This copycat Trader Joe's Almond Butter-Turmeric dressing is made with ground turmeric, fresh lemon, ginger and garlic, and it tastes fantastic on pretty much everything! A blender makes prep easy, but this turmeric salad dressing can also be whisked together by hand. Just 6 ingredients and 5 minutes to prepare.
Even though I shop at Trader Joe's weekly, I only recently learned about the phenomenon that is their almond-turmeric dressing.
I would like to blame this on the fact that Trader Joe's is always so busy I never feel like I can take the time to peruse the aisles. But really, I know it's mostly my issue. I get anxious and have a tendency to rush when I'm in busy stores because I don't like feeling like I'm other people's way.
And if you've ever been inside a Trader Joe's, you know you're almost ALWAYS in someone's way.
As our town becomes more and more popular, our one Trader Joe's location gets busier and busier! I make it a point to shop at off times (shout out to the Sunday morning crew), but even still, a get-in-and-get-out mentality is pretty much required for that store.
This led to a bad habit of buying the same things over and over. But thanks to the Vegan Trader Joe's Facebook group, I'm clued in now!
Why You'll Love It
The ingredient list for this particular Trader Joe's salad dressing is simple, so I knew creating a homemade version would be easy. But why create a homemade version? Well, there are a few good reasons...
- Most people don't live near a Trader Joe's, and I think everyone should have a chance to try this deliciousness!
- Trader Joe's is known for constantly rotating their products. Even though this line of refrigerated salad dressings is very popular, you never know when it might disappear.
- If your household uses a lot of this dressing (and believe me, it's easy to do), that also means going through a lot of plastic bottles. Enough said.
- This homemade turmeric dressing tastes pretty much identical to the Trader Joe's version!
📩 Email me the recipe!
Also keep an eye out for more delicious recipes. Unsubscribe anytime.
Tips
- Use fresh ingredients. This isn't the time to use that dried up old knob of ginger that's been hanging out on the countertop for weeks. Trust me, I did that once.
- Use a microplane to grate the fresh ginger root before adding it to the blender. And if you're not using a blender to make the dressing, you can grate the clove of garlic with the microplane, too.
- Measure accurately. With strong flavors like lemon, ginger, and turmeric, eyeballing it is risky. So go ahead and use your measuring spoons and cups for this one!
- Once you've blended everything together, give it a taste. The salt, water, lemon, and turmeric can all be adjusted pretty easily at the end.
RELATED: Don't miss these other two dressings also inspired by Trader Joe's - Avocado Green Goddess and Creamy Dill Dressing.
If you're a fan of ginger and enjoy Asian-inspired sauces, I think you'll love this easy turmeric dressing! Even if you're not crazy about turmeric, you really have to give this dressing a try. The turmeric is masked surprisingly well by the bold and zesty flavors of lemon and ginger, while still lending its gorgeous color and health benefits.
If you try this Trader Joe's copycat recipe I would love to hear from you! Be sure to leave a comment below along with a star rating.
And if you find a delicious new pairing for this sauce, let us know that, too! (Last night we enjoyed it on roasted Brussels sprouts.) It's also perfect with this Boy Choy Salad.
More healthy sauces and dressings:
- Oil-Free Italian Vinaigrette
- Tahini Salad Dressing 5 Ways!
- Creamy Harissa Dressing
- Tahini Caesar Dressing
- Bitchin' Sauce Recipe
- Sunbutter Sauce
Recipe
Ginger-Turmeric Dressing (Trader Joe's Copycat)
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¼ cup raw almond butter, unsalted
- ½ cup water
- zest from half a lemon
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger puree - *See Notes for tips on peeling and zesting
- 1 clove garlic (for milder garlic flavor, sub ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder)
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- black pepper (about 8 to 10 turns of a pepper grinder)
Instructions
Instructions if using a blender (recommended):
- Combine all ingredients in a blender, and blend until smooth. Taste and adjust salt and lemon as desired. Can be used immediately or refrigerated for later use.
To mix the dressing by hand:
- Use a microplane to zest the lemon, ginger and garlic. Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary depending on the exact amounts and specific products and ingredients used.
Rebecca
Drizzled it over steamed broccoli and cauliflower. Super delicious!
Theresa Cary
I used this dressing the day after mixing. It was so very good!! YAY! Thank you!
Sandra M
Just made it on a whim. This is delicious!! Give it a try people!!
Amber
Delicious and so simple!!
Tweeky
Well, I've never had Trader Joe's version of this dressing but this recipe is delicious! Especially for no oil and little sugar. It is quite a bit of work to make but it is well worth it when I have time.