Sweetgreen Spicy Cashew Dressing Recipe

Are you a fan of Sweetgreen’s Spicy Cashew Dressing but find yourself craving it even when you’re not near one of their locations? Well, we have good news for you! You can now recreate this mouthwatering dressing right in your own kitchen.

Today, we’ll reveal the secret behind Sweetgreen’s famous Spicy Cashew Dressing and provide you with a step-by-step recipe to enjoy its delectable flavors whenever you want. Get ready to elevate your salads and bowls with this homemade dressing that will surely become a staple in your kitchen repertoire.

Ingredients of Spicy Cashew Dressing

Spicy cashew dressing is a delicious and versatile sauce that can enhance salads, grain bowls, and more. Here are the key ingredients typically used in this dressing:

Cashews (Roasted And Salted) ¾ Cup 

Roasted and salted cashews are crunchy, rich in flavor, and slightly savory. Their natural creaminess, combined with a touch of salt from roasting, adds a deliciously nutty and smooth texture to dressings, dips, and sauces.

Cilantro ¼ Cup

Cilantro is a fresh, aromatic herb with a bright, citrusy flavor. Its leaves add a zesty, slightly peppery kick to dishes, while the stems have a more intense flavor, making it a vibrant addition to dressings and sauces.

Lime Juice 1 Tbsp.

Lime juice adds a tangy, bright acidity to the dressing, balancing out the richness of the cashews. Its zesty flavor enhances the overall taste, providing a fresh, citrusy kick that complements the other ingredients.

Soy Sauce 1 ½ Tbsp.

Soy sauce brings a savory, umami depth to the dressing, adding richness and saltiness. Its bold, fermented flavor balances the creaminess of cashews while enhancing the overall taste with a touch of complexity and depth.

Rice Wine Vinegar 1 Tbsp.

Rice wine vinegar adds a mild, slightly sweet acidity to the dressing. Its subtle tanginess brightens the flavors, while providing a smooth, balanced contrast to the richness of the cashews and the umami of soy sauce.

Pure Maple Syrup 1 Tbsp.

Pure maple syrup adds natural sweetness to the dressing, balancing the heat and acidity. Its rich, earthy flavor enhances the overall taste while providing a smooth, comforting sweetness that complements the other bold, savory ingredients.

Ginger Paste ½ Tsp.

Ginger paste adds a warm, slightly spicy kick to the dressing with its aromatic, peppery flavor. It brings a vibrant zest, complementing the richness of the cashews and balancing the sweetness and acidity with its fresh, zingy punch.

Garlic 1 Clove 

Garlic adds a bold, aromatic flavor with a savory, slightly pungent kick. Its depth enhances the dressing, balancing the sweetness of maple syrup and the acidity of vinegar, while contributing a warm, savory undertone that ties all ingredients together.

Sriracha Sauce ½ – 1 Tsp.

Sriracha sauce provides a spicy, tangy kick with its blend of chili peppers, garlic, and vinegar. Its heat adds depth and excitement to the dressing, while the slight sweetness balances the bold flavors, creating a fiery, vibrant finish.

Oil Avocado Or Olive ¼ Cup

Both avocado oil and olive oil contribute a smooth, mild richness to the dressing. Avocado oil offers a subtle, buttery flavor, while olive oil adds a fruity, slightly grassy note, enhancing the dressing’s texture without overpowering the other ingredients.

Water 3-4 Tbsp. 

Water helps adjust the dressing’s consistency, thinning it to the desired texture without altering the flavor. It ensures a smooth, pourable blend, balancing the richness of the cashews and oils while making the dressing light and versatile.

Salt Pinch Of

Salt enhances the overall flavor of the dressing by amplifying the natural tastes of the ingredients. It balances the sweetness, acidity, and spice, creating a harmonious blend while adding a subtle savory depth to the creamy cashew base.

Essential Equipment For Homemade Sweetgreen Dressing

Making Sweetgreen-style dressings at home is easy with the right equipment. Here are five essentials:

1. Blender or Immersion Blender

A high-speed blender ensures smooth, creamy dressings like Green Goddess or Caesar. An immersion blender works well for small batches.

2. Mason Jar or Dressing Shaker

For vinaigrettes, a mason jar with a tight lid makes mixing and storing easy. Just shake and serve!

3. Citrus Juicer

Fresh lemon or lime juice is key to Sweetgreen dressings. A handheld juicer extracts maximum juice while keeping out seeds.

4. Whisk

For simple oil-based dressings, a whisk helps emulsify ingredients quickly, ensuring a well-blended consistency.

5. Fine Mesh Strainer

If using fresh herbs, garlic, or citrus pulp, a strainer removes any unwanted bits, giving your dressing a silky texture.

With these tools, you can easily create flavorful, restaurant-quality dressings at home!

How To Make Sweetgreen’s Spicy Cashew Dressing At Home?

• Before proceeding with this recipe, it is essential to soak the cashews. Combine the cashews with approximately 1 cup of boiling water. Allow the cashew and water mixture to rest for approximately 30 minutes to facilitate the softening of the cashews.
• Remove the water from the cashews and rinse them briefly.
• Blend all ingredients together until achieving a smooth and creamy consistency.
• Incorporate the dressing into a salad, power bowl, or any preferred dish of your choice. 

How To Store And Preserve Homemade Dressings? 

To keep homemade dressings fresh and flavorful, follow these storage tips:

1. Use Airtight Containers

Store dressings in glass mason jars or airtight containers to prevent oxidation and contamination. Avoid plastic, as it absorbs flavors.

2. Refrigerate Immediately

Dairy-based, herb-infused, or fresh ingredient dressings should be refrigerated right away to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.

3. Label and Date

Write the preparation date on the container to track freshness and avoid using expired dressings.

4. Shake or Stir Before Use

Homemade dressings separate over time. Shake or whisk them before each use to blend the ingredients back together.

5. Know the Shelf Life

• Vinaigrettes (oil & vinegar-based): Last up to 2 weeks.
• Creamy dressings (yogurt, mayo, dairy-based): Best within 5–7 days.
• Fresh herb or citrus-heavy dressings: Use within 3–5 days.

6. Freeze When Possible

Oil-based dressings don’t freeze well, but herb-heavy dressings can be frozen in ice cube trays for longer storage.

Proper storage keeps your dressings fresh and safe to enjoy!

Final Words

Spice up your salads with the delectable Homemade Sweetgreen Spicy Cashew Dressing! This flavorful dressing will take your salad game to the next level, adding a perfect blend of heat and nuttiness to your greens. Whether you’re a salad enthusiast or looking to liven up your meals, this dressing is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Give it a try and elevate your salads from ordinary to extraordinary!

FAQs

What Makes This Dressing Healthy And Nutritious?

This dressing is healthy and nutritious because it uses fresh, whole ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs, which provide essential vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats. It avoids artificial preservatives, excess sugar, and unhealthy trans fats found in store-bought options. Ingredients like Greek yogurt or avocado add protein and probiotics, while vinegar aids digestion. With natural flavors and nutrient-rich components, this dressing enhances meals while supporting overall wellness.

Can I Use Almonds Instead Of Cashews?

Yes, you can use almonds instead of cashews, but the texture and flavor will differ. Cashews blend into a creamy consistency, while almonds are firmer and slightly grainier. For a smoother result, soak almonds beforehand or use blanched almonds to remove the skins. The flavor will be nuttier and slightly less sweet than cashews, but they still work well in dressings, especially when blended thoroughly with liquid ingredients.

Best Salads To Pair With Spicy Cashew Dressing

Spicy cashew dressing pairs well with bold, fresh salads. Try a Crunchy Thai Salad with cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers for a vibrant mix. A Kale & Quinoa Salad balances the creaminess with hearty greens. A Mango Avocado Salad adds a sweet contrast to the spice. A Roasted Sweet Potato & Chickpea Salad enhances the nutty flavor, while a Spicy Asian Slaw with sesame and cilantro brings out the dressing’s richness.