20 Best Cashew Recipes You’ll Go Nuts Over

From nutty appetizers and satisfying mains to creamy desserts, these 20 easy cashew recipes will show you just how versatile this little nut can be.

Loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, they’re buttery, crunchy, and insanely addictive.

Besides being a powerhouse of flavor and nutrition, cashews can also be used in all sorts of recipes.

And believe it or not, they’re a staple among vegan recipes, from cheesecake to alfredo sauce.

So get ready to add some new dishes to your rotation because these cashew recipes are to die for – whether you’re vegan or not!

Easy Cashew Chicken and More!

1. Cashew Chicken

Cashew chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. 

You’ll coat tender chicken breasts in a sweet and savory sauce. Made with hoisin sauce, garlic, soy sauce, and plenty of cashews, it’s rich and deeply flavorful.

The recipe recommends serving it over rice, but I enjoy this over noodles for a kick of chewy goodness. 

This recipe is so good, I always make sure to double the recipe, so I have leftovers for lunch the next day.

2. 30-Minute Cashew Alfredo

This is the perfect recipe for when you need a healthy and satisfying meal but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. 

This dish comes together in just 30 minutes and is packed with nutrient-rich ingredients like cashews, garlic, and almond milk. 

Whiz all the ingredients in a blender or food processor until smooth. Then toss it over your choice of pasta.

If you’re looking for a healthier option, substitute regular pasta with zucchini noodles.

3. Homemade Cashew Butter

Making your own nut butter is much easier than you might think – and it’s also cheaper than buying it at the store. 

Plus, you can control the ingredients and make it exactly to your taste.

This cashew butter is creamy and delicious and ideal for spreading on toast or using in recipes.

Add sweeteners or spices if you like. For example, a glug of maple syrup and a dash of cinnamon brings extra sweetness and dimension.

4. Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps

These lettuce wraps make a terrific light and healthy meal!

They’re packed with tender chicken, fresh veggies, and crunchy cashews wrapped up in a crisp lettuce leaf. Yum!

And they’re so easy to make, you’ll have them on the table in no time!

Just saute the chicken and veggies, add in some seasonings, and then wrap them up in the lettuce leaves. 

Be sure to add plenty of cashews for crunch. And if you want a little heat, add a few drops of Sriracha sauce. 

5. Chocolate Cashew Protein Bars

These cashew bars have all the flavor of a chocolate bar, but they’re packed full of protein and nuts.

And if that’s not enough to tempt you, cover them in a thick layer of chocolate because, let’s be honest, chocolate makes everything better. 

What makes these protein bars really special is their unique flavor. They have a delicious, nutty taste that will satisfy any sweet tooth. 

6. Cashew Cream of Mushroom Soup 

Cashew cream is a delicious, dairy-free alternative to traditional cream, and it gives this soup a rich, velvety texture. 

The mushrooms add a hearty flavor, while the onions and garlic provide a hint of sweetness. 

This soup can be served as an appetizer or main course, which will impress your guests.

So go ahead and try it – you’ll be glad you did!

7. Cilantro-Lime-Garlic Cashew Cream

This creamy concoction is made with raw cashews, cilantro, avocado, lime juice, and garlic. 

It’s ideal for dipping veggies or chips into, spreading on sandwiches or wraps, or using as a sauce for tacos or burritos. 

This cream is also an excellent source of healthy fats and nutrients. So not only does it taste great, but it’s good for you too! 

8. Cashew Caesar Dressing

Made with cashews, garlic, lemon juice, and nutritional yeast, this dressing is sure to please even the most die-hard Caesar salad fans. 

Cashews provide a creamy base, while lemon juice and garlic add a zesty flavor.

Meanwhile, the capers add a touch of salty goodness, and the Dijon mustard provides a bit of kick. 

Just blend all the ingredients, and you’ll have a dressing that’s sure to elevate your next salad in minutes. 

9. Creamy Cashew Pesto

This pesto recipe has a flawless blend of flavor and freshness.

The cashews provide a wonderfully creamy texture, while the basil and garlic add loads of flavor. 

I like to use it on pasta, chicken, fish, or anything in between! It’s also great as a dipping sauce or to spread on sandwiches.

You can even add it to soups or salads for an extra zing. 

10. Caramel Cashew Cheesecake 

This innovative take on the traditional cheesecake recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

It has a rich, creamy filling, crunchy cashew topping, and sticky caramel sauce.

The best part? It’s effortless to make, so you can enjoy it whenever the craving strikes. 

So go ahead and indulge yourself – your taste buds will thank you!

11. Peppered Cashew Flour Crackers

These yummy crackers are the perfect snack when you’re feeling a little naughty. 

Made with cashew and spelt flour, they’re packed with protein and fiber, making them delicious and nutritious.

The best part about these crackers is they’re coated in a generous amount of black pepper. This makes them subtly spicy and addictive.

12. Wild Rice Soup

Wild rice soup is hearty and filling but also has a touch of elegance, thanks to the wild rice. 

And it’s so easy to make that even the laziest cook can whip it up in no time. 

Packed with nutritious ingredients like white beans, carrots, onions, and celery, it can be in your tummy in under an hour.

Want to make it extra creamy and rich? Throw in a dollop of cream cheese. Yum!

13. 5-Minute Vegan Cashew Queso

This mind-blowingly quick vegan queso recipe is gluten-free and oil-free.

Plus, it only requires a handful of ingredients, including cashews, nutritional yeast, salsa, and spices. 

I like to serve this cheese dip at gatherings because it’s enjoyed by vegans and non-vegans alike.

It’s creamy, salty, spicy, and tastes like actual cheese.

It is also great on tacos, nachos, or simply eaten with a spoon! 

14. 10 Minute Cashew Shrimp

This shrimp recipe is healthy, delicious, and ready in a flash.

Plus, it only requires a few simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

Pro tip: dd chili flakes for extra spice and serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

15. Melt-In-Your-Mouth Cashew Nut Cookies

These cookies are made with real cashews, and they’re so soft and chewy, they literally melt in your mouth. 

Cashews bring a rich, nutty flavor that’s impossible to resist!

All you need is a food processor and a few simple ingredients. And trust me, once you try these cookies, you’ll be hooked!

So go ahead and give them a try. You won’t be sorry.

16. Dark Chocolate Cashew Clusters

These delectable bites call for just dark chocolate and salted cashews. And they come together in minutes. 

The dark chocolate is rich and satisfying, while the cashews add a lovely, buttery crunch.

These yummy delights are perfect for satisfying sweet cravings, adding to trail mix or yogurt, or sharing with friends. 

I like to make a batch of these at the beginning of the week and then enjoy them as a quick snack throughout the week.

17. Curry-Spiced Cashews

These curry cashews are a wonderfully fragrant and flavorful snack.

You’ll coat cashews in a curry-spiced batter and then fry them until golden brown. 

Curry powder is known to help boost cognitive function and improve digestion.

So not only will you satisfy your taste buds, but you’ll also be doing your body good. 

I like to serve them with chutney or yogurt for dipping or enjoy them on their own as a delicious snack. 

18. Famous Crunchy Cashew Thai Quinoa Salad

This salad is crunchy, nutty and full of flavor.

The cashews give it a nice crunch, while the quinoa provides a fluffy texture. And the Thai flavors come through perfectly, making this salad irresistible. 

And best of all, it’s easy to make! Just toss all of the ingredients in a bowl, and you’re done.

19. Cashew Cream

Here’s another cashew cream recipe you can use to add a creamy texture to any dish.

Being dairy-free, it’s obviously ideal for vegans.

Use it as a spread on toast, add it to pasta dishes, or enjoy it as a dip with fresh vegetables. You can’t go wrong!

20. Simple Vegan Potato Salad

This dish is quick, light, refreshing, and flavorful. What more could you ask for?

Use small Yukon gold potatoes for this recipe because they’re the perfect size for forking.

And they have a lovely buttery flavor that goes well with the other ingredients.

If you want to add a bit of acidity, I highly recommend apple cider vinegar or lemon juice in the dressing.