No-Oil Lime Ginger Vinaigrette

By the Gracious Vegan

In virtually all the recipes out there for Thai salads, the dressings contain oil. You can’t just remove the oil and hope for the best. In this dressing, roasted sesame paste (or tahini) and silken tofu provide some of the body and texture lost with the oil. Actually the lack of oil and the way it can overpower other flavors allows the lime juice and fresh ginger to shine through. This dressing would work with any combination where you’re seeking a fresh, bright flavor.

Makes 1 + 1/3 cup of dressing

Blend the following ingredients together in a blender or with an immersion blender. 

• 6 Tablespoons (3/8 cup) fresh lime juice (likely 3-4 limes)

• 1/4 cup roasted sesame paste or tahini (What is Chinese Roasted Sesame Paste?)

• 1/4 cup silken tofu

• 2 Tablespoons water

• 2 Tablespoons soy sauce

• 2 Tablespoons maple syrup

• 2 Tablespoons finely chopped fresh ginger (for a variation, you could use fresh lemongrass)

• 2 small cloves garlic, finely sliced

Optional: add cilantro and blend very briefly so that the cilantro is incorporated, but you still have flecks. 

• 1/3 cup fresh cilantro

Timing: 10 minutes

Gluten-free