Spicy Cashew Dressing Recipe: Better Than Trader Joes
Spicy Cashew Dressing
This is not your average Trader Joe’s spicy cashew dressing recipe. I used the TJ’s dressing as inspiration for this one. This Spicy Cilantro Cashew Dressing is a fantastic way to dive into plant-based cuisine! Perfect for vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, vegetarian, or flexitarian diets, this dressing offers much more than a simple dairy alternative.
It’s a creamy, nutty twist that outshines Trader Joe’s cashew dressing, with easy-to-find ingredients and a boost of healthy fats, essential nutrients, and plant-based protein.
This recipe is a versatile favorite for salads, grain bowls, or as a veggie dip, it’s a simple yet delicious recipe you’ll keep coming back to!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe is super easy to prepare with readily available, store-bought ingredients.
- Creamy Dressing: Perfect for salads or grain bowls, giving them a rich and creamy consistency without dairy.
- Dipping Sauce: Delicious as a dip for carrot sticks and other fresh veggies, adding a spicy kick.
- Copycat Recipe: A homemade dressing inspired by one of our favorite Trader Joe’s salad dressings.
- Versatile Flavor: Adds a fresh, spicy twist that works well across a variety of dishes.
Tools For This Recipe
Blender or Food Processor: Soaking cashews will help them blend smoothly.
Citrus zester: Avoid zesting the white pith under the lime skin, it can be bitter.
Citrus juicer: Roll the lime on the counter before cutting to help release the juices.
Chef’s Knife – For cutting the lime, jalapeno, and cilantro.
Cutting Board
Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients in Cilantro Cashew Dressing
- Raw cashews
- Water
- Lime juice and zest
- Soy sauce
- fresh ginger – or store-bought ginger puree
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Fresh jalapeno – or roasted jalapeno
- Maple syrup – or honey, coconut sugar, or date sugar
- Kosher salt & pepper to taste
Substitutions and Add-ins
This delicious recipe is a unique twist on a classic creamy cashew dressing. However, you can unleash your culinary creativity and explore all sorts of flavors.
Below are some tried and true flavors you might want to try with a basic cashew dressing recipe.
Substitutions
- Red Chili Paste: Swap the jalapeño for a spoonful of red chili paste for a different spicy kick.
- Rice Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar: Option to replace the lime juice with rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
- Sesame Oil: Replace some of the water with sesame oil to bring out Asian-inspired flavors in the dressing.
- Almond Butter: Substitute the cashews with almond butter if you have that on hand.
- Organic Coconut Aminos: Use in place of soy sauce for a gluten-free, slightly sweeter option.
Add-Ins
-
- Nutritional Yeast: Add nutritional yeast for a subtle, cheesy flavor that also enhances the creaminess and bumps up the nutritional profile.
- Herbs: Try mixing in other fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.
- Harissa: Add harissa paste for a smoky, spicy kick with North African flair.
- Curry Coconut with Lime Juice: Blend in a dash of curry powder and a few tablespoons of coconut milk.
- Roasted Red Pepper with Red Pepper Flakes: Add roasted red pepper and a pinch of red pepper flakes to create a vibrant, mildly spicy flavor.
How to Make Cilantro Cashew Dressing
Step 1: Soak Cashews
- Bring a pot of water to a boil (enough to fully submerge the cashews). While waiting, rinse the cashews to remove any debris. Once the water is boiling, add the cashews and let them boil for 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
Step 2: Add Ingredients
- Add the quick-soaked cashews to a small blender or food processor. Include the lime juice, lime zest, grated ginger, soy sauce (or coconut aminos), chopped jalapeño, maple syrup, and cilantro.
Step 3: Blend to Desired Consistency
- Blend the ingredients on high until the mixture becomes smooth. Scrape down the sides as needed to ensure everything is well incorporated. If the homemade dressing is too thick, add more water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 4: Adjust and Store
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You can experiment with a dash of lemon juice, a pinch of salt, or a sprinkle of pepper to achieve the perfect balance. Transfer the dressing to a mason jar for easy storage.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate the dressing for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve and enjoy the fresh, vegetal heat from the jalapeño in this versatile, homemade dressing!
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Storage Suggestions
Store this dressing in and airtight container, in the refrigerator, for 4 to 5 days. Alternativley, for long term storage, freeze this dressing for up to 6 months.
Serving Suggestions
You can use this cashew dressing in an array of dishes to add flavor and creaminess! Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Salad Dressing: This dressing is perfect for transforming boring salads into something special. Try it over leafy greens, crunchy veggies, or a spicy cashew salad.
- Grain or Crispy Rice Bowl: Drizzle it over a crispy rice bowl with veggies, avocado, and your favorite protein for a satisfying meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Toss it with roasted veggies to bring out rich, nutty flavors and add a spicy kick to the dish.
- Dip for Spring Rolls: Serve as a dip for fresh spring rolls or veggie platters—perfect for adding creaminess and a bit of heat.
- Sandwich Spread: Use it as a spread on sandwiches or wraps to bring a zesty flavor that complements chicken breast and other fillings.
- Pasta Sauce Substitute: Swap out your usual pasta sauce for this cashew dressing in warm or cold pasta dishes for a unique twist.
- Marinade: Use as a marinade for chicken breast or your favorite protein. The cashew dressing’s creamy consistency coats beautifully, adding depth and flavor to each bite.
More Delicious Recipes
Greens and Ancient Grains Bowl
Spicy Cilantro Cashew Dressing
Equipment
- Blender of Food Processor
- citrus zester
- citrus juicer
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting board
- measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 cup softened cashews see notes
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tbsp lime juice approx 1 juicy lime
- 2 tsp lime zest approx the zest of 1 lime
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 1-2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1-2 jalapeno, chopped
- 1-2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 cup cilantro you may use stems!
- kosher salt & black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Soak Cashews
- Bring a pot of water to a boil (enough to fully submerge the cashews). While waiting, rinse the cashews to remove any debris. Once the water is boiling, add the cashews and let them boil for 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
Step 2: Add Ingredients
- Add the quick-soaked cashews to a small blender or food processor. Include the lime juice, lime zest, grated ginger, soy sauce (or coconut aminos), chopped jalapeño, maple syrup, and cilantro.
Step 3: Blend to Desired Consistency
- Blend the ingredients on high until the mixture becomes smooth. Scrape down the sides as needed to ensure everything is well incorporated. If the homemade dressing is too thick, add more water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 4: Adjust and Store
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You can experiment with a dash of lemon juice, a pinch of salt, or a sprinkle of pepper to achieve the perfect balance. Transfer the dressing to a mason jar for easy storage.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate the dressing for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve and enjoy the fresh, vegetal heat from the jalapeño in this versatile, homemade dressing!
