Trader Joe's Spicy Cashew Butter Dressing Copycat Recipe (2024)

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Trader Joe's Spicy Cashew Butter Dressing Copycat Recipe (1)

When I make a Trader Joe’s Spicy Cashew Butter Dressing copycat recipe, I don’t mess around. When it comes to anything related to Trader Joe’s, I really don’t mess around.

This dressing is addictive, and the ingredients list is full of things to love. It’s wholesome, flavorful and packed with my favorite things. The one downside? It’s got a price tag of nearly $4 and it goes bad in your fridge…quick.

So that’s why I created a copycat recipe. Not just for us Trader Joe’s devotees, but also for those without a Trader Joe’s near them who want to try it out. This recipe looks the same, tastes the same and takes 2 minutes of your time. It uses simple ingredients and is a great recipe to have in your back pocket when you need a quick and easy (and spicy) salad dressing.

Table of contents

  • So what is in the Trader Joe’s Spicy Cashew Butter Dressing?
  • Why I’ve opted not to use cashew butter in this Trader Joe’s copycat recipe
  • The secret trick to this Trader Joe’s Spicy Cashew Butter Dressing copycat recipe
  • How to store this spicy cashew butter salad dressing
  • What recipes can you use this on?
Trader Joe's Spicy Cashew Butter Dressing Copycat Recipe (2)

So what is in the Trader Joe’s Spicy Cashew Butter Dressing?

I did a quick look at the ingredients list of this Trader Joe’s item, and as you can see from my V blurry photo, it had all your usual suspects.

Trader Joe's Spicy Cashew Butter Dressing Copycat Recipe (3)

The ingredients breakdown was: water, cashew butter, lime juice, ginger puree, organic coconut aminos, cilantro, red chili paste, maple syrup, sea salt, xantham gum and crushed red pepper.

All of this seemed more than manageable, with a few adjustments to make the ingredients more approachable. My recipe uses a few ingredient swaps that are easier to find in grocery stores, but other than that it was all about find the right ratios to make the perfect, creamy salad dressing.

Trader Joe's Spicy Cashew Butter Dressing Copycat Recipe (4)

Why I’ve opted not to use cashew butter in this Trader Joe’s copycat recipe

I know Trader Joe’s uses cashew butter in their version, but I opted to use cashews in this recipe. This is because of cost and practicality.

I don’t want you running out and buying a whole bunch of cashew butter just to use 2 tbsp. It’s not practical. So for this, buy a bunch of cashews, store what you won’t use in your freezer (always store your nuts in your freezer!) and use just a bit for this recipe.

The secret trick to this Trader Joe’s Spicy Cashew Butter Dressing copycat recipe

The one thing to remember when you make this dressing – is make sure to use boiling water.

I’ve never been a fan of soaking my cashews. I know so many recipes call for it, but it just seems like an unnecessary extra step. To avoid that in this recipe, we use boiling water to combine all our ingredients, and after it rests for two minutes, any blender will be able to handle it.

This is a small-batch recipe so I recommend using a small blender, but really you can use anything!

Trader Joe's Spicy Cashew Butter Dressing Copycat Recipe (5)

How to store this spicy cashew butter salad dressing

The best way to store this dressing is in an air-tight container in the fridge. It will last for 7-10 days. I recommend storing this dressing either in tupperware or in mason jars, although I’ve found mason jars work best.

What recipes can you use this on?

Here are just a few suggestions:

Chickpea Salad with Avocado on a Crusty Baguette

This recipe is everything I want now that the months are getting warmer – a crusty baguette coated in olive oil, an acidic, fresh chickpea salad, all held together by my favorite healthy fat: avocado. It's the perfect spring or summer lunch that takes just minutes to whip together!

Check out this recipe

Trader Joe's Spicy Cashew Butter Dressing Copycat Recipe (6)

Heirloom Tomato Summer Salad

This summer salad with honey mustard vinaigrette is bright, refreshing and so easy to make. It's my favorite lunch option for those days when it's too hot to cook.

Check out this recipe

Trader Joe's Spicy Cashew Butter Dressing Copycat Recipe (7)

Crispy Potatoes with Avocado & Dill

If you are looking for an easy but impressive appetizer or party snack, these Crispy Potatoes with Avocado & Dill are it! Easy to make and done in half an hour, these bite-sized potatoes are the perfect combination of crispy, salty, fatt, and acidic. They are a total bar food recipe and will leave you wanting to eat the whole plate by yourself (and hey, there's no shame in that game!)

Check out this recipe

Trader Joe's Spicy Cashew Butter Dressing Copycat Recipe (8)

Trader Joe's Spicy Cashew Butter Dressing Copycat Recipe (9)

And that’s it for this Trader Joe’s recreation recipe (feel free to check out more of my Trader Joe’s copycats here!)

If you make it, please tag me onPinterestorInstagramso I can see! It’s my favorite thing to scroll through stories and see what you all are making.

And of course feel free to leave any questions, comments or reviews! This is the best place to reach me, and I’d love to hear from you <3

Trader Joe's Spicy Cashew Butter Dressing Copycat Recipe (10)

Trader Joe’s Spicy Cashew Butter Dressing Copycat Recipe

For when you can't make a trip to Trader Joe's, here's how to make their addictive, creamy, delicious and plant-based Spicy Cashew Butter Dressing at home.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time:5 minutes mins

Course: Dressing

Cuisine: American, Fusion

Keyword: cashew, dressing, salad dressing, spicy

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • cup raw cashews
  • Juice from 1 lime
  • 1 tbsp grated ginger
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos
  • 2 tbsp sambal oelek or sriracha
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp cilantro chopped
  • 2/3 cup boiling water

Instructions

  • Either on the stove in in the microwave, bring your water to a boil. In the microwave this should take about 2-3 minutes.

  • Toss the rest of the ingredients in a small blender.

  • Pour the boiling water over the ingredients and let it sit for 2-5 minutes or until the water has cooled to about room temperature.

  • Blend the mixture until smooth.

  • Adjust the sweetness and salt to taste using maple syrup and soy sauce, and use whenever!

  • Store in an air-tight container or jar in the fridge. This dressing will last for 7-10 days.

Trader Joe's Spicy Cashew Butter Dressing Copycat Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What can I use instead of cashew butter in dressing? ›

Almond Butter

In fact, almond butter has been gaining popularity as a cashew butter substitute, and for good reason. With its creamy texture and slightly sweeter taste, almond butter adds a nutty depth to any dish.

Can you sub peanut butter for cashew butter? ›

Using peanut butter over cashew butter would work perfectly fine if you want to give your recipe a nutty flavor. Besides, peanut butter is also rich in vitamins and nutrients, including vitamins B, E, and potassium. Here's another fact that might convince you to go for this substitute.

How many calories are in Sweetgreen spicy cashew dressing? ›

There are 100 calories in 1 serving (30 g) of Sweetgreen Spicy Cashew Dressing. Calorie breakdown: 80% fat, 16% carbs, 4% protein.

Is cashew butter more fattening than peanut butter? ›

Cashew butter also has slightly more calories and fat as peanut butter, but less protein and more carbs. Cashew butter has more iron and magnesium than peanut butter. Cashew butter also has a bit more monounsaturated fat.

Why is cashew butter healthier than peanut butter? ›

Cashew butter contains about half the sugar of peanut butter and it frequently contains less additives. Although almond butter comes out the clear winner in this competition, peanut butter and cashew butter tie for a close second place. Any nut butter is a health-food warrior compared to real butter or oil.

Is cashew butter healthier than almond butter? ›

Cashew butter is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, but it is fairly high in carbs, making it a poor choice for keto recipes. Almond butter, on the other hand, has a strong mix of protein, vitamin E, healthy fats, and fiber, making it one of the best nut butters health-wise.

What are the best ways to use cashew butter? ›

Ways to Use Homemade Cashew Butter

On toast, bread, english muffins, bagels! As a sweet potato breakfast topping. As an oatmeal topping. I've got this amazing cashew curry sauce in this recipe here.

Is it cheaper to make or buy cashew butter? ›

Like pickles, it makes more sense to make specialty nut butters at home. You can make cashew butter and almond butter for anywhere from $3.50 to $4 per 16-ounce jar. And buying a jar of even the cheapest stuff is usually $5 or more.

What sweetgreen dressing has no sugar? ›

Try asking for your dressing on the side so you can control how much you add. Other dressings contain refined seed oils. Ask for extra-virgin olive oil with vinegar or a squeeze of lemon or lime, or select the Green Goddess Ranch or Caesar Dressing, which contain 0 grams of sugar and no sunflower oil.

What oil is in sweetgreen dressing? ›

Sweetgreen will use extra virgin olive oil to cook all its proteins, grains and veggies starting Oct. 24. | Photo courtesy of Sweetgreen.

Is the spicy cashew dressing from Sweetgreen vegan? ›

Opt for Spicy Cashew Dressing with Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Fresh Lemon Squeeze, and Hummus as vegan dressing! 🛑 Is Kale Caesar Salad vegan? No, Sweetgreen's Kale Caesar Salad is not vegan because it contains cheese, eggs, meat, and seafood.

What is a healthy alternative to cashew butter? ›

Pintola Cashew Butter is not only gluten-free but also cholesterol-free, making it the perfect addition to your healthy lifestyle without compromising on taste.

What can I use instead of cashew or almond butter? ›

Peanut butter, cashew butter, sunflower butter, plant-based butter and black bean paste are great for baking! Nut-free almond butter alternatives? Peanut butter, sunflower seed butter, granola butter, cookie butter and avocado are great options for nut-free alternatives.

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