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    Home » Recipes » Gluten-Free Sauces and Salad Dressings

    Published: Sep 29, 2023 by Jen Wooster

    Spicy Cashew Dressing

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    Spicy cashew dressing in a jar with a spoon.
    Spicy cashew dressing in a jar.
    Spicy cashew dressing in a jar.
    Spicy cashew dressing in a jar with a spoon.
    Pouring dressing on salad.

    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.

    Pouring the dressing on a salad.

    This post may include affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

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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. 

    Try it on my jackfruit salad or this sweet potato and kale salad.

    Jump to:
    • 📖Why This Recipe Works
    • 🧾Ingredient Notes
    • ⏲️How to Make Spicy Cashew Butter Dressing
    • 👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tip
    • 🌡️Storing Leftovers
    • More Salad Dressing Recipes
    • 💭 Frequently Asked Questions
    • 📖 Recipe
    • ⭐Reviews

    📖Why This Recipe Works

    No Coconut- The original version contained coconut milk which isn't great for some people. My version is still vegan and gluten-free.

    Use Any 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. 

    Big Flavor-  Listen 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

    We have already talked about the cashew butter so let's get into the other ingredients. 

    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.

    Salad dressing ingredients on a counter.

    ⏲️How to Make Spicy Cashew Butter Dressing

    You definitely want to make this recipe in a blender or food processor. 

    Ingredients in a blender.

    Add all the ingredients except the water. Blend until smooth- this will take 1 to 2 minutes. 

    Blended dressing in a vitamix.

    Slowly add very hot water until you get to your desired consistency. 

    I never use more than ¼ cup of warm water.

    🥗 How to Use Spicy Cashew Dressing

    In addition to serving on your favorite salad here are a few more ideas:

    • As a dipping sauce for veggies
    • Sub out the avocado sauce and make a Thai-style spicy coleslaw
    • Use as a marinade for grilled chicken satay
    • As a dip for summer rolls
    • As sauce for a spicy chicken sandwich
    • Drizzle on a poke bowl or on a kani salad

    👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tip

    If you deveined the pepper and it isn't spicy enough, simply add more crushed red pepper. 

    Spicy cashew dressing in a jar with a spoon.

    🌡️Storing Leftovers

     Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Stir well before each use to recombine any separation.

    If the dressing is too thick you can place the bottle in a bowl of warm water to quickly smooth it out without watering it down. 

    More Salad Dressing Recipes

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      Poppy Seed Dressing {Sugar Free}
    • miso ginger steakhouse dressing recipe over grilled chicken salad
      Miso Carrot Ginger Dressing
    • Salad dressing in a bottle with a bunch of red tomatoes.
      House Salad Dressing
    • olive salad dressing in a jar
      Kalamata Olive Vinaigrette

    💭 Frequently Asked Questions

    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? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment. It helps other wonderful people connect with our food.

    📖 Recipe

    Spicy cashew dressing in a jar with a spoon.

    Spicy Cashew Dressing

    This spicy cashew butter dressing recipe is a take on the Trader Joe's version you know and love. my version is gluten-free, vegan, and made without coconut.
    Servings: 6
    Prep: 5 minutes mins
    Cook: 0 minutes mins
    Total: 5 minutes mins
    5 from 2 votes
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    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 Tablespoon fresh ginger minced
    • 2 Tablespoon 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
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    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 Tablespoon fresh ginger, 2 Tablespoon 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
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    Notes

    • Remove the seeds from the chili is optional.
    • You can substitute a small Thai chili, serrano pepper or jalapeño for the Fresno chili.
    To make the cashew butter from scratch:
    • 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.

    Equipment

    • Blender or food processor

    Nutrition

    Calories: 147kcal | Carbs: 12g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 11g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g
    Author: Jen Wooster
    Course:: Salad, Sauce
    Cuisine: American
    Tried this recipe?Tag us @peelwithzeal so we can see your creation!

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    Spicy cashew dressing in a jar.
    Spicy cashew dressing in a jar with a spoon.
    Pouring dressing on salad.

    Greetings!

    picture of Jen

    My name is Jen and I am the recipe developer, writer, and photographer around here. Since being diagnosed with celiac disease over 10 years ago I have been slowly curating a recipe box full of gluten-free goodness. I adore vegetables, crave chocolate, and I am always up for an adventure.

    More About Me →

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    Spicy cashew dressing in a jar with a spoon.
    Spicy cashew dressing in a jar.
    Spicy cashew dressing in a jar.
    Spicy cashew dressing in a jar with a spoon.
    Pouring dressing on salad.

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