Creamy Cilantro Lime Salad Dressing

Hey, guys and gals!  How've you been?  I know I haven't been around here much lately, but if you follow me on Instagram @thegreenpenn, you'll know I've not been completely gone.  (The IG story is my current favorite way to communicate.)  2017 has proven to be the year of change, and I've had SO many things happening.  My blog took a back seat for a while, but I'm hoping to get back to sharing recipes and life updates on a regular basis now.  I guess I had to settle into my "new normal" first.  Stay tuned for more on that...

Today, I'm sharing this delicious dressing recipe that I invented last night.  This would also be amazing as a sauce on tacos or burritos.  It's a Mexican inspired sauce loaded with fresh flavors, and it's completely oil-free.  I used this to top a big bowl of fresh greens and fajita veggies with Beyond Meat chick'n strips.  I seasoned the fajita mixture with cumin, paprika, turmeric, lime, and Bragg's Liquid Aminos.  I love the mixture of cold, crisp lettuce with hot, savory, chewy protein and vegetables, and tart, creamy dressing.  Even Charlotte ate TWO bowls of fajita salad!  And at this age, the kid doesn't exactly like to eat.  Who could blame her?  There's so much world to explore.

Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing

3 limes, juices

3 Tbsp hemp seeds (or cashews)

1/2 large avocado (or 1 whole small one)

1/4 - 1/2 cup water

1 Tbsp agave nectar (or maple syrup)

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp garlic powder

1/3 bunch fresh cilantro

Sea salt to taste

Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.  (Add only enough water to get a creamy consistency.  You don't want it to be too runny.)  Serve with your favorite Mexican dish or use as a dip for fresh veggies.  The flavor is tart, salty, crisp, and fresh.  I can't wait to try it on a tofu scramble with black beans and jalapeños.