Yield: 1 cup, 4 servings

Not too much fat on this goddess. Just fresh herbs and a tablespoon of nuts for a 1/4 cup serving.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4 cup soaked cashews (soaked in water for 2 hours and drained)
• 1 teaspoon agave nectar
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, packed
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, packed
• 2 tablespoons chopped red or green onions
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Equipment

• cutting board
• chef’s knife, 8-inch
• citrus juicer or reamer
• measuring cups
• measuring spoons
• blender
• rubber spatula

Put all the ingredients in a blender and process on medium speed until smooth. Stored in a sealed jar in the refrigerator, Goddess Dressing will keep for 3 days.

In my last message, I shared my recipe for Grapefruit and Avocado Salad with Lemon Herb Dressing and robust ingredients that target a man’s taste for big flavors.  In this post, I’ve got an alternative dressing in mind for men who want to woo their ladies with a homemade meal.

When you serve the salad course, explain that the dressing you’ve made is called a Goddess Dressing and that she was your inspiration.  (I bet you didn’t expect dating advice along with raw food tips!)  Your date will appreciate the compliment.  She’ll also appreciate that raw food Goddess Dressing recipe is low in fat and won’t cause her to burst the seams of her outfit.  (The original is made with mayonnaise and sour cream.)

The surprise ingredient in this raw food recipe is cashews that have been soaked in water.  This makes it easier to process and create a creamy dressing without fatty dairy products.  To soak cashews, put them in a mason jar filled with cool water.   Screw on the lid, and soak for two hours at room temperature.  The goal is to soften the nut, not turn it into mush.

To drain your cashews, let them air-dry in a colander or strainer for a few minutes before storing them. This will help retain their texture and preserve them longer in the refrigerator. 

Click here for my Goddess Dressing recipe.