Creamy Vegan Queso Dip Recipe with Cashews and Nutritional Yeast
A quick and easy creamy vegan queso dip made with soaked cashews and nutritional yeast, delivering a rich, cheesy flavor without any dairy. Perfect for snacks, parties, and versatile enough to customize.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus soaking time)
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes (plus soaking time)
- Yield: About 1 ½ cups (approximately 6 servings at ¼ cup each) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Vegan, Plant-Based
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup raw cashews (140 g), soaked for at least 4 hours or overnight
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast (20 g)
- ¾ cup unsweetened plant milk (180 ml), such as almond or oat milk
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (30 ml)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- Water, as needed to adjust consistency
Instructions
- Soak the cashews: Place 1 cup raw cashews in a bowl and cover with water. Let soak for at least 4 hours or overnight. For a quicker soak, use very hot water for 1 hour.
- Drain and rinse the soaked cashews under cold water.
- Add soaked cashews, ¾ cup unsweetened plant milk, ¼ cup nutritional yeast, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon ground cumin, and about ½ teaspoon salt to a high-speed blender.
- Blend on high for 2-3 minutes, scraping down the sides with a spatula to ensure smooth and creamy texture. Add water a tablespoon at a time if the dip is too thick.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, lemon juice, smoked paprika, or optional cayenne/hot sauce for heat.
- Serve immediately with tortilla chips, fresh veggies, or roasted potatoes, or chill for 30 minutes for a thicker dip.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir before serving and reheat gently if desired.
Notes
Soaking cashews thoroughly is essential for a silky smooth texture. Use a high-speed blender for best results. Adjust water to achieve desired thickness. Optional add-ins include cayenne pepper, hot sauce, roasted red peppers, or fresh herbs. Refrigerate leftovers and stir before serving. Can be warmed gently before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ cup (60 ml)
- Calories: 130
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
Keywords: vegan queso dip, cashew queso, plant-based dip, dairy-free cheese dip, nutritional yeast dip, vegan appetizer, creamy dip