Healthy & Special Diets > Whole30 Recipes > Whole30 Sauces & Dressings > Whole30 Nut-Based Sauces

Creamy Cashew Dream Sauce (Whole30)

This luxurious cashew cream sauce is a Whole30 game-changer! Perfect for drizzling over roasted vegetables, dipping grilled chicken, or adding richness to your favorite compliant dishes. It's quick, easy, and packed with flavor.

Prep Time
5 minutes (plus soaking time)
Cook Time
0 minutes
Servings
About 1 cup
Ingredients
  • 1 cup Raw Cashews
  • 1/2 cup Water
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
  • 2 tablespoons Nutritional Yeast
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Sea Salt
  • Pinch null Black Pepper

Soak the Cashews

Place the raw cashews in a bowl and cover with boiling water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Soaking softens the cashews and makes them easier to blend into a smooth cream. If you're short on time, you can soak them in boiling water for 15 minutes, but the sauce may not be quite as smooth.

Drain and Rinse

Drain the soaked cashews and rinse them thoroughly under cold water. This removes any residue and helps create a cleaner flavor.

Blend Ingredients

Add the soaked and rinsed cashews to a high-speed blender along with the water, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Blend on high speed until completely smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the blender a few times to ensure everything is fully incorporated. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Taste and Adjust

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more lemon juice for tanginess, salt for flavor, or nutritional yeast for a cheesier taste.

Storage

Store the cashew cream sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It may thicken slightly as it sits, so you may need to add a little water to thin it out before using.

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product
Calories: Approximately 250-300 kcal
Fat: 20-25g
Protein: 8-10g
Carbohydrates: 10-15g
Note: These values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Other Important Considerations for Nutrition
This sauce is a good source of healthy fats and plant-based protein. Nutritional yeast provides B vitamins and a cheesy flavor without dairy. Be mindful of portion sizes, as nuts are calorie-dense. This recipe is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs and preferences.

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FAQ

  • Can I use roasted cashews?

    No, you must use raw cashews. Roasted cashews will not blend into a smooth and creamy sauce.
  • I don't have nutritional yeast. Can I leave it out?

    You can leave it out, but the sauce will lack the cheesy flavor. You could try adding a small amount of Dijon mustard for a similar savory flavor.
  • Can I freeze this sauce?

    Freezing is not recommended, as the texture may change upon thawing.