Creamy Cashew and Herb Dream Dressing

You can make this extra thick like a dip or perfect for a creamy and delicious dressing. Kids love it and so do I. 

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Ingredients

• 1 Cup Raw Cashews, soaked for 2 + hours. If you’re in a real pinch and REALLY want creamy cashew dressing I have cheated and only soaked them for 20 minutes in HOT water. This might only work with a high powered blender though — and if you’re trying to eliminate the naturally occuring nutritional inhibitors that are on nuts, seeds, and most grains (phytic acid) you won’t want to skip the soaking part. When we soak nuts the nutrients are more available for absorption. Seriously. It’s annoying but true. Sigh.

• 1/2 - 1 Cup Water, depending on how thick you want your dip. I use a half cup for veggies and dip and 1 cup for creamy dressing.

• 1/2 Cup Olive Oil (or avocado oil)

• 1/4 Cup Fresh Lemon Juice (You might want a bit more. I use a lemon and a half) - Or if you like things with a little more zing feel free to add in a TBSP of Apple Cider Vinegar or White Wine Vinegar as well. (As shown in the picture).

• 1 Clove Garlic, more if you love garlic! I’ve also swapped this for about 1 tsp garlic powder and it’s delicious. Raw garlic is a struggle for my digestion.

• 3 of 4 tsp Fresh Herbs. I like Dill, Basil, Oregano, and/or Thyme, but it’s delicious with any variation or even with just one of these herbs. If you’re using this dip/dressing for taco night try using lime juice and cilantro. Yummmm!!! (If you add rosemary, go gently. It’s a strong flavour!)

  You can also use dried herbs, so if you’re lacking fresh stuff, just use whatever you got in the cupboard.

• 1/2 tsp each of Salt and Pepper. (More or less depending on your taste.)

The flavours in this are meant as a guide. Once you’ve made it once feel free to mix it up any way you like! It’s a creamy foundation for anything delicious.

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Instructions

1. Drain and rinse soaked cashews.

2. Put all ingredients in your high speed blender

3. Blend until smooth and creamy and herb-a-licious. 

4. ENJOY!

This goes great with all the things!

In particular, shredded or sliced chicken salad with avocado, crisp fresh greens and salmon with capers, and romain and sliced boiled eggs and crispy bacon, or bean and cauliflower rice (or regular) bowl with avocados… especially if you make it with lime and cilantro.

It’s also a favourite for dipping veggies, spreading on sandwiches or wraps with a bunch of veggies and shredded chicken or beans, or as a simple dressing for simple salad when you need a break from your standard vinaigrette.

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Nutrition And Tips

This dressing is full of healthy fats so it helps keep us full for longer.

Cashews are low in sugar and rich in fiber and plant protein. They contain trace minerals like copper and magnesium and support energy production, as well as brain, heart, immune, and bone health.

Olive oil is just incredible. Like a nectar from the gods. If you’re unclear on the health benefits of olive oil have a quick read here, or do a simple google search. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-benefits-of-olive-oil

And fresh or dried herbs are a great way to add masses of flavour without using things that hurt our guts. They’re also full of good for you things!

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Enjoy this recipe and please let me know how it works for you, and if you make any swaps and how you serve it!

Kindness for a million days,

Gwen