Nearly everybody loves peanut butter. From kids to adults, it’s one of the universal snacks. But the popularity of this treat often overshadows what it is at the end of the day: a nut butter, and not the only one. Cashew butter is another oft forgotten nut butter that is delicious and versatile, with some added benefits. Cashew butter is full of the healthy fats characteristic of cashews, meaning they can help control hunger and stabilize blood sugar. The nutrients in cashew butter also aid healthy cell production, keep skin glowing, and support the growth of nerves and brain tissue.
Cashew or peanut butter? You may not be sure whether a classic peanut butter and jelly will be just as good with cashew butter instead- and while it will, there is a wide range of options for including cashew butter into your diet. Below are just some of our favorite recipes!
Cashew Chicken Satay
A lot of traditional Indian dishes use raw cashews as a main ingredient, but peanut sauce is also a staple. But the same delicious and savory sauces can be made with cashew butter instead for the same creamy, savory taste.
For the cashew sauce, you will need:
- ½ cup cashew butter
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp chili paste
- ¼ cup coconut milk
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tsp sea salt
Once combined, this sauce can be put on almost anything! But we recommend a dipping sauce for delicious satay kabobs. Simply fill skewers with cubed chicken, peppers, onions, and other vegetables of choice for a quick and delicious dinner.
Creamy Cashew Soup
If you’re craving a creamy soup but want to avoid a dairy-filled base, cashew butter makes a high-protein base that packs a flavorful punch. This version uses green peas and tofu to make a nearly-instant soup.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups unsweetened rice milk (or cashew milk!)
- ½ cup cashew butter
- 16 oz can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed OR 12 oz package of firm silken tofu
- 16 oz bag frozen green peas, thawed and lightly steamed
- 2 tsp curry powder
- 2 tsp minced ginger
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 2 scallions, minced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro or parsley
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- Sriracha sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Create a puree with ½ cup of the milk, cashew butter, tofu, and half the peas. Transfer to a serving container, then stir in remaining ingredients.
This can be served at room temperature, refrigerated, or after heating on a stovetop.
If needed, you can adjust the consistency with remaining rice milk and add seasonings to taste.
Cashew Salad Dressing
Salads aren’t always exciting, but dressing is a sure way to add additional flavor. If you’re looking for a new dressing, try using cashew butter as the base. A simple combination of the following makes a great dressing on its own:
- ¼ cup cashew butter
- 1 clove of garlic
- kosher salt
- olive oil
- ½ lime
On its own, this is a delicious way to top your salad. You can also add some fresh herbs like dill to add even more flavor!
Cashew Butter Oatmeal
Whether you want to make overnight oats or a fresh, hot bowl, cashew butter adds a flavorful and creamy texture to this classic breakfast.
Simply combine these:
- ½ cup oats of choice
- ½ tbsp. cashew butter
- 1 package sweetener
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Once mixed, add enough water to cover the oats. Eat or refrigerate and serve in the morning!
Cashew Butter Spinach Artichoke Dip
Dips are a classic party staple, but they can be packed with unhealthy ingredients. Spinach artichoke dip is great for chips and raw veggies, or even as a sandwich spread, and can be made with a cashew butter base.
Put the following in a food processor:
- One bag of frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 2 cans of artichokes, drained
- 1 tbsp cashew butter
- 2 tbsp mayo (or healthy version like olive oil mayo)
- 2 scallions
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Once blended, you can add cayenne or crushed red pepper to add some spice.
While this dip can be served cold, it can also be transferred into an oven-safe dish and baked at 375 degrees until hot and bubbling.