Artificial Flavors Free Sunflower Seed Lemon Sauce
Bright, creamy, and built entirely from whole ingredients you can actually pronounce, this sunflower seed sauce is the kind of condiment that earns a permanent spot in your fridge rotation. Raw sunflower seeds get a quick soak before blending, which transforms them into a silky, pourable base that rivals any store-bought dressing — without a single synthetic shortcut. Fresh lemon juice and zest do the heavy lifting on flavor, while a clove of garlic and a pinch of cumin add just enough depth to keep things interesting. A touch of cayenne is optional, but it gives the sauce a gentle warmth that pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, grain bowls, or anything that needs a punchy drizzle. Because every ingredient here is straightforward and unprocessed, you never have to squint at a label wondering what that last item on the list actually is. It comes together in a blender in just a few minutes and keeps in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it one of the easiest flavor upgrades you can add to your weekly meal prep.
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Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
- 1 cup raw sunflower seeds
- ½ cup water, plus more to thin
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from about 1 large lemon)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 clove garlic, peeled
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- ¼ tsp ground cumin
- ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Place the sunflower seeds in the blender or food processor and cover with cold water by at least 1 inch. Let soak for 30 minutes, then drain and rinse thoroughly under cold running water.
- 2
Add the drained sunflower seeds, 1/2 cup fresh water, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, olive oil, salt, cumin, and cayenne (if using) to the blender. Blend on high for 60–90 seconds until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides once halfway through.
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