This oil-free fresh Herb Dressing is bursting with fresh flavor from basil, parsley, and lemon, balanced by savory miso, a hint of garlic, and a touch of natural sweetness. It's creamy, tangy, and packed with nutrients-perfect for brightening up any grain bowl or salad. Created by a Registered Dietitian for maximum flavor.
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For more healthy plant-based dressings, check out my Healthy Dressing Recipes page.
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👩🏼🌾 Ingredients & Health Benefits
Below are some notes about the ingredients from me, as an expert in nutrition.
- Miso adds savory flavor plus probiotics and antioxidants, and unlike regular salt, it doesn't appear to raise blood pressure in the same way.
- Date syrup is a natural sweetener made from whole dates, offering fiber, antioxidants, and minerals like potassium-unlike refined sugar, it has a lower glycemic impact and provides more nutritional value.
- Lemon adds bright flavor and is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, supporting immune health and enhancing iron absorption from plant foods.
- Parsley is high in vitamin K and antioxidants, helping reduce inflammation and support bone health.
- Basil adds fresh flavor and anti-inflammatory compounds.
See the printable recipe card below for quantities.
🍋 Substitutions
This recipe is versatile and easy to adapt. Below are some simple ingredient substitutions.
- Lemon: Use apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar instead.
- Miso: For a soy-free option, use chickpea miso.
- Basil: Substitute with more parsley, cilantro, mint, or dill.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil - Add a drizzle when blending for a creamier dressing.
This dressing pairs well with my Protein Barley Salad.
📝 Tips for Making Oil-Free Herb Dressing
These additional tips will help you get the best results from this recipe.
- Use an immersion blender to make the dressing. No heavy-duty blender needed!
- Meal prep this dressing ahead of time-it keeps well in the fridge and goes with more than just salads. Drizzle it over tofu, tempeh, grain bowls, or even soups for an extra burst of flavor.
Oil-Free Herb Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon white miso mellow miso or chickpea miso
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice plus more to taste
- 1 teaspoon date syrup or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic
- ½ cup fresh parsley or cilantro
- ¼ cup fresh basil or mint (4 large leaves)
- 2 tablespoons water plus more as needed
- Salt or salt substitute to taste
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EQUIPMENT
- Immersion blender or blender
Instructions
- Blend miso, lemon juice, date syrup, mustard, garlic, parsley, basil, and water until smooth. Add more water as needed.
- Season with more lemon juice and salt to taste.
Notes
Nutrition
This information is provided as a courtesy and is only an estimate. Nutritional values may vary depending on factors such as product types and brands used.
✔️ Storage & Serving Tips
Store the dressing in an airtight jar or container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Give it a good shake or stir before using, as natural separation may occur. For longer storage, freeze in small portions using an ice cube tray and thaw as needed.
🙋🏽♀️ Recipe FAQs
Skipping the oil keeps it lower in calories and higher in whole-food nutrients, while still delivering flavor and richness from miso and herbs.
Yes! Blend the dressing without oil first, then slowly drizzle in 1 to 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil while blending. This adds healthy polyphenols for added antioxidant benefits.
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Let me know your thoughts on Oil-Free Herb Dressing by leaving a ⭐️ rating below or sharing it on Instagram.
Marianne Bryan says
This has become my favorite dressing on cold salads and dipping buffalo cauliflower or tofu! I have plenty of parsley and basil in my garden which makes it super easy. Thank you!
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
Great idea to serve with cauliflower! Sounds delicious! Thank you.
Kelly says
I made this with our garden basil and store bought the other ingredients. It was delicious!! One of the best dressings I’ve ever made. I enjoyed licking the spatula! Thanks, Nisha!
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
So happy to hear you enjoyed this dressing so much. It must be fabulous with fresh herbs from the garden!
Tari Ambler says
Excellent dressing. My tip is to make a double recipe!! I have fresh herbs growing in my raised bed, so I used fresh basil, parsley, chives and oregano. Loved the combo of miso and lemon juice. Next time, I’ll blend in a few hemp seeds for healthy fats and protein. Thanks for another wonderful recipe.
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
So glad you enjoyed it. Your herb garden sound wonderful I also have a hemp seed dressing here: https://cookingforpeanuts.com/hemp-seed-dressing/
Jane says
SOOO YUMMYY (Miso=Gamechanger)
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
So glad you enjoyed it. Love miso!