Cashew Queso Dip

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cashew Queso Dip is a creamy, dairy-free alternative to traditional cheese dips, but it’s packed with rich, savory flavors that everyone will love. With a base of cashews and nutritional yeast, it has a cheesy, tangy, and slightly smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with chips, veggies, or tacos. The best part? It’s quick and easy to make—just 5 minutes! Whether you’re looking for a vegan queso or simply want a healthier dip option, this recipe is sure to become a go-to snack in your kitchen.

Ingredients

• ¾ cup cashews

• ½ – ¾ cup boiled water

• 2.5 tablespoons nutritional yeast

• Juice of 1 lime

• 1 medium garlic clove

• ½ tablespoon coconut aminos

• 1 teaspoon adobo sauce (optional, adds smoky chipotle flavor)

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• ½ teaspoon ground cumin

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Soak Cashews: Add cashews to ½ cup of boiled water and let sit for 5 minutes.

2. Prepare the Dip: While the cashews are soaking, gather the rest of the ingredients. In a blender, combine the soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, lime juice, garlic clove, coconut aminos, adobo sauce (if using), salt, cumin, chili powder, and onion powder.

3. Blend: Blend everything together until smooth and creamy. A high-powered blender or NutriBullet works best for a silky texture.

4. Adjust Consistency & Flavor: Check the dip for the desired spice level and cheesy taste. If you want a thinner consistency, add 2-4 more tablespoons of water and blend again.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Varies (depends on usage)

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Total Time: 5 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Option: Add more adobo sauce or a few dashes of hot sauce to increase the heat and smoky flavor.

• Herb Twist: Blend in fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a fresh, green twist.

• Cheese-like flavor: If you prefer an even stronger cheesy flavor, you can add more nutritional yeast to taste.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover queso dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the dip gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of water if it thickens too much when chilled.

FAQs

1. Can I make this queso dip ahead of time?

Yes, this dip can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days. Just reheat and stir before serving.

2. Can I use something other than cashews?

Cashews provide a creamy texture, but you can substitute with soaked almonds or sunflower seeds if needed. The flavor may vary slightly.

3. Is this dip spicy?

The dip has a mild spice from the chili powder and optional adobo sauce, but you can control the heat by adjusting the amount of adobo sauce or adding hot sauce to your taste.

4. Can I use regular soy sauce instead of coconut aminos?

Yes, you can use soy sauce if you don’t have coconut aminos. Just be aware that soy sauce is saltier, so you may want to reduce the amount of added salt in the dip.

5. Can I use this as a sauce for tacos or nachos?

Absolutely! This cashew queso dip works wonderfully as a topping for tacos, nachos, or even drizzled over roasted vegetables.

6. Can I make this dip without a blender?

A high-powered blender or food processor is ideal, but you can also use an immersion blender if you don’t have a regular blender.

7. Can I freeze this dip?

While the dip can be frozen, its texture may change upon thawing. If you decide to freeze it, store it in an airtight container, and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little water if needed to restore the creamy texture.

8. How can I make this dip thicker?

If you prefer a thicker dip, reduce the amount of water or add extra cashews to the mixture for a creamier consistency.

9. Can I add vegetables to this dip?

Yes! You can stir in roasted vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or corn for added texture and flavor.

10. Can I make this dip spicier for a more intense heat?

Yes, you can add more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or even a jalapeño for a bigger kick of heat.

Conclusion

This Cashew Queso Dip is the perfect creamy, vegan-friendly alternative to traditional cheese dips. Whether you’re hosting a party, serving it with your favorite snacks, or simply looking for a healthy, flavorful dip to enjoy, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Quick to make, customizable, and packed with flavor, it’s a great addition to any occasion!

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