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Creamy Dairy-Free Queso Dip with Cashews

creamy dairy-free queso dip with cashews - featured image

A quick and easy dairy-free queso dip made creamy and flavorful with soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, and smoky spices. Perfect for snacking or entertaining, this dip is a crowd-pleaser that pairs well with chips, veggies, and more.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup raw cashews (about 140g), soaked in hot water for 20 minutes
  • ½ cup water (120ml), or more to adjust consistency
  • ¼ cup nutritional yeast (20g)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon chipotle powder or chili powder (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (30ml)
  • ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • Optional add-ins: fresh cilantro, diced jalapeño, or a splash of hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Soak the cashews in hot water for at least 20 minutes to soften.
  2. Drain and rinse the soaked cashews under cold water.
  3. Add the cashews, water, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and chipotle powder (if using) to a high-speed blender or food processor.
  4. Blend on high until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed.
  5. Add lemon juice, olive oil, and salt; blend briefly to combine.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired, adding more salt or lemon juice if needed.
  7. If the dip is too thick, add water a tablespoon at a time and blend until desired consistency is reached.
  8. Optional: Warm the dip gently in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently, without boiling.
  9. Serve garnished with fresh cilantro, diced jalapeño, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika.

Notes

Soaking cashews properly is key to achieving a creamy texture. Use a high-speed blender for best results. Adjust spice levels gradually. The dip thickens when refrigerated; stir in water before serving. Can be warmed gently but avoid boiling to prevent thickening or scorching.

Nutrition

Keywords: dairy-free queso, cashew queso, vegan dip, dairy-free dip, creamy queso, plant-based queso, easy queso recipe