I am by no means an expert, but hearing about how Alkaline foods can boost your health, intrigued me. Low carb, low sodium, and low calorie are always the talk of the town, so adopting healthy habits with tasty options is always a priority for me and my family, especially as we start a brand new year! This Fresh and Super Easy Alkaline Herby Creamy Dressing was a perfect way to start because it is just so darn good.
Salads are a cornerstone of a healthy diet, and one way to elevate your green experience is by finding new ways to liven them up with delicious dressings. Through combining some of my favorite things, I found this creamy and herby salad dressing is not only healthy but a bonafide flavor bomb. Uncovering the many benefits of alkaline-rich ingredients made it incredibly easy to delve into the art of crafting a vibrant, flavorful alkaline salad dressing. Through my own experiences, if I use good quality, simple ingredients, delicious food is not difficult to achieve. If you are ready to try something delicious, this is the recipe, so get ready to transform your salads into a symphony of taste and nutrition.
I. Understanding Alkalinity in Ingredients
Understanding the importance of alkalinity in our diets sets the stage for creating a dressing that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also contributes to overall well-being. Alkaline foods help balance the body’s pH levels, promoting better digestion, increased energy, and overall vitality. Through exploring alkaline-rich ingredients I discovered some of my favorite foods are indeed alkaline foods that helped solidify my need to try some delicious alkaline salad dressings and continued recipe development. By using ingredients such as fresh herbs, garlic, lemon and avocado, I frankly found my favorite all time dressing that not only packs in the flavor, but has immense health benefits.
For more information about alkaline diets, check out this article from the MD Anderson Center at the University of Texas
MD Anderson Cancer Center, & Blackburn, K. B. (2019, May 8). The alkaline diet: What you need to know. MD Anderson Cancer Center. https://www.mdanderson.org/publications/focused-on-health/the-alkaline-diet–what-you-need-to-know.h18-1592202.html
The alkaline diet: What you need to know
II. The Power of Fresh Herbs
Fresh herbs are the heart and soul of any herby salad dressing. If you don’t eat a lot of fresh herbs, this is your chance to try something new. I personally love fresh herbs, and combining basil, parsley, dill, and other aromatic herbs, makes it so I’ll never go back to bland cooking. And, hey, the potential health benefits from fresh ingredients isn’t so bad either! Try an herb or two and start understanding the art of combining different herbs together so you can create well-balanced, refreshing dressings that will elevate the simplest of salads and marinades!
Learn various techniques for handling and storing fresh herbs to maximize their lifespan and flavor potency. From chopping to bruising, using some best practices to extract the most from your herbaceous arsenal is critical.
Bruising herbs is a technique used to release their essential oils and intensify their flavors before using them in cooking or cocktail making. Here’s a simple guide on how to bruise herbs:
How to bruise herbs.
Materials Needed:
- Fresh herbs (e.g., basil, mint, cilantro)
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife or muddler
- Gentle pressure
Steps:
- Select Fresh Herbs: Choose fresh herbs that are aromatic and free from wilting or browning. Common herbs for bruising include basil, mint, cilantro, and parsley.
- Wash and Dry: Rinse the herbs under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
- Prepare the Herbs: Remove any tough stems, if necessary, and separate the leaves from the stems. For some herbs like mint, you can include a small portion of the stem as it holds flavor.
- Place on Cutting Board: Lay the herbs on a clean and dry cutting board. Ensure you have enough space to work without overcrowding the herbs.
- Bruising Technique:
- Using a Chef’s Knife: Lay the flat side of the knife over the herbs and gently press down. This action helps to bruise the leaves without cutting them, releasing the essential oils.
- Using a Muddler: If you have a cocktail muddler, you can use the blunt end to gently press and twist the herbs. This method is often used in mixology for drinks that require muddled herbs.
- Release of Aromatics: As you bruise the herbs, you’ll notice an immediate release of aromatic oils. This enhances the flavor and aroma, making the herbs more potent in your recipes.
- Usage: Use the bruised herbs immediately in your recipes. Whether it’s adding bruised basil to a fresh salad, muddling mint for a mojito, or incorporating cilantro into a salsa, the bruised herbs will impart a more robust flavor.
Tips:
- Be gentle, especially with delicate herbs like basil, to avoid damaging the leaves excessively.
- Bruise only the amount of herbs you plan to use to maintain their freshness.
- Experiment with different herbs and notice how bruising intensifies their unique flavors.
- I will even crush my dried herbs in the palm of my hand to help do the same thing.
By mastering the art of bruising herbs, you can elevate the taste and fragrance of your culinary creations, adding a burst of freshness to your dishes and beverages.
III. Crafting the Perfect Alkaline Fresh Herby Salad Dressing
Something that surprised me is to how simple this dressing is. The best dressings in my opinion are ones that you can throw together in minutes without fuss. I hope this is a winner in your house too, especially if you are experiencing GERD or other acidic dietary restrictions or issues. This alkaline fresh herby creamy dressing can be tailored to your favorite herbs, so change it up and adding something different or even leaving out a flavor you don’t like. So go to the fridge, grab your favorite alkaline ingredients, a blender, and get ready to say, wow, that’s good.
Fresh and Super Easy Alkaline Herby Creamy Salad Dressing
Equipment
- Blender/food processor
- chefs knife
- Liquid measuring cup
- Mason jar/airtight container
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup fresh dill
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- half an avocado
- fresh lemon juice 1 large lemon (a variation is to use orange juice)
- sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- leafy greens such as baby kale
Instructions
- Combine basil, parsley, dill, and minced garlic in a blender or food processor.
- Add olive oil and lemon juice to the feed tube of the blender.
- Blend until the mixture reaches a smooth consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Store in a mason jar or other airtight containers until ready to use; makes it convenient to combine/shake when you are ready to add it to your vitamin c rich leafy greens.
- In a large bowl, pour the dressing over your favorite leafy green salad and toss gently.
Notes
Recipe:
Fresh and Super Easy, Alkaline Herby Creamy Salad Dressing
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup fresh dill
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- half an avocado
- fresh lemon juice (1 large lemon) (a variation is to use orange juice)
- sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- leafy greens (such as baby kale)
Instructions:
- Combine basil, parsley, dill, and minced garlic in a blender or food processor.
- Add olive oil and lemon juice to the feed tube of the blender.
- Blend until the mixture reaches a smooth consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Store in a mason jar or other airtight containers until ready to use; makes it convenient to combine/shake when you are ready to add it to your vitamin c rich leafy greens.
- In a large bowl, pour the dressing over your favorite leafy green salad and toss gently.
This recipe makes a great dipping sauce for fresh vegetables, red peppers, carrot sticks, arugula, baby kale.
If you are looking for a variation, check out my Lemon Vinaigrette recipe from a while back.
IV. Incorporating Alkaline Dressings into Your Diet
Find new creative ways to incorporate alkaline fresh herby dressings into your daily meals. From drizzling over roasted vegetables to marinating beef, chicken, and shrimp, the versatility of these dressings knows no bounds. Discover how these vibrant concoctions can add excitement to your culinary lineup while promoting a balanced, healthy-focused lifestyle.
Even if you aren’t embarking on the great alkaline recipes journey, may your salads and other healthy foods never be the same again. Alkaline fresh herby salad dressings not only tantalize your taste buds but also infuse your meals with the goodness of vibrant, nutrient-rich, simple ingredients. Experiment, savor, and relish in the joy of nourishing your body with every delightful bite.
Cheers to a healthier, more delicious you!
It’s going to take more research and reading academic journals for me to establish the all the benefits of an alkaline diet, but any healthy tips to improve the functionality of the digestive system and immune system with healthy food and weight loss is potentially always a good option.
full disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, so please seek medical advice from your medical provider before starting any weight loss diet or other health plan.
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