This Healthy Cilantro-Lime Sauce is thick, creamy, and ridiculously flavorful! It's hard to believe this is a naturally dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan sauce!
1large limezest & juice (2 tbsp juice; 1 tsp zest)
1-1/2teaspoonsminced garlic
3tablespoonsextra-virgin olive oil
1/3cupwater
Fine sea salt & pepper
Optional: honey (Note 1)
Instructions
SOAK CASHEWS: Place cashews in a heatproof bowl and pour about 1 cup of boiling water over them. Let stand for at least 10 minutes up to an hour and then thoroughly drain and let dry.
BLEND: Add drained & dry cashews and remaining ingredients to a small powerful blender or food processor (Note 2). Season to taste with salt & pepper (I add 1/2 tsp fine sea salt & 1/4 tsp pepper). Blend until completely smooth.
STORE: Place in the fridge to chill and for the flavors to intensify and meld. The sauce can be made ahead of time and refrigerated; simply stir before serving. This sauce/dressing gets thick as it's stored, so if you'd like to thin it after storing, add in a touch more lime juice.
Notes
Note 1: Honey: If you’d like a slightly sweeter sauce, add a drizzle of honey. Depending on the cilantro used, you may want to add a touch — there can be some flavor variation in cilantro.Note 2: Which to use — a high-powered blender or a food processor? Either works just fine, but to get an ultra-smooth sauce, use a high-powered blender. In the food processor, you’ll have a slightly chunkier sauce since the cashews don't always break down as nicely.Nutrition information is based on the whole batch of sauce.