A deliciously addictive dressing for salads, grilled vegetables or cooked grains, this Hollyhock Nutritional Yeast Dressing (known fondly as Nooch dressing) is high in protein, minerals and B vitamins.
This Hollyhock Nutritional Yeast Dressing is a favourite in our home. I've made it for years and I've decided I need to share it with you. It's an intensely-flavoured dressing that reminds me a little of Caesar dressing, without the eggs, cheese or anchovies!
Not only is it delightfully addictive, it's highly nutritious, too. Adding nutritional yeast not only adds flavour, it adds protein, vitamins (especially B Vitamins), minerals and anti-oxidants. If you need more convincing to add this to your diet, check this article Why is Nutritional Yeast Good for You?
Nutritional yeast is sold in health food stores. Don't confuse it with brewer's yeast, which can taste bitter, or baker's yeast which is used to make bread. It tastes a little cheesy and a little nutty! When my kids were young, we always sprinkled it on popcorn, as it tastes a little like parmesan cheese.
Also known as "nooch", nutritional yeast has a umami flavour. If you normally like roasted cauliflower or broccoli with a little cheese on top, try sprinkling a little nooch instead.
Ready to mix up some tasty homemade salad dressing?
Here's what you'll need.
Ingredients for nooch dressing
nutritional flaky yeast (not brewer's yeast or baking yeast)
water
tamari: choose gluten-free soy sauce
apple cider vinegar
garlic: fresh cloves
light vegetable oil: I used avocado oil, but you could use another light, neutral tasting oil like sunflower oil. Olive oil is too strongly flavoured for this dressing.
How to make nutritional yeast dressing
You'll need a blender to mix these dressing ingredients. Put the nutritional yeast, water, tamari, vinegar and garlic cloves in a blender and process until completely smooth.
Then with the machine running, pour the oil very slowly through the hole in the cap of the blender. The dressing will thicken and emulsify as you gradually add the oil, little by little.
Variations
If you love citrus, add a tablespoon of orange juice to this dressing for a bright touch.
For a thicker dressing, add a little less oil.
How to store
This dressing will last two weeks in your fridge. Give it a shake each time before you use it.
This popular dressing was originally published by the Hollyhock Lifelong Learning Centre on Cortes Island in British Columbia in their first cookbook, Hollyhock Cooks. It also tastes very similar to Little Creek's Original dressing.
Homemade salad dressings are easy to make
Making your own salad dressings is quick and easy, and it's a good way to avoid additives. You can use quality salad oil in your homemade dressings. You might also like these recipes, too.
Everyday Honey-Citrus Salad Dressing
Sensational Sesame Miso Vinaigrette and Marinade
Keto Blackberry Balsamic Dressing
Mayo-Free Green Goddess Avocado Dressing
Hollyhock Nutritional Yeast Dressing
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast, not brewer's yeast or baker's yeast
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/3 cup tamari, gluten-free soy sauce
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 large cloves garlic
- 1.5 cups neutral vegetable oil, like avocado, sunflower or grape seed oil
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except oil in a blender. Process until completely smooth.
- With the machine running, pour the oil very slowly through the hole in the cap of the blender. The dressing will thicken and emulsify as you gradually add the oil, little by little.
- Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Laura says
The best!
Flavour & Savour says
We love this dressing! I used it on coleslaw last night and it was delicious. Thanks for commenting!
Jackie says
Elaine, this is fabulous!!
Flavour & Savour says
Thanks Jackie! I know--so good, and good for us, too!
Christine says
This is my all time favorite dressing!!! Sometimes I replace the oil with tahini (using half the amount called for ) and it is delicious as well. So good to dip roasted sweet potatoes in!
Flavour & Savour says
That's a great idea, Christine! Thanks for sharing with the rest of us!
Tanya Rust says
I got this recipe from my mom and love it so much but find it so watery so I usually leave it out. I use a Ninja blender and my mom (of course) has a vitamix, so maybe that’s the reason? She also adds a date or 2 for sweetness.
Flavour & Savour says
Hi Tanya, If leaving out the water works for you, that's great! I like your idea of adding dates, especially for a salad with fruit in it! Thanks for sharing!