Cashew Dressing
This Spicy Cilantro Cashew Dressing is wonderful choice for anyone looking to explore the world of plant-based cuisine. Whether you follow a vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, vegetarian, flexitarian diet, this dressing caters to all, and you will love it!
Spicy Cashew dressings, like this one, and sauces are more than just a dairy alternative; they offer a range of culinary possibilities. While it does serve as a fantastic substitute for creamy sauces and dressings that contain dairy or mayo, they bring so much more to the table.
With their creamy texture and nutty flavor, cashew dressings are delicious and easy to prepare; they come with nutritional benefits too! Packed with healthy fats, essential nutrients, and some plant-based protein cashew dressings add a lovely twist to your dishes.
Ingredients in Cilantro Cashew Dressing
- Raw cashews
- Water
- Lime juice and zest
- Apple cider vinegar
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Jalapeno
- Nutritional yeast
- Salt
- pepper
How to Make Cilantro Cashew Dressing
Soften Cashews:
I prefer to soften my cashews quickly rather than overnight in the refrigerator. To this this
Boil water: Bring a pot of water to boil (enough water to fully submerged cashews).
Rinse cashews: While waiting for the water to boil, rinse the cashews to remove any debris.
Boil Cashews: Add the cashews to the boiling water, and boil for 15-20 minutes. Drain the cashews.
Blend Ingredients:
Add the quick-soaked cashews to a blender with the remaining ingredients.
Blend the ingredients on high until the mixture becomes smooth. Scrape the sides of the blender as needed.
If the dressing is too thick, add more water, a tablespoon at a time. 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.
How to Store
Store this dressing in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days. Alternativly, for long term storage, freeze this dressing for up to 6 months.
Variations
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.
- Basil Pesto
- Sesame Ginger
- Herbs and citrus zest
- Harissa
- Lemon garlic tahini
- Curry coconut with lime juice
- Roasted Red Pepper with Red Pepper Flakes
How to Use This Dressing
You can use this cashew dressing in an array of dishes. Enjoy it tossed in salads, used to elevate grain bowls or roasted veggies, used as a dip for veggie platters, spread on sandwiches, substituted it for pasta sauce, or use it as a delectable marinade for your protein dishes.
FAQ (Ask a Dietitian!)
Why do you soak cashews in water?
Soaking cashews softens the texture, and enhances its culinary applications. Soaked cashews can be blended into smooth creamy textures.
Soaked cashews create cashew cream, cashew sauce, and cashew-based desserts such as cashew cheesecakes, and used in smoothies to provide a creamy consistency.
What does cashew sauce taste like?
Cashew sauces taste creamy, nutty, and mildly sweet. Cashew sauces also have a mild taste making them adaptable to be seasoned with various flavors and ingredients.
Is cashew sauce healthy?
Cashew sauce can be a healthy addition or alternative in your diet. Cashews offer many nutritional benefits however, it is important to consider portion sizes for a blanched diet.
More Recipes
Greens and Ancient Grains Bowl
Cilantro Cashew Dressing
Equipment
- Blender
Ingredients
- 1 cup softened cashews see notes
- 1/2 cup cilantro you may use stems!
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 jalapeno, chopped optional
- 2 tbsp lime juice approx 1 juicy lime
- 2 tsp lime zest approx the zest of 1 lime
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp date sugar sugar, date syrup, honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the soaked cashews.
- In a blender or food processor, combine the ingredients and blend until smooth, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Transfer the dressing to a jar or container and store in the fridge for up to a week.
- Use this Cashew Cilantro Lime dressing drizzling over salads, and roasted vegetables, as a spread in a sandwich or wrap, or even as a dip for raw veggies, baked tofu, or crackers.
Notes
Nutrition
Hi, I'm Sarah Harper. I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who loves to cook, eat, and talk about food! Here at The Addy Bean, you'll discover an array of flexitarian recipes. My mission is to inspire and encourage others to eat and explore the world of plant-based foods!
0 Comments