Vegan Creamy Cashew Mint dressing is one of the few dressings that I love on a fruit salad and on a tossed salad. I’ve used it as a dip for watermelon and pineapple spears and strawberries. It also works with cucumber, peppers, and tomato wedges. Put it on roasted watermelon radishes and cauliflower, or dip some giant roasted carrots in it. Made with simple and wholesome ingredients, this dressing is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. The star ingredient, cashews, give it a creamy and velvety texture, while the fresh mint leaves add a refreshing twist.
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Simple is Smart Tip for Creamy Cashew Mint Dressing
Grow mint in your garden and use some of the leaves to brew a glass of mint iced tea to go with your salad. Mint teas contain a compound called menthol, the main active compound found in mint, has been shown to have a positive impact on cognitive function. It helps to improve focus, concentration, and memory.
Nutrition Nugget for Cashews
Cashews offer many health benefits for both your brain and your heart. These kidney-shaped nuts are packed with essential nutrients that support brain function and cardiovascular health. One of the key nutrients found in cashews is magnesium, which plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy brain cells and preventing age-related memory decline. Magnesium is also important in regulating our emotions and helping us relax when we are stressed. Additionally, cashews are rich in monounsaturated fats, which lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
What are the ingredients for Creamy Cashew Mint Dressing?
- Cashews: I use roasted cashews and don’t soak them because I have a high speed powerful blender.
- Mint: This recipe needs fresh mint for best flavor and taste.
- English Peas or shelled peas: not the sugar pod or snow peas.
- Rice Wine Vinegar: If you don’t have rice wine vinegar, use rice vinegar instead.
- Maple syrup: I like a little sweetness in my dressings.
- Salt and Pepper to taste: I use about 1/4 tsp of each.
Step by Step Instructions for Creamy Cashew Mint Dressing:
- Add the cashews to the blender. Soak them for 30 minutes if you don’t have a high performance blender like a Blend Tec or Vitamix before adding to the blender.
- Add all of the rest of the ingredients to the blender. No need to defrost the peas.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
If you are a fan of Salad Dressings try my Berry Citrus Salad Dressing.
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FAQ for Creamy Cashew Mint Dressing
Is cashew salad dressing good for your health?
Cashew salad dressing can be a delicious and nutritious addition to your meals. Cashews are packed with essential nutrients like protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. They are also a good source of antioxidants, which help protect your cells from damage. The creamy texture of cashews makes them ideal for creating a flavorful salad dressing that can enhance the taste of your greens. Additionally, cashews have been linked to various health benefits, such as improved heart health and weight management. However, it’s important to use cashew nut salad dressing in moderation, as it can be high in calories and fat.
Are cashews fats or carbs?
Cashews are high in both fats and carbohydrates. However, the good news is that most of the fats found in cashews are healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. Regarding carbohydrates, cashews contain a moderate amount, but they also offer a good amount of dietary fiber. So, while cashews may have a higher fat and carbohydrate content than other nuts, they still provide a nutritious and satisfying snack option.
How long does cashew sauce last in the fridge?
Cashew sauce, if stored properly in an airtight container can last for up to one week in the refrigerator. It’s perfect for adding a creamy touch to pasta dishes, drizzling over roasted vegetables, or even using as a dip for your favorite snacks. Just be sure to keep an eye on the sauce and discard it if you notice any signs of spoilage, such as a foul smell or mold growth.
How do you balance salad dressings?
To balance a salad dressing, you need to consider its different elements—acidity, sweetness, and richness. Start by adding a splash of vinegar or citrus juice for acidity, then balance it out with a touch of sweetness from honey or maple syrup. Finally, add richness with olive oil or mayonnaise. The key is to taste as you go and adjust accordingly until you achieve that harmonious balance of flavors.
Does cashew cream thicken when heated?
When heated, the natural fats and cashew starches break down and release their thickening properties. This makes cashew cream perfect for adding richness and creaminess to soups, sauces, and desserts.
Why is my cashew sauce grainy?
The graininess in cashew sauce can be caused by a few different factors. One common culprit is not soaking the cashews for long enough. Cashews need to be soaked in water for several hours or overnight to soften them and make them easier to blend. If you skip this step or don’t soak them for long enough, the result can be a grainy texture. Another reason for graininess could be using a blender that isn’t powerful enough to fully pulverize the cashews. Investing in a high-speed blender can make a world of difference in achieving a smooth and creamy cashew sauce. Lastly, over-blending the sauce can also lead to graininess, so be sure to blend just until everything is combined and smooth.
Creamy Cashew Mint Dressing
Equipment
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- To see the ingredient amounts in metric units, click the blue "METRIC:" button between the ingredients and the instructions for this recipe.
Ingredients
- ½ cup cashews
- ½ cup shelled peas
- 0.2 ounces Coarsely chopped mint, this is about 1/4 of a cup or 6 grams.
- ¼ cup rice wine vinegar *
- ¼ cup Maple syrup or honey if you aren't vegan.
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- If you don't have a powerful blender, soak the cashews in hot water for 30 minutes, drain, and add them to the blender.
- You don't have to defrost the peas or edamame if they are frozen.
- Add all of the ingredients for the dressing to the blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Store in an airtight container
