Cilantro Pumpkin Seed Dressing Recipes

CREAMY CILANTRO SALAD DRESSING

Steps:

• Blend mayonnaise, canola oil, pumpkin seeds, water, vinegar, Cotija cheese, roasted chile peppers, garlic, salt, and pepper in a blender until smooth, about 1 minutes. Add cilantro in batches, blending each to incorporate completely before adding the next, 30 to 60 seconds per batch.
• Pour dressing into an air-tight container and refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.

CILANTRO-PUMPKIN SEED DRESSING

Steps:

• NOTE: I have also used a combination of vegan mayonnaise, sour cream and/or plain yogurt with this recipe, using up what I have on hand.
• Add all ingredients to blender and blend until smooth. (Or use an hand held immersion blender to blend. ).
• For thinner salad dressing, add more water. Adjust seasonings if necessary.
• The thicker version of this dressing makes a delicious topping for fish tacos, tostadas; or as a dip for tortilla chips, etc.
• Best if prepared at least an hour in advance.
• Yield is estimated.

PUMPKIN SEED OIL DRESSING

Steps:

• Put all ingredients in a small bowl.
• Whisk together with a fork or small whisker until emulgated.
• Dressing is enough for about 16-20 cups lettuce. Use some toasted pumpkin seeds for topping.
• NOTE: Instead of pumpkin seed oil you can try other specialty oils like toasted sesame seed oil or walnut oil. But you should start then with less than 1 teaspoon to evaluate the flavour.

PUMPKIN SEED VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Spread the pumpkin seeds on a baking sheet and lightly toast them for 3 to 4 minutes in the oven.
• Put half the toasted seeds, the pumpkin puree, garlic, turmeric and 1/2 cup of the vinegar in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes until reduced by a third. Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the oil. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of vinegar and season with salt and pepper.
• Puree the mixture in a blender for 30 seconds. Set aside and keep warm. At serving time, use remaining pumpkin seeds as garnish.

GREEN BEAN SALAD WITH PUMPKIN SEED DRESSING

Steps:

• Toast pumpkin seeds in a dry small heavy skillet over moderately low heat, stirring frequently, until puffed but not browned, about 6 minutes. (If using pine nuts, toast until pale golden, about 7 minutes.) Transfer to a plate to cool. Reserve 1 tablespoon seeds, then purée remaining seeds in a blender with garlic, oil, water, lemon juice, cumin, salt, and 1 tablespoon cilantro until smooth.
• Cook beans in a large pot of boiling salted water until just tender, 4 to 6 minutes. Drain in a colander, then plunge into a bowl of ice and cold water to stop cooking. Drain beans and pat dry.
• Arrange beans on a plate and drizzle with two thirds of dressing. Top with tomatoes and remaining dressing, then sprinkle with remaining tablespoon cilantro and reserved pumpkin seeds.