Are you ready to elevate your salad game with a dressing that’s not only creamy and delicious but also packed with flavor? Look no further than this Homemade Sweetgreen Spicy Cashew Dressing! In just 10 minutes, you can whip up a rich, gluten-free, and dairy-free dressing that will have your taste buds dancing. With the perfect balance of tangy apple cider vinegar, sweet maple syrup, and a kick of sriracha, this dressing is versatile enough to complement any dish—from vibrant salads to hearty grain bowls. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to create a dressing that rivals your favorite restaurant’s secret sauce!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Gluten Free, Dairy Free
Serves: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw cashews
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 teaspoon sriracha
- 1 clove garlic
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup of raw cashews, 1/4 cup of water, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce or tamari, 1 teaspoon of sriracha, 1 clove of garlic, and salt to taste.
- Place the raw cashews in a bowl and cover them with water. Allow them to soak for at least 2 hours. This step is crucial as it softens the cashews, making them easier to blend into a creamy dressing.
- After soaking, drain the cashews and rinse them under cool water to remove any excess starch.
- In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine the soaked cashews, 1/4 cup of water, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce or tamari, 1 teaspoon of sriracha, and the clove of garlic.
- Blend the mixture on high speed until it becomes smooth and creamy. If the dressing is too thick, you can add more water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Once blended, taste the dressing and add salt to your preference. If you like it spicier, feel free to add more sriracha at this stage.
- Transfer the dressing to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to a week.
- Use this delicious homemade spicy cashew dressing on salads, grain bowls, or as a dip for fresh vegetables. Enjoy!
Tips
- Soaking is Key: Don’t skip the soaking step! Allowing the cashews to soak for at least 2 hours softens them, resulting in a smoother and creamier dressing. If you're short on time, a quick soak in hot water for 30 minutes can work too.
- Adjust the Consistency: If your dressing turns out thicker than you like, simply add more water a tablespoon at a time while blending until you reach your desired consistency.
- Flavor Balance: Taste your dressing before storing it. Adjust the salt and sriracha to suit your spice tolerance. A little extra sriracha can really amp up the heat!
- Storage: Store your dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of salads and can also be used as a dip for fresh veggies.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to get creative! Add herbs like cilantro or basil for a fresh twist, or a splash of lime juice for extra zing.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 600kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 48g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 0mg
