Looking for unique pepita recipes? You'll LOVE this creamy Pumpkin Seed Salad Dressing! This scrumptious dressing is easy to make, it's super delicious, and it's perfect way to improve any salad!
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Ginnie's Take
I bought a giant bag of pepitas recently, and while I love snacking on these tasty seeds, I somehow restrained myself from nibbling through the whole bag! Which meant I had to find other ways to use them. After a little experimentation, I came up with this scrumptious Pumpkin Seed Salad Dressing and quickly feel in love! It's delicious, sweet-savory flavor is the perfect way to make even basic salads more exciting.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Amazing Flavor - This yummy dressing has a pretty green color, light and creamy texture, and a mouthwatering nutty flavor with a hint of sweetness. So delish!
- Easy to Make - The recipe is made in a food processor (or high speed blender), which means is super quick and easy to prepare.
- Versatile - Of course, this salad dressing is delightful on salads, but you can use this tasty sauce in bowls, as a dip, and more. Basically, anywhere you need a flavor boost!
Jump to:
Ingredients
You can find the ingredients for this distinctive green salad dressing at most grocery stores. Here's what you'll need:
- Pumpkin Seeds - You'll want to grab some pepitas, of course! Look for these green pumpkin seeds near the nuts in your grocery store or purchase them online. If you can find them, choose raw pepitas (although roasted seeds will also work).
- Vinegar - Apple cider vinegar adds a delicious tang to the dressing.
- Maple Syrup - A little maple syrup gives the dressing a touch of sweetness and adds a lot of flavor.
- Garlic - Fresh garlic adds a kicky, savory tasty and balances the dressing's sweetness.
- Olive Oil - You'll also need extra virgin olive oil to make the dressing.
- Salt + Pepper - For the best taste, I recommend using kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper.
This recipe is naturally vegetarian, vegan, dairy free, gluten free, and nut free, which means everyone at your table can enjoy it! As always, check labels carefully if you have any allergies.
Pepitas are a type of pumpkin seed. They come from Styrian or oilseed pumpkins, and unlike the seeds found in popular jack-o'-lanterns and sugar pumpkins, they grow without hulls. Pepitas are green in color, and because they don't have a tough outer shell, they're more tender to eat than other pumpkin seeds.
You'll Also Need
You'll need a food processor or high speed blender to prepare the dressing, as well as a heat proof bowl to soak the pepitas.
How to Make Pumpkin Seed Dressing
This tasty Pepita Salad Dressing couldn't be easier to make! You'll find a detailed recipe card below, but here's an overview of the steps:
- Soak pepitas. You'll start by soaking the pumpkin seeds in boiling water. This hydrates and softens the seeds, and make them easier to purée.
- Blend pepitas and other ingredients. After half an hour, drain the seeds well, then add them to your food processor (or high speed blender), along with the apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, garlic, salt, pepper, and a little water. Blend this mixture until the seeds are mostly smooth, stopping frequently to scrape down the sides.
- Add olive oil. With the motor running, stream in the extra virgin olive oil, blending just until combined. Generously season the dressing to taste with salt and pepper before using.
And that's all there is to it. Time to enjoy your mouthwatering Pumpkin Seed Salad Dressing! You are going to love this versatile recipe's yummy sweet and savory flavor.
Variations
Feel like experimenting? Here are a few ideas to try:
- Vinegar - Swap out the apple cider vinegar for sherry vinegar, red wine vinegar, or white wine vinegar.
- Sweet + Spicy - If you love a sweet-spicy combo, blend in a little cayenne or hot sauce to the dressing.
- Honey - Substitute honey for the maple syrup.
Ways to Use Pepita Dressing
This vibrant green salad dressing is truly versatile! Here are a few ideas to try:
- Salads - Of course, the dressing is perfect for salads, especially those with heartier greens. My Kale Pumpkin Seed Salad (shown below) uses it, so start there. It would also be delish in this Fall Harvest Salad and this Arugula Quinoa Salad.
- Dip - Serve it with veggies and homemade Herb Parmesan Crackers (or Garlic Crostini) as a colorful dip.
- Topping / Sauce - Use it this creamy vinaigrette as a sauce for steamed, roasted, or grilled vegetables. You can also use it as a flavor-packed topping for grain bowls, like this Roasted Vegetable Bowl.
- Sandwiches - Spread on your favorite sandwiches and toasts for a pop of flavor. Try it on this Halloumi Sandwich or this Tomato Avocado Sandwich.
Storage
Store any leftover Pumpkin Seed Dressing in an airtight container in your refrigerator where it will stay fresh for three to four days. Mix well before using.
Related Recipes
Looking for more pepita recipes?Try this delicious Tropical Trail Mix next! Searching for other dressing ideas, too? You'll love these easy recipes:
- If you enjoy dressings with a touch of sweetness, you'll love this Maple Salad Dressing and this Honey Lemon Salad Dressing!
- You can't miss with classics, like this Easy Red Wine Vinaigrette and this flavorful French Vinaigrette. They work on any salad!
- These readers of Hello Little Home have spoken, and this tangy Lemon Olive Oil Dressing is officially their favorite. Best of all? It's couldn't be easier to make!
- Like creamy dressings? Then this tasty Sour Cream Salad Dressing is for you.
- If you have a jar of tahini in your fridge, you need to try this tasty Lemon Tahini Dressing!
- Don't forget the toppings! These crunchy Homemade Croutons (or these Sourdough Croutons) are the perfect finishing touch for any salad.
Pumpkin Seed Salad Dressing
Ingredients
- ½ cup pepitas
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 ½ tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 cloves garlic
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Equipment
- Food Processor (or High Speed Blender)
Instructions
- Place pepitas in a heat proof bowl, then cover with boiling water. Let sit for 30 minutes.
- Drain pepitas well, then place in food processor. Add ¼ cup water, plus vinegar, maple syrup, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Blend pepita mixture until mostly smooth (about 5 minutes), stopping occasionally to scrape down sides of food processor.
- With motor running, stream in olive oil. Continue blending for a few more seconds (just until combined). Season to taste with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
- Use dressing immediately or store in refrigerator. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
