, place it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you are ready to use the pesto sauce, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
    Avoid Storing Pesto Sauce in a Metal Container: Do not store pesto sauce in a metal container, as the acid in the sauce can react with the metal and give the sauce a metallic taste.
    Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

    Filed Under: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

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    Hi! I'm Kayla.

    I’m so happy to have you here. I started sharing my easy gluten free recipes after going gluten free and realizing most recipes out there weren’t as easy or approachable as I wanted!

    I love sharing simple but delicious recipes that are gluten-free, dairy-free, and tree nut free. I hope as you too feel inspired to whip up some easy, delicious recipes! xoxo

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