Recipe: The Body Ecology Diet Salad Dressing

Salads are stars on the Body Ecology Diet plate — and the dressing is what transforms them into crave-worthy dishes. While many store-bought “diet” dressings are usually full of bad oils (like refined sunflower or vegetable oil) plus chemicals and preservatives, this homemade version from the The Body Ecology Living Cookbook, is clean, delicious, and easy to store and use throughout the week.

What makes the Body Ecology Diet salad dressing different?

1. Use of the highest-quality unrefined oils – packed with heart-healthy oils.
2. Use of xanthan gum as dressing emulsifier.

Why Use Unrefined Oils?

Unrefined oils can be rich in nutrients, flavor, and heart-healthy fatty acids. Unlike processed oils that are bleached, deodorized and stripped of their fatty acids, unrefined oils retain their natural properties and support digestion and vitality. They’re ideal for:

• Starting the Diet: Gentle on digestion while providing essential fatty acids.
• Daily Use: A flavorful, health-promoting addition to your meals.
• Nutrient Boost: Enhances absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Xanthan Gum Is it good for the gut?

Xanthan gum, a relatively new ingredient commonly found in many healthy and processed foods, may alter the gut microbiome – enriching it with a bacteria called Bacteroides intestinalis.

A study done by scientists at the University of Michigan found that one microbe, called Ruminococcaceae, was responsible for processing the carbohydrates in the Xanthan gum and then introduced another beneficial bacteria called Bacteroides intestinalis into the gut.

Researchers determined that the bacteria consumption of Xanthan gum most likely leads to the production of short-chain fatty acids, which according to the study, play a role in intestinal health.

The study showed that Xanthan gum appears to be enriching the microbiome.

The Body Ecology Diet Salad Dressing Recipe

Making the perfect Body Ecology Diet Salad Dressing is easy with these ingredients:

Ingredients for ¼ Cup:

• 2 tbsp organic, unrefined olive oil
  
• 1 tbsp flaxseed oil or flaxseed/evening primrose oil blend
  
• 1 tbsp raw, organic apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
  
• ¼ to ½ tsp Celtic sea salt and/or Herbamare, to taste
  
• ¼ tsp xanthan gum (optional, as a thickener) 

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a jar or bowl.
2. If using xanthan gum, blend it in just after adding the oil.
3. Shake or whisk until well combined.

Tips for Customizing:

This dressing is incredibly versatile. For variety, try adding:

• Walnut or roasted pumpkin seed oil (Andreas Seed Oils)
  
• A dash of your favorite mustard or fresh herbs
  
• Sea Seasonings Dulse or Dulse with Garlic (adds minerals)
• A spoonful of homemade mayo or Vegenaise ( buy grapeseed oil-based)
  
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• Irish Sea Moss  Powder – just a pinch- is also a great thickener that adds minerals.  (It adds a very savory flavor though)
  
• ½ tsp EcoBloom (a prebiotic)
• Ancient Earth Minerals 

If you’re using xanthan gum as a thickening agent, blend it in just after adding the oil.

This recipe is easily doubled or even quadrupled. Refrigerate any leftovers for up to 10 days.

Try this fresh and flavorful salad dressing with any of the nourishing salads in The Body Ecology Living Cookbook — like the Asparagus, Green Bean, and Artichoke Salad; the Marinated Corn Salad; the Summer Spaghetti Salad; the Avocado and Grapefruit Salad; and much more.

References

Ostrowski, M.P., La Rosa, S.L., Kunath, B.J. et al. Mechanistic insights into consumption of the food additive xanthan gum by the human gut microbiota. Nat Microbiol 7, 556–569 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-022-01093-0