Cheesy Dressing & an Ode to Plant-Based Protein

Hi!!

If you've been following me for a while, whether on Instagram, YouTube, or here on my blog, then you probably know that I always try to spread good qualities and healthy habits… one of them is salad, or all sorts of green stuff! For everyone, not just vegans, an adequate intake of green leafy vegetables is sooo important. Unfortunately, the nutrients found in salad, cabbage, spinach, etc. are often totally underestimated. Yet they are excellent sources of protein and fiber, rich in vitamins and minerals, and do not burden the body with unwanted ingredients such as cholesterol, other saturated fats, or artificial additives. When it comes to getting enough protein, opinions are divided. The fitness industry and, above all, the dairy, egg, and meat industries are always repeating how important protein is for the body, especially if you want to build muscle mass!!!

But that's simply not true. Humans only need small amounts of protein—more precisely, amino acids—to maintain cell growth, protein biosynthesis, and other important processes in the body. All excess protein must be excreted by the kidneys, which only adds extra stress to the body and leads to acidification, meaning the optimal pH level in our body drops to a more acidic level than desired!

Therefore, a protein intake of max. 10-15% of your total calorie intake is recommended. For example, if you consume 2,800 kcal per day, no more than 280-420 kcal should come from protein.

But this protein intake should still be taken seriously, because you definitely can't live without any protein at all. However, this massive protein intake, as is sometimes practiced in bodybuilding and among amateur athletes, leads in the long term to kidney problems, acidification, and consequently to an unhealthy physical condition. Especially if the protein comes from animal products.

So what should you do? It's simpler than it seems… your protein needs can/should simply be met with plant-based foods. It's safe, healthier, and successful in the long term. Spinach, dark green leafy vegetables, broccoli, sprouts, algae, etc. are rich in plant-based protein and contain all the essential amino acids we need. If you like, you can incorporate legumes as a plant-based protein source, in sprouted, raw form, into your diet.

But why a cheesy dressing recipe in a post about plant-based protein? Quite simply because every leafy vegetable and salad tastes ten times better with a delicious dressing. And if it helps you eat more green stuff, why not?

Today's dressing is really simple. You don't need a high-performance blender like for many other dressing recipes, and it's super quick to mix. "Ready to take your salad to the next level?"

I would be happy if this dressing makes eating salad more appealing to you, because there are always those salad haters who don't consider green stuff a proper meal! Just try this dressing—I'm sure you'll love every kind of salad with it.

To create the "cheesy" flavor, I used super delicious and super nutrient-rich nutritional yeast, and I must say, I'm thrilled. It is definitely worth getting a pack of nutritional yeast in reserve; they last quite a long time, as small amounts are enough to create a cheesy flavor. You can also use them to excellently cover your B12 needs, as nutritional yeast is rich in it, and then you can get started with the recipe.

Have fun and enjoy your salad feast!

For 2 servings

Cheesy Dressing

Preparation time: 5 minutes
Total time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 tbsp tahini
• 4 tbsp lemon juice
• 1-2 tbsp maple syrup or 2 dates (pitted)
• a pinch each of garlic powder, paprika, pepper, nutmeg, (Kala Namak salt if needed)
• 2-3 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional)

Preparation:

1. Put all ingredients in a bowl and whisk until creamy. Pour over any salad of your choice and enjoy. If dates are used for sweetness, the sauce must be blended in a blender.