Cashews aren’t just a crunchy snack you grab by the handful, they’re a creamy, versatile superfood that can take your meals to the next level.
Packed with healthy fats, plant-based protein, and essential minerals like magnesium and zinc, these little nuts bring both flavor and nourishment to your plate.
Whether you’re blending them into a silky sauce, tossing them into a vibrant salad, or transforming them into dairy-free cheese, cashews are one ingredient you’ll keep coming back to.
What makes cashews truly special is their ability to adapt. They can be savory, sweet, rich, or light—making them a perfect base for countless healthy recipes. And because they’re a nutrient-dense superfood, adding them to your diet supports everything from heart health to glowing skin.
Below, you’ll find a mix of easy, irresistible recipes that put cashews front and center—recipes you’ll want to make again and again.
Raw Cashews – Healthiest Food Choice
Raw cashews are a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals and nutrients making them one of the healthiest food choices for women our age!
They’re good for the heart, eyes, skin and the immune system. They also aid blood clotting, improve blood sugar and iron deficiency. They may also have anticancer effect as they fight free radicals. Other health benefits are they boost bone and oral health and prevent gallstones.
Cashews are also good for anti-aging. They make great antioxidant defenses and help in production of a skin and hair pigment called melanin. They can reduce effects of PMS (premenstrual syndrome) such as mood swings, anxiety, irritability, depression, headaches, bloating, fluid retention, breast tenderness, sugar cravings, and poor sleep.
Eating cashews or drinking cashew milk can provide you with all these health benefits, plus cashews taste amazing!
Nut Milks At Home
Making your own nut milks at home is a great way to save money and take control over what goes into your body. Many store-bought nut milks contain minimal actual nuts—sometimes as little as four nuts per litre—along with added preservatives, gums, or sweeteners. When you prepare it yourself, you can enjoy fresh, nutrient-rich milk without unnecessary additives.
Cashew milk is one of the easiest and creamiest nut milks to make. The beauty of cashews is that they blend completely, so you don’t need to strain the milk like you would with almonds or other nuts. It’s smooth, naturally sweet, and perfect for coffee, smoothies, cereals, or even baking.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (130g) raw cashews
- 3–4 cups (720–960ml) water
- Optional sweeteners: 2 dates, 1–2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- Optional flavorings: 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tbsp cocoa powder, pinch of sea salt
Preparation
- Pour into a glass jar or container and store in the fridge for 3–4 days. Shake before using if separation occurs.
- Soak cashews in very hot water for 15 minutes or in room temperature water for 1–2 hours (or overnight for best results).
- Drain and rinse the cashews.
- Add cashews and fresh water to a blender. Blend on high for 30–60 seconds until smooth and frothy.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or flavorings to your liking.
Amazing Cashew Cheese Dip/Spread
If you’re searching for easy and versatile recipes with cashew, this creamy cashew cheese dip will quickly become a kitchen staple. Dip some carrots or celery in a super healthy spread. It’s a great appetizer when having friends at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 generous cup raw cashews, soaked for at least 2 hours (up to 10, or overnight, is fine), drained, and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (for stronger garlicky flavor, use ¾ teaspoon garlic powder or 1 crushed garlic clove instead)
- ½ teaspoon salt (more as needed)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup water (more as needed)
Instructions:
- Place the cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Pulse repeatedly to break the cashews down, until they form a coarse, wet meal. Scrape the sides of the food processor down with a spatula.
- Turn the motor of the processor on. With the motor running, drizzle in the water and let the cashews process for about 10 seconds. Stop and scrape the machine down again.
- Continue processing for a full 1-2 minutes, or until the cashew cheese is smooth and thick, adding a tablespoon of extra water if needed. The consistency should be a little bit like hummus (see photos of finished cashew cheese as a cue).
- Taste the cashew cheese and add lemon, salt, and pepper to taste. If you like, pulse in fresh herbs or other flavorings.
- Serve. Cashew cheese will keep for up to 6 days in an airtight container in the fridge. Enjoy
Chocolate Cashew Bliss Bars
When it comes to dessert recipes with cashew, these chocolate bliss bars are a dream. The base is a fudgy blend of cashews, dates, cacao powder, and vanilla extract, creating a naturally sweet and nutrient-packed layer. A topping of melted dark chocolate adds richness and a satisfying snap with every bite, making them perfect for both special occasions and everyday indulgence.
These recipes with cashew prove that healthy treats can be just as satisfying as traditional desserts. The cashews provide a dose of healthy fats and plant-based protein, helping to balance out the sweetness. Store them in the fridge or freezer for a quick grab-and-go snack that feels like a luxury.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups raw cashews
- 1½ cups pitted dates
- 3 tbsp cacao powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 150g dark chocolate (melted)
Preparation
- Blend cashews, dates, cacao powder, and vanilla in a food processor until it forms a sticky dough.
- Press the mixture into a lined baking dish.
- Pour melted chocolate over the top and spread evenly.
- Chill for at least 1 hour before slicing into bars.
Cashew Crusted Ocean Fish
For a main course that’s both elegant and easy, recipes with cashew like this cashew-crusted ocean fish are a standout. Fresh fish fillets are coated in finely crushed cashews, fresh herbs, and a hint of Dijon mustard before being baked until golden brown. The result is a tender, flaky interior with a crisp, nutty crust that’s bursting with flavor.
This is one of those recipes with cashew that shows how versatile these nuts can be beyond snacks and desserts. Serve your cashew-crusted fish alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced, nutrient-rich meal. It’s a simple way to impress guests or add variety to your weekly dinner routine.
Ingredients
- 4 ocean fish fillets (such as snapper or cod)
- 1 cup raw cashews (finely crushed)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Mix crushed cashews, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Brush fish fillets with Dijon mustard, then press into the cashew mixture.
- Place on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until fish is cooked through.
Final Thoughts
Cashews are far more than just a tasty snack—they’re a versatile superfood that can transform your kitchen creations. From creamy cashew milk to indulgent bliss bars and savory crusted fish, there’s no shortage of delicious and healthy ways to enjoy them.
When you make cashew recipes at home, you can control what goes into them, make them healthier, and add flavors that store-bought ones just can’t match.
Whether you’re blending, baking, or cooking, cashews offer a perfect balance of texture, taste, and nourishment. You can always make something special with this if you keep a jar in your pantry. It can be a quick dip for guests, a refreshing plant-based milk, or a healthy dessert.
With a little creativity, these small but mighty nuts can make a big difference in your everyday meals.
