Pecan Free Sunflower Seed Lemon Sauce
Bright, tangy, and surprisingly creamy, this sunflower seed sauce is the kind of condiment that makes everything it touches taste more exciting. Raw sunflower seeds get a quick soak before blending, which is the secret to that silky, smooth texture — no graininess, just a lush, pourable consistency that clings beautifully to whatever you drizzle it over. Fresh lemon juice and zest give it a punchy citrus backbone, while garlic, cumin, and an optional hit of cayenne add real depth and warmth. It comes together in a blender with zero fuss, and you can dial the thickness up or down with a splash of water until it's exactly right. For anyone navigating tree nut allergies or simply avoiding pecans, this sauce delivers all the richness you'd expect from a nut-based dressing without any of the worry — every ingredient is straightforward and easy to verify. Keep a jar in the fridge and you'll find yourself reaching for it on grain bowls, roasted vegetables, wraps, and more all week long.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
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.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!