Spicy Cashew Dressing
This 7 ingredient Spicy Cashew Dressing is full of bold asian flavors, super creamy, and only takes about 15 minutes to make. It is also vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup raw cashews*
- 1/4 cup coconut aminos*
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons lime juice
- 2 Tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 Tablespoon toasted sesame oil*
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2-3 cloves garlic
Instructions
- Place the cashews in a small bowl. Using a kettle or the stovetop, boil enough water to cover the cashews. Pour the boiling water over the cashews so they are completely covered. Soak for 15 minutes.
- In a small blender or food processor, add the coconut aminos, lime juice, avocado oil, sesame oil, lime juice, red pepper, and garlic. Drain the soaked cashews and add them to the blender as well.
- Blend until smooth and add salt if needed. Add 1-2 Tablespoons of water as needed to thin the dressing to the desired consistency.
Notes
- Cashews: Be sure to use whole raw unroasted unsalted cashews. These are best for soaking.
- Coconut Aminos: I highly recommend using coconut aminos for this recipe. They have a nice flavor and sweetness that pair well with the other ingredients. In a pinch, you can use soy sauce, but I recommend starting with 2-3 Tablespoons and tasting the dressing so it does not become too salty. You will also need to add some honey or maple syrup to make up for the sweetness that the coconut aminos provide.
- Toasted Sesame Oil: You must use toasted. It will be darker and color and has a much better flavor. Regular (lighter colored) sesame does not have much flavor.
- Soak the cashews. This helps them blend better and makes the sauce creamier.
- Taste as you go. I usually add a small pinch of salt to the dressing, but be sure to taste it before you do.
- Add water as needed. Depending on what you are using the dressing on, you may want the consistency to be thicker or thinner. Add as much or as little water to achieve this.
- Reduce the spice. If you do not want the dressing to be spicy, add only 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper or even less depending on how sensitive you are.
Nutrition
Calories: 686kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 61g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g | Monounsaturated Fat: 36g | Sodium: 1379mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g