Creamy Cashew Lemon Dressing (Dairy-Free & Vegan)
This Creamy Lemon Cashew Dressing (Dairy-Free & Vegan) is one of my favorite ways to add big flavor to salads, grain bowls, wraps, and roasted vegetables. Made with simple ingredients, this creamy dressing is bright, tangy, silky smooth, and comes together in just minutes. Once you try it, you'll find yourself reaching for it again and again.
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 94kcal
Equipment
- 1 high speed blender
Ingredients
- ½ cup raw, unsalted cashews, soaked
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 2 small garlic cloves, roughly chopped *or 1 large clove
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- water up to 1/4 cup
Instructions
- For best results, make sure you soak the cashews in water for at least 4 hours.
- Place all the ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend on high until smooth and creamy. This includes cashews, olive oil, lemon zest, nutritional yeast, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, maple syrup, garlic, and salt.
- Turn the blender to low and slowly add in the water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it is at the desired consistency. You may want to scrape down the sides of the blender a few times.
Notes
Storage:
Store this Creamy Lemon Cashew Dressing in an airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. As the dressing chills, it may thicken slightly due to the cashews.
If needed, simply stir in a splash of water before serving to thin it back to your desired consistency. Give the dressing a good shake or stir before using, as some natural separation may occur.
While this dressing can be frozen, I find it tastes best when enjoyed fresh from the refrigerator.
Tips and Modifications:
For the creamiest texture, soak the cashews before blending. If you're short on time, place them in a bowl of hot water for 20 to 30 minutes to soften them quickly.
If the dressing is too thick, add water one tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. If it's too thin, blend in a few extra cashews.
Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the brightest flavor. Bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch, but fresh lemons really make this dressing shine.
For an extra flavor boost, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, basil, or chives are also delicious additions.
This dressing is incredibly versatile. Use it on salads, grain bowls, roasted vegetables, wraps, sandwiches, or as a dip for fresh vegetables.
For a protein boost, blend in a tablespoon or two of hemp hearts. They add extra nutrition while maintaining the creamy texture.
This dressing will naturally thicken as it sits in the refrigerator. Simply stir in a splash of water before serving to loosen it up.
Nutrition
Serving: 2tablespoons | Calories: 94kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 118mg | Potassium: 71mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 1mg