A harmonious blend of salty and tangy flavors coupled with a pleasing creamy texture, this dressing adds character and a nutty pizzazz to any salad. Quickly made in the blender, you can have a delicious homemade dressing on the table in minutes.
Along with their great flavor, cashews offer high-quality natural nutrition. They're an excellent source of protein, fiber, calcium, copper, iron, and zinc. They really shine with 260 milligrams of magnesium and 565 milligrams of potassium for only 3.5 ounces of cashews. Count on those 3.5 ounces of cashews to deliver 69.2 micrograms of folate.
Yield: 1 3/4 cups
1/2 cup cashews
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1/2 cup organic canola oil
1/2 cup water
2 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Grind the cashews to a fine powder in small batches in an electric mini-chopper/grinder or coffee grinder.
Combine the remaining ingredients in the blender, add the ground cashews, and blend on low speed for a few seconds. Switch to high speed and blend for 1 full minute until the dressing turns white and creamy.
Using a funnel, transfer the dressing to a narrow-neck bottle or similar container for easier serving. Stored in a covered container in the refrigerator, the dressing will keep for one week. Shake well before using.
Oil-free Cashew Lime Dressing
Omit the canola oil, increase the water to 1 cup, and add 1/4 teaspoon guar gum or xanthan gum. This version is best made a day ahead to allow the guar gum or xanthan gum to thicken the dressing.