Creamy Herb Dressing

I love a good creamy dressing, but I don't love the oil and soy protein found in many vegan mayos that seem so indispensable when making vegan dressings. I got the idea to use walnuts for the base here after several experiments with a creamy garlic sauce. I love it even more than dressings based on vegan mayos! Feel free to adjust it to your personal taste, or use fresh herbs when available.

1 cup walnuts
1 cup water
Juice of 1/2 a large lemon, about 1/4 cup or to taste
1 Tbsp onion powder
1 Tbsp garlic powder or 2 cloves fresh garlic
Salt to taste
1/2 tsp dill weed
1/4 tsp basil
1/4 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp herb blend of your choice (optional)
Pinch of paprika (optional)


Blend walnuts, water, lemon juice, onion powder, garlic powder and salt in blender on high until smooth and creamy and no grit remains, at least 90 seconds. Stir in dill, oregano, basil, and paprika.