Are you tired of your boring salads and mediocre dressings? This spicy cashew dressing has a creamy texture and a fiery kick! This copycat recipe is not only better than Trader Joe's but is perfect for salad enthusiasts. It is made without coconut milk and is naturally gluten free.
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Trader Joe's Spicy Cashew Butter Dressing may be discontinued. But no fear, you can make this spicy sauce in just a few minutes. Originally, I made this dressing for my kale and apple slaw. But it has so many other uses.
I subbed out the avocado sauce and made a Thai-style spicy coleslaw. I have used it on poke bowls and in place of BBQ sauce on a jackfruit salad.
📖Why My Recipe Works
I love a light vinaigrette, but this dressing is not that. It has bold flavors, we use a red chili pepper rather than chili paste for a delightfully fresh taste.
🧾Ingredient Notes
- Cashew Butter- Store-bought or homemade cashew butter it doesn't matter. Fun fact: you don't have to use soaked cashews so you can make this dressing in minutes.
- Fresh Lime- Most of the flavor is in the lime zest and we use the juice to help thin out the dressing. For a fun twist, try an orange!
- Cilantro- Fresh, obviously. Try to remove any woody stems.
- Fresno Chili- Use any spicy red chili pepper. Whether or not you remove the seeds and the veins is up to you.
- Soy Sauce- I use tamari to keep it gluten-free but the original used coconut aminos. Personally, I am just not a fan so soy sauce it is.
- Rice Vinegar- Because we aren't using chili paste we need to add acid via vinegar and a little fresh garlic for flavor. Cider vinegar is a fine substitution.
- Sweetener- Maple syrup was used in the original because it was vegan. If that isn't a concern, you can use honey.
⏲️How to Make Spicy Cashew Butter Dressing
You definitely want to make this recipe in a blender or food processor.
Add all the ingredients except the water. Blend until smooth- this will take 1 to 2 minutes.
Slowly add very hot water until you get to your desired consistency.
I never use more than ¼ cup of warm water.
👩🏻🍳 Expert Tip
If you deveined the pepper and it isn't spicy enough, simply add more crushed red pepper.
💬 Can I use a different type of nut instead of cashews?
While cashews work best for creaminess, you can experiment with almond butter or peanut butter for a unique twist.
Did you enjoy making this recipe? Show it some love with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a comment! Hungry for more FLAVORFUL recipes?
📖 Recipe Card
Spicy Cashew Dressing (extra creamy!)
Ingredients
- ½ cup Cashew Butter
- 1 lime juice and zest
- ½ cup fresh cilantro loosely packed
- 2 Tablespoons tamari gluten free soy sauce or regular soy sauce if not GF
- 2 Tablespoons fresh ginger minced
- 2 Tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 Fresno chili stem removed
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ crushed red pepper flakes
- hot water about 2 to 4 tablespoons
Instructions
- Add all ingredients , except the water, to a high powdered blend and blend on high for 1 minute.½ cup Cashew Butter, 1 lime, ½ cup fresh cilantro, 2 Tablespoons tamari gluten free soy sauce, 2 Tablespoons fresh ginger, 2 Tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 Fresno chili, 1 clove garlic, 1 teaspoon maple syrup, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ crushed red pepper flakes
- Gradually add hot water until the dressing reaches a pourable consistency that isn't too thin.hot water
Notes
- Remove the seeds from the chili is optional.
- You can substitute a small Thai chili, serrano pepper or jalapeño for the Fresno chili.
- Place ¾ cup raw cashews on a baking sheet. Roast for 10 to 15 minutes at 350 F degrees.
- Cool for 10 minutes. Then blend for 5 to 10 minutes until a paste forms.
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