Based on an original recipe posted on foodrevolution.org. Altered by Dr. John
Makes: 10 Servings
PREP TIME: 10 mins
This sweet and tangy blueberry dressing tastes great and goes well on salads, grain bowls and steamed veggies.
Nitric Oxide [NO]:
Bright-colored fruits and vegetables have chemistry that that helps produce nitric oxide [NO]. Nitric oxide [NO] makes blood vessels relax decreasing blood pressure and heart disease. NO also increases sensual inclination😊. Berries including blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries are NO inducers. Walnuts contain arginine- an amino acid – helps to make nitric oxide. Beets, tomatoes, and greens contain these compounds as well. Combining this dressing with these vegetables is a winner!
Ingredients
1 cup blueberries fresh or frozen
1/4 cup water
1/3 cup raw walnuts (option to toast them first-see note below)- diced
2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 Tbsp maple syrup, or date paste [see note below], or molasses.
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1 Tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed if possible
1/8 tsp or more Jerk Seasoning see [recipe in Dr. John’s recipes folder]- or use cumin as an alternative
1/8 tsp or more hot pepper sauce, chipotle powder, or cayenne (optional)
1 tsp low sodium soy sauce, Braggs Aminos, or Coconut Sap Aminos (optional)
ground black pepper to taste
Directions
- Use a blender and puree all ingredients together until smooth. Add the chopped nuts in very late if you want crunchiness.
- Taste, and adjust seasonings if desired, with additional sweetener, vinegar, sodium, or pepper.
- Place in refrigerator to chill until you serve; and store remaining dressing in an airtight jar in the fridge for a week.
Cook’s Notes:
Toasting Nuts:
Toasted nuts have a little more flavor. Toast walnuts pieces by placing them in a small stovetop pan on medium heat for 3–4 minutes, tossing frequently until fragrant.
Alternatively, you may toast nuts placing them in an air fryer basket. For raw walnuts: 2 minutes should probably be sufficient. For raw peanuts: air fry for 2 to 3 minutes, move them around, and air fry for 2 more minutes. Watch nuts carefully while toasting. Make certain they do not blacken and burn. Avoid pre-toasted walnuts which may be salted. If they are, you may omit (or significantly reduce) the low sodium soy sauce or aminos in the recipe.
Refined sugar-free:
Making date paste: Cut up 2 to 4 few dates and put in a small glass. Add just enough water to cover the pieces. Microwave 30 to 45 seconds. Let stand 10 minutes or longer. Mash with the back of a fork
Serving Ideas:
Try on a simple salad of mixed greens with cucumber and avocado or a fall salad with beets and carrots. Goes well on any sauteed and cooled vegies where you want a slightly tangy and sweetly flavored dressing.
Use this dressing as a sauce on a grain bowl with cooked quinoa and black beans, along with fresh vegetables and avocado!
Storage: Place leftover dressing in a mason jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Dr. John’s batch:
