This Creamy Cashew Citrus Vinaigrette dressing is not only packed with flavor but also incredibly easy to make. Cashews are my favorite vegan ingredient for creating the perfect creamy non-dairy salad dressing. The tanginess of the oranges creates a perfect balance of flavors without the acid from the orange juice curdling the dressing.

Whether you’re a vegan or want to add more plant-based options, this dressing will impress you. Drizzle it over your favorite salad or use it as a dip for fresh veggies, and enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite.

More Salad Dressings and Dips you’ll want to make.

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Key Takeaways

Creamy, Flavorful, and Vegan-Friendly
This dressing uses cashews to create a smooth, creamy texture without dairy, making it ideal for vegan and plant-based diets.
Perfect Flavor Balance
The tanginess of fresh orange juice and zest, combined with Dijon mustard and white wine vinegar, delivers a harmonious mix of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.
Versatile Usage
Beyond salads, this vinaigrette can be used as a dip, marinade, sandwich spread, or drizzle for roasted vegetables and grain bowls.
Health Benefits of Cashews
Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, fiber, and zinc, cashews support brain health, heart health, digestion, and immunity.
Quick and Easy Preparation
With soaked cashews and a blender, you can achieve a creamy, nutritious dressing in minutes. Perfect for quick meal prep.
Gut-Friendly and Energizing
Making a double batch for snacks promotes gut health and provides a clean energy boost during the day.

SIS Tip - Simple is Smart Tip

Make a double batch of the dressing and use it as a dip for a veggie snack during your day. Reach for this healthy snack instead of a highly processed pre-packaged snack to get your energy up during that mid-morning or mid-afternoon low-energy slump. Your gut will be glad and reward you with feel-good neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.

Nutrition Nugget for Cashews

Five Health Benefits of Cashews:

Brain – Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Proteins support brain health.
Heart—Antioxidants and healthy fats help your heart stay strong by lowering unhealthy lipids in your body and the vessels of your heart.
Blood Sugar Regulator – The fiber in nuts helps slow down the absorption of sugars and helps lower insulin resistance.
Fiber aids in digestion and helps prevent constipation. Having fiber in our diet is critical for keeping things moving in our gut.
Aids the Immune System—Cashews contain zinc, which is a natural antibacterial and immune-boosting agent.

Ingredients for Cashew Citrus Vinaigrette Dressing.

Soaked Cashews: Soak the Cashews in hot water before blending. The dressing will be smoother and creamier.
Orange Juice: Freshly squeeze the orange you used for the zest
Orange zest: Be careful not to get any white parts of the rind as it’s very bitter.
Dijon Mustard: Helps balance the sweetness of the oranges
Black Pepper: Freshly ground
White Wine Vinegar balances the dressing. Distilled white vinegar is a good substitute if you don’t have white wine vinegar.
Sea Salt freshly ground is great.

Make the Cashew Citrus Vinaigrette Dressing.

Steps for making the Cashew Citrus Vinaigrette dressing.

Add all of the ingredients to a Blendtec Blender with a Twister Jar. If you don’t have a Blendtec, achieving a creamy, smooth dressing may take a little longer, but other blenders will do the job.
Blend until very smooth and creamy.
Set aside.

FAQ for Cashew Citrus Vinaigrette Dressing

What are the main ingredients for a vegan cashew citrus vinaigrette?

The main ingredients typically include:

Raw cashews
Citrus juice (lemon, lime, or orange)
Olive oil
Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
Garlic
Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper
Sweetener (optional, like maple syrup or agave)

Do I need to soak the cashews before making the dressing?

Yes, it’s best to soak the cashews for at least 2hours or overnight. This softens them, making them easier to blend and resulting in a creamierdressing. If you’re short on time, you can quick-soak them in hot water for about 30 minutes.

Can I use a regular blender instead of a high-speed blender?

While a high-speed blender will give you the smoothest results, you can use a regular blender. Just be sure to soak the cashews well and blend for a longer time, scraping down the sides as needed. You may need to add a bit more liquid to help it blend smoothly.

How long does homemade vegan cashew citrus vinaigrette last?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this dressing typically lasts 5-7 days. Always give it a good shake before using, as separation is natural.

What’s the best way to adjust the consistency of the dressing?

To thin the dressing, add more citrus juice or water, a little at a time. To thicken it, add more soaked cashews. Blend after each addition until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I use this vegan cashew citrus vinaigrette for more than just salads?

Absolutely! This versatile dressing can be used as a:

Dip for raw vegetables
Dressing for a Broccoli, Brown rice and Lentil Bowl.
Sauce for roasted vegetables or grilled tofu
Spread for sandwiches or wraps
Marinade for plant-based proteins
Drizzle for grain bowls or Buddha bowls

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