It has now been twenty years (twenty years!) since I ditched dairy. I used to love the stuff, but I discovered at the age of 14 that it was making me sick, fat, and inflamed. These days, when I want something to be creamy, I seek a healthy, nutritious alternative. Coconut milk works for desserts and soups, and almond butter is fun, but I'm always on the lookout for new options. Additionally, I'm finding new ways to pack vitamins and minerals into each meal, and to eliminate food waste.
Enter- watermelon seed butter.
Watermelon seed butter? You bet. This product is made from something that most people think of as a waste product, but is in fact a delicious, nutrient packed seed that whips up into a creamy butter very similar in texture to peanut butter. The flavor is something along the lines of a very mellow tahini. Watermelon seeds also happen to be an excellent source of magnesium, which is a mineral that many Americans are deficient in, and which can help stop muscle cramps and headaches. Are you convinced yet? Watermelon seeds rock.
This dressing also rocks. It is tangy, creamy and luscious. It definitely tastes like it has dairy in it (if you're into that sort of thing), and it makes an awesome salad dressing, but I think you could throw in some fresh herbs, reduce the water in the recipe a bit, and call it vegan ranch dip. Follow your bliss. For now, I'll be drizzling it on salad, and savoring every nutritious bite!
The only brand I know who makes watermelon seed butter is 88 Acres, and you can find it at Whole Foods, on Amazon, or order it directly from the company's website.
Ingredients
1/4 Cup 88 Acres Watermelon Seed Butter
1/4 Cup Olive Oil
1/4 Cup Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
1/4 Cup Water
1/2 tsp salt (I used Himalayan pink salt)
3 medium garlic cloves (1-4 depending on size and personal taste)
Toss these ingredients into a blender, blend until creamy, and enjoy! Add slightly more or less water until desired consistency is reached. I found 1/4 cup to be the perfect level of creamy and drizzleable, but you can decide what's right for you!
Here it is, dressing up my dinner salad tonight. (Enjoy the melodious sounds of a toddler in the background 😉)
If you try this dressing, let me know what you think! It's sure to be a delicious addition to your next salad.
<3 Marian
You can find 88 Acres here! (Not sponsored, just a big fan!)
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