5 Unique Ways to Use Cashew Butter

Why settle for Skippy when you can try a nutritious upgrade? Cashew butter is nutritious and offers even more health benefits, and there are plenty of ways you can use this ingredient in the kitchen.

A study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that adding cashews (or cashew butter) to a typical diet can reduce cholesterol levels. Cashew butter delivers a monster dose of unsaturated fat to keep your heart pumping strong and is packed with essential nutrients such as iron, magnesium, vitamin E and calcium.

Look beyond traditional toast and try these five easy recipe swaps.

Sub for Butter in Butter Chicken Recipe

Nutrition Upgrade: Slash more than half the saturated fat for a heart-healthier sauce.

Whisk together 3 tablespoons cashew butter, 2 tablespoons heavy cream, 2 tablespoons warm water, 2 teaspoons garam masala, 1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne and 1⁄4 teaspoon salt. Drizzle over roasted or grilled chicken. Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds.

You can also use it as a substitution in our No-Pressure Butter Chicken recipe.

Exchange for Mayo in Caesar Salad

Nutrition Upgrade: Boost your intake of magnesium for improved sleep.

Whisk together 2 tablespoons each cashew butter and white wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 2 teaspoons Dijon, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 finely chopped anchovy fillets, and 1⁄4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Stir in 2 tablespoons olive oil. Massage into 1 bunch torn dinosaur kale.

Trade for Tahini in Hummus

Nutrition Upgrade: Score more copper for improved immune function and healthier bones.

Process together 1 (14-ounce) can drained and rinsed chickpeas, ⅓ cup cashew butter, 2 tablespoons olive oil, juice of 1⁄2 lemon, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1⁄2 teaspoon cumin powder and 1⁄4 teaspoon salt. Add warm water by the tablespoon for a creamier texture.

Give cashew butter a try in our Classic Hummus recipe.

Replace Peanut Butter in Protein Shakes

Nutrition Upgrade: Amp your intake of iron and selenium to combat free radicals and thwart fatigue.

Blend together 3⁄4 cup milk, 1⁄2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon cashew butter, 1 tablespoon cacao powder, 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla, 1⁄4 teaspoon cinnamon and 1 small chopped frozen banana until smooth.

Supplant Cream Cheese in Bagels and Lox

Nutrition Upgrade: Triple your intake of plant-based protein and add a delicious dose of fiber.

Combine 2 tablespoons cashew butter, 1 tablespoon chopped dill and 1 teaspoon lemon zest. Spread on 1⁄2 toasted bagel and top with ⅓ cup sliced cucumbers, 2 red onion rings, 1 ounce smoked salmon and 1 teaspoon capers.

From Oxygen