Sometimes the simplest recipe becomes the one you reach for again and again.
This Hearty Peanut Dressing is one of those small kitchen “secrets” that makes everything taste better.
It’s rich.
It’s creamy.
And it turns even the most ordinary bowl of salad or veggies into something you can look forward to.
And the best part?
It only takes 10 minutes, uses everyday pantry items, and works on salads, stir-fries, grain bowls, noodles, roasted veggies… honestly, almost anything.
Let’s dive in!
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Dressing
This dressing is perfect when you want:
- A quick meal that still tastes amazing
- A creamy sauce for salads or noodles
- Something kid-friendly and packed with flavor
- A recipe you can batch-make for the whole week
It’s also the kind of dressing that makes you say,“Wow… this tastes way better than store-bought!”– Brighde Reed

🥗 Serving Size, Prep Time & Total Time
| Serving Size | Prep Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| ¼ cup | 10 minutes | 10 minutes |
🥜 Hearty Peanut Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 medjool dates, soaked in hot water for 10 minutes
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoons miso (optional but delicious)
- ¼ cup peanut butter
- A 2 cm (1 inch) piece of peeled ginger
- 1 clove garlic
🥣 Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Add extra water if you want a runnier dressing.
- Pour over your salad, stir-fry, rice bowl, or roasted veggies.
Simple. Fast. Tasty.
💡 Top Tip for Busy Weeks
Want the easiest work lunch ever?
Make a double batch of this dressing on Monday and bring the following items to work:
- Prepared salad bags
- Cooked brown rice or quinoa
- A few cans of lentils (already divided into containers)
- Avocados or seeds for crunch
At lunchtime, just toss everything together, drizzle the dressing, and enjoy!
It turns “desk lunch” into “delicious lunch.”
🧠 Ingredient Notes
A gentle way to help beginners understand the special ingredients:
Medjool Dates
Medjool dates are soft, sticky, and naturally sweet. They help make the dressing creamy without sugar.
If you’re using smaller or cheaper dates, just soak them longer. Two small dates = one Medjool.
Miso
Miso is a fermented soybean paste used in Japanese cooking.
It adds a deep, savory flavor (called umami).
Vegans love it because it makes sauces, soups, and even cheese recipes taste richer.
You’ll find it in the Asian section of most supermarkets or at an Asian grocery store.
🥗 Where to Use This Dressing
This dressing tastes wonderful on:
- Big hearty salads
- Stir-fries
- Noodle bowls
- Rice bowls
- Roasted vegetables
- Spring rolls
- Baked tofu
It’s one of those sauces you’ll want to put on everything.
🌱 Final Thoughts
This Hearty Peanut Dressing is proof that simple ingredients can make a big difference in your daily meals. With just a blender and a few pantry staples, you’ve got a flavorful dressing that brings dishes to life — whether you’re at home, traveling, or packing lunch for work.
“Enjoy every creamy spoonful!”- Brighde Reed
📬 Want More Easy Vegan Recipes?
Join the World Vegan Travel Newsletter for tasty recipes, travel tips, and foodie inspiration delivered straight to your inbox. It’s free — and always delicious!
👉 Sign up and never miss a new recipe or travel story.
💬 Let’s Discuss!
Do you love peanut dressing?
How do you use it — salads, noodles, bowls, or something creative?
Tell us in the comments! We love hearing your ideas.




