Tired of the same old vinaigrette? It’s time to shake things up—literally! This Tomato Herb Dressing is a game-changer for your salads. By using tomato juice as the base, we create a beautifully rich body and vibrant color while keeping the oil content refreshingly low. It’s tangy, herbaceous, and comes together in less than a minute. Drizzle it over crisp greens, grain bowls, or even grilled vegetables for an instant flavor boost that’s as wholesome as it is delicious.
Ingredients
• Makes 1 1/4 cups / 310 mL
• 1 cup / 250 mL tomato juice
• 2 tablespoons / 30 mL lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons / 30 mL apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons / 30 mL extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons / 7 mL chopped fresh basil
• 1 teaspoon / 5 mL Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon / 2 mL dried tarragon, crushed
• Pinch of black pepper
Instructions
1. Combine the tomato juice, lemon juice, vinegar, oil, basil, mustard, tarragon, and pepper in a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
2. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds, or until all the are well combined and the dressing is slightly emulsified.
3. Use immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Be sure to shake well before each use.
Nutritional Information
• Per 2 tablespoon (30 mL) serving
• Calories: 30
• Protein: 0.3 g
• Fat: 3 g
• Carbohydrate: 1 g
• Sodium: 106 mg
• Percentage of calories from: Fat 79%, Carbohydrate 18%, Protein 3%
Pro Tips
• Customize your herbs! Swap the basil and tarragon for equal amounts of fresh dill, oregano, or marjoram. A classic Italian herb blend also works wonderfully.
• If using all dried herbs, remember to use one-third the amount called for fresh herbs. For this recipe, that would be about 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil.
• For a creamier, more emulsified dressing, combine all in a small blender or use an immersion blender and blitz for 30 seconds.
• The dressing will naturally separate in the refrigerator. This is normal! Just give the jar a vigorous shake before each use to bring it back together.
FAQ
Q: Is this tomato herb dressing vegan
A: Yes, this dressing is naturally vegan and plant-based. All ingredients, including the tomato juice, olive oil, and herbs, are free from animal products, making it a perfect choice for a fully vegan or vegetarian diet.
Q: What vegetarian dishes pair well with this dressing
A: This versatile dressing is fantastic on more than just salads. Try it drizzled over roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers, mixed into a quinoa or farro grain bowl, or used as a light marinade for grilled tofu or tempeh.
Q: How long can I store this homemade vegetarian dressing
A: You can store this tomato herb dressing in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The oil and juice will naturally separate, so be sure to give it a vigorous shake to re-emulsify it before each use.
Q: Can I make this dressing without oil for a whole-food plant-based diet
A: While the olive oil helps with emulsification and flavor, you can omit it for a whole-food, plant-based (WFPB) version. The dressing will be thinner and will separate more quickly, but the tangy, herbaceous flavor will still be delicious.
