As a southern girl, I’ve developed the nasty southern habit of putting ranch dressing on everything. I didn’t realize the extent of my ranch dressing addiction until I decided to go vegan last week. I use it as a dip for vegetables, bread, and tofu. I put it on my sandwiches, on my burgers, on my pizza, on my salads, and go through a bottle a week.
About two days into the new vegan lifestyle, I started to have withdrawal symptoms. I knew giving up cheese would be tough, but I hadn’t even thought about what I would put on my salads (of which I eat two a day). I have never been a fan of the vinaigrette line of salad dressings, so I went to my local natural foods store (The Earth) and asked for something creamy and vegan. I was directed to Annie’s Naturals Goddess Dressing. After a good laugh at the name of the dressing, I decided why not and gave it a try.
I am absolutely addicted. I may never miss ranch again. In fact, I couldn’t even imagine going back now. It doesn’t taste like ranch, but it is delicious, tangy, and can be used in the same capacity as ranch, even if you use ranch liberally. It’s made with tahini (a paste made from sesame seeds) and garlic, and best of all, it is dairy free. It has a creamy texture, so it makes a good dip, spread, or dressing. It has a flavor similar to hummus, but with a little more punch and a thinner viscosity.
It’s not a pretty color, but don’t let that put you off. You can always blend it with something, like avocado or saffron and change the color if you must. I make my salad with an herb mix, green olives, mushrooms, and vegan crackers crumbled over the top. Then I pour on a little dressing and voila! It’s delicious.
.jpg?t=20120527181101)
Article comments
1 - Karla
So cool that you've gone vegan! I'm excited for you that you discovered Goddess dressing--I consider most foods simply a vector for getting Goddess dressing into my body. :)