Vegetarian Sunflower Seed Lemon Sauce
Bright, tangy, and surprisingly creamy, this blended sauce punches well above its weight for something made from such humble pantry staples. Raw sunflower seeds are the secret here — after a quick soak and a high-speed blend with fresh lemon juice, zest, garlic, and olive oil, they transform into a silky, pourable sauce that rivals anything you'd find in a specialty store. A pinch of cumin adds earthy warmth, and the optional cayenne gives it just enough of a kick to keep things interesting. It's completely plant-based and built entirely from whole, recognizable ingredients, so there's no label-reading required. The consistency is easy to dial in — just add water a tablespoon at a time until it drapes exactly the way you want it over roasted vegetables, grain bowls, or warm flatbread. It keeps in the fridge for up to four days, which means you can make a batch on Sunday and drizzle it over everything 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!