This 4-ingredient creamy almond butter dressing is so simple but amazing in flavor. It can be used in so many ways: as a dip, vinaigrette, sauce for vegetables or even in sandwiches, this dressing is super versatile and ideal for plant-based meal-prep.
Nut or seed butters are incredible at creating simple and hearty sauces. They make for an easy base that does not require any oil or added processed fat to build volume and creaminess. We make a Thai peanut butter sauce regularly, but when I'm looking for a sauce that does not implicate any Asian flavors, then this balsamic almond butter sauce or this tahini pasta sauce are the ones I'm going for. All made within minutes and stores easily to make great leftovers.
And this easy almond butter sauce is such a favorite for my family. When serving it, my husband always ask to keep the jar of dressing close by for extra drizzling over his plate. And even our kids, especially when served over noodles, they cannot get enough of it.
The creamy rich almond butter mixed with sweet and tangy balsamic vinegar is what makes this sauce so special. Adding a hint of garlic and maple syrup makes the flavor so bright.
Like most sauces, I like to prepare it ahead and store in the fridge. It can save dinner when life gets too busy to cook healthy plant-based meals. Simply pour over noodles, grains, veggies or lettuce and dinner will be ready under 15 minutes. I also like to serve it as a dipping sauce with raw veggies so my kids are busy munching on healthy food while I make dinner.
Ingredients for almond butter dressing
This recipe requires only 4 simple pantry ingredients:
- Almond butter
- Balsamic vinegar
- Garlic
- Maple syrup
- Water + Salt
You can easily choose a different sweetener, such as agave nectar or even granulated coconut sugar. Start with less and taste along the way.
Also, if looking for a nut-free recipe, then you can swap the almond butter for sunflower seed or pumpkin seed butter.
What type of balsamic vinegar to chose to make this sauce
Choosing a high quality balsamic vinegar can make a huge difference in the flavor when making this dressing. Try using a traditional balsamic vinegar (avoid commercial ones) that has been aged for a while. Some balsamic vinegars can be sweeter and/or thicker and depending on the one you use, you might need to adjust your dressing with more or less maple syrup to adjust for sweetness level.
How to make this almond balsamic dressing
This sauce is made under 5 minutes: simply whisk a few ingredients until super creamy.
I love to combine the ingredients in a bowl and whisk by hand until creamy, it comes together very easily and limits the dishes to clean. But, you can use a food processor or blender to make it as well.
When whisking it by hand, you will have to whisk for a minute or two quite vigorously. The fats from the almond butter need some help to blend with the water and vinegar. When whisking, the butter might look like it's clumping at first, but keep going until you reach a super smooth almost whipped texture.
I love the almond butter from the brand 365, but any kinds will work well. Depending of how thick your almond butter is, you might need to adjust the consistency using more or less water. You can use homemade almond butter too!
Watch how to make it
Is this almond butter dressing healthy?
This sauce is made using almond butter, which means you get all of the health benefits from the almonds. Filled with heart healthy monounsaturated fats, almond butter is also high in protein and fiber that can help you feel full longer. This sauce also contains a wide variety of vitamins, minerals and even antioxidants.
This recipe is a great choice when looking for a dressing that's a little more robust to transform a simple dish into a heartier and more filling option.
Serving suggestion
This recipe is a great dressing to enhance the flavor and texture of simple salads. If making a green salad, then try choosing a crunchy type like romaine that can handle this heavier kind of vinaigrette.
This sauce is also a great fit for when making a coleslaw. I love to use already shredded and prepare cabbage mix so I can make a quick and simple slaw within 5 minutes.
If you love making grain bowl, then this is also a great drizzable savory sauce to generously top buddha bowls of all kinds.
Also, use this sauce as a dipping sauce for raw veggies, spring rolls or even vegan sushi rolls.
More plant-based dressings you might like
I hope you enjoy this almond butter dressing as much as we do! If you try it, please leave a comment below and rate the recipe to let me know how it was. Your feedback is so helpful!
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Almond Butter Dressing
Ingredients
- ½ cup almond butter
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 clove of garlic - crushed
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 5 tbsp water - or enough to reach desired consistency
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a medium bowl and whisk to combine (whisk for a minute or two). Start with 5 tbsp of water and add more if looking for a thinner consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings.
- Use in salad, slaw, grain or buddha bowls, sandwiches or as a dipping sauce. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Video
Notes
- If looking for a nut-free option, then try making it with sunflower seed or pumpkin seed butter.
- Choosing a high-quality balsamic vinegar can make a big difference in the flavor of this dressing. Look for a traditional balsamic vinegar that was aged for a while (opposed to a commercial balsamic vinegar).
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