The best Spicy Cashew Dressing recipe is creamy, bold, and packed with flavors. If you love creamy textures and prefer a dairy-free option, this Trader Joe's copycat recipe is perfect for you-it's made purely with cashews.
This spicy cashew dressing recipe is creamy, nutty, and tangy, packed with flavors to satisfy all your cravings. It's homemade and better than store-bought versions.
Simply blend the soaked cashews with simple ingredients to create this flavorful and delicious dressing. It's my go-to for a creamy, plant-based option(like this roasted veggie sauce).
You can serve it over grilled vegetables, salads, grain bowls, or as a dip for crunchy snacks.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
⭐️A rich, creamy texture that rivals cheesy dressings.
⭐️Easy, effortless, and meal-prep-friendly recipe.
⭐️Customizable spice level!
Key Ingredients
- Cashew nuts: Choose raw, unsalted ones for the best texture and flavor. You can substitute it with cashew butter(no soaking is needed).
- Lime juice: Fresh lime juice is always the best option. You can substitute with lemon juice.
- Apple cider vinegar: Choose organic for the best taste.
- Sriracha sauce: You can find it in the international aisle or the specialty hot sauce section at grocery stores.
- Maple syrup: Feel free to adjust the sweetness to match your preference. For the best flavor, substitute raw, unfiltered honey.
- Garlic: I highly recommend using fresh garlic for a robust flavor.
- Crushed red pepper: Optional-adjust to your spice preference.
How To Make Spicy Cashew Dressing
- Step 1. Place raw cashews in a heatproof bowl and cover with boiling water.
- Step 2. Let them soak for 20 minutes to soften.
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- Step 3. Drain and add the soaked cashews to a blender. Add lime juice, apple cider vinegar, sriracha, maple syrup, garlic, salt, ground black pepper, and crushed red pepper.
- Step 4. Blend everything until creamy. Add water a tablespoon at a time to reach your preferred consistency. And enjoy it as the salad dressing.
♨️How To Adjust The Heat Level
- This spicy cashew dressing has a noticeable kick, mainly from the Sriracha and crushed red pepper.
- You can adjust the amount of Sriracha sauce and crushed red pepper to suit your heat tolerance.
The Leftovers
- You can repurpose the leftover spicy cashew dressing as a dip, a spread for sandwiches, or even as the pasta sauce.
- Store this in the refrigerator for up to five days or in the freezer for about three months.
- To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight, or quickly defrost it in the microwave on a low heat setting.
- This dressing does not need reheating. Just bring it to room temperature and enjoy! If it thickens, add a splash of lime juice and whisk well to restore its creamy texture.
FAQ
Yes, soaking the cashews in hot water for about 20 minutes softens them, helping achieve a smooth texture when blended. If the cashews are not appropriately soaked, the dressing may have a grainy texture instead of a creamy one.
Absolutely. If you are substituting the cashew nuts with the cashew butter, there is no need to soak them; you can blend them straight away with the other ingredients.
You can drizzle it over salads(like this Louisiana Shrimp Salad), use it as a sauce for grain bowls, pair it with spicy roasted vegetables, or spread it on sandwiches and wraps.
Absolutely! This dressing is a great make-ahead option. For the best results, prepare it at least two days before and store it in an airtight container.
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📖 Recipe
Spicy Cashew Dressing
Ingredients
- ½ cup cashews raw
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (or lemon juice)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup (or honey)
- 1 clove garlic
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper (to taste)
- ½ cup water (adjust for consistency)
Instructions
- Place the raw cashews in a heatproof bowl and pour boiling water over them.
- Let them soak for 20 minutes.
- Add the cashew nuts along with the water to the blender jar.
- Add lime juice, apple cider vinegar, sriracha, maple syrup, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Add more water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level easily by modifying the amount of Sriracha sauce and crushed red pepper.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, refrigerate overnight or use a low heat setting in the microwave.
- If the dressing thickens, add a lime juice or water splash and whisk well before serving.
Nutrition
Additional Info
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