Ginger-Turmeric Dressing (Trader Joe’s Copycat)

This copycat version of Trader Joe’s Almond-Turmeric dressing is made with almond butter, ground turmeric, fresh lemon, ginger and garlic, and has just a hint of sweetness from maple syrup (or agave). A blender makes preparing this turmeric dressing easy, but it can also be whisked together by hand. Vegan, oil-free, gluten-free, and delicious on everything. Just 6 ingredients and 5 minutes!

Even though I shop at Trader Joe’s weekly, I only recently learned about the phenomenon that is their almond-turmeric dressing. I would like to blame this on the fact that Trader Joe’s is always so busy I never feel like I can take the time to peruse the aisles. But really, I know it’s mostly my issue. I get anxious and have a tendency to rush when I’m in busy stores because I don’t like feeling like I’m other people’s way. And if you’ve ever been inside a Trader Joe’s, you know you’re almost ALWAYS in someone’s way.

As Asheville becomes more and more popular, our one Trader Joe’s location gets busier and busier! I make it a point to shop at off times (shout out to the Sunday morning crew), but even still, a get-in-and-get-out mentality is pretty much required for that store. This led to a bad habit of buying the same things over and over. But thanks to the Vegan Trader Joe’s Facebook group, I’m clued in now! 

The ingredient list for TJ’s turmeric dressing is simple, so I knew creating a homemade version would be easy. But why create a homemade version? Well, there are a few good reasons…

• Most people don’t live near a Trader Joe’s, and I think everyone should have a chance to try this deliciousness!
• Trader Joe’s is known for constantly rotating their products. Even though this line of refrigerated salad dressings is very popular, you never know when it might disappear. 
• If your household uses a lot of this dressing (and believe me, it’s easy to do), that also means going through a lot of plastic bottles. Enough said.

Tips for making the most delicious ginger-turmeric dressing

• Use fresh ingredients. This isn’t the time to use that dried up old knob of ginger that’s been hanging out on the countertop for weeks. Trust me, I did that once.
• Use a microplane to zest fresh ginger root before putting it in the blender. And if you’re not using a blender to make the dressing, you can zest the clove of garlic with the microplane, too.
• Measure accurately. With strong flavors like lemon, ginger, and turmeric, eyeballing it is risky. So go ahead and use your measuring spoons and cups for this one!
• Once you’ve blended everything together, give it a taste. The salt, water, lemon, and turmeric can all be adjusted pretty easily at the end.

If you’re a fan of ginger and Asian-inspired sauces, I think you’ll love this Ginger-Turmeric Dressing! Even if you’re not crazy about turmeric, you really have to give this dressing a try. The turmeric is masked surprisingly well by the bold and zesty flavors of lemon and ginger, while still lending its gorgeous color and health benefits.

If you try this dressing recipe I would love to hear from you! Be sure to leave a comment below along with a star rating. And if you find a delicious new pairing for this sauce, let us know that, too! (Last night we enjoyed it on roasted Brussels sprouts.) 

Try it on this NEW recipe, Boy Choy Salad with Ginger-Turmeric Dressing!

You might also like these healthy sauces and salad dressings:

Tahini Salad Dressing 5 Ways!
Creamy Harissa Dressing
Tahini Caesar Dressing
Yogurt-Balsamic Dressing
Sunbutter Sauce
Creamy Lime Dressing

Useful Equipment: microplane zester/grater

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Ginger-Turmeric Dressing (Trader Joe's Copycat)

It's liquid gold! With fresh lemon, ginger and garlic, this copycat recipe is based on Trader Joe's Almond-Turmeric dressing. Vegan and free from oil, gluten and refined sugar.

Yield: makes about 1.25 cups or ten (2 Tbsp) servings

Prep Time 5 mins

Cook Time 0 mins

Total Time 5 mins

Course: Sauces

Cuisine: American

Keyword: almond butter salad dressing, Trader Joe's turmeric dressing

Servings: 10 servings

Calories: 45kcal

Author: Lori Rasmussen

Ingredients

US Customary - Metric

• 1/4 cup raw almond butter, unsalted
• 1/2 cup water
• zest from half a lemon
• 3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 Tbsp fresh ginger puree *See Notes for tips on peeling and zesting
• 1 clove garlic (for milder garlic flavor, sub 1/8 tsp garlic powder)
• 2 tsp maple syrup or agave
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
• black pepper (about 8 to 10 turns of a pepper grinder)

Instructions

Instructions if using a blender (recommended):

• Combine all ingredients in a blender, and blend until smooth. Taste and adjust salt and lemon as desired. Can be used immediately or refrigerated for later use.

To mix the dressing by hand:

• Use a microplane to zest the lemon, ginger and garlic. Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl.

Notes

A microplane zester is handy for so many things, but especially in this recipe. You'll use it to zest the lemon and to create your own fresh ginger puree. If not using a blender to make the dressing, you can also use the microplane to break the garlic clove down into pureed form.

Tip: the easiest way to peel ginger root is with a regular spoon. Just scrape it across the surface to remove the peel. Then your ginger root is ready to be grated/zested.

Storage: store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 45kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 115mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 0IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 2mg

Did you try the recipe?Let me know with a star rating and a comment. I love hearing from you!