
Cashew Queso (Vegan, Oil-Free!)
User Reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Excellent
-
Prep Time
5 mins
-
Additional Time
10 mins
-
Total Time
15 mins
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Servings
6 (1/3-cup servings)
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Calories
132 kcal
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Course
Appetizer, Condiments
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Cuisine
Vegan, gluten-free

Cashew Queso (Vegan, Oil-Free!)
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This dairy-free queso is so silky and deliciously cheesy. Accented with green chiles and made with simple, healthy ingredients! Serve it as a warm chip dip or flavorful sauce.
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Ingredients
- 1 cup raw cashews
- 1/2 cup water
- 4 oz. can diced green chiles
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp. onion powder
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp. salt
Instructions
- Soak the cashews: In a heat-safe bowl, cover the raw cashews with hot water (just under boiling) until they are submerged. Set aside and let sit for about 10 minutes. This makes them easier to blend.*
- Meanwhile, add all other ingredients to a small high-speed blender. (I use a NutriBullet.) Start with 1/2 cup water, and add more as needed to achieve desired consistency. Then drain and rinse cashews and add to blender.
- Blend for 20-30 seconds or until smooth. Taste and adjust flavor, liquid, and salt as desired.
Warm it up (optional):
- Microwave: Place desired amount in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in small increments, stirring often.
- Stovetop: Pour prepared queso in a small saucepan or skillet over medium-low heat. Let heat for about 5-10 minutes or until warmed through. Stir often to prevent burning. It will slightly thicken as it heats.
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F / 176°C. Pour queso in a small oven-safe dish (covered) and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
Notes
- *Soaking cashews: If you don't have a high-speed blender, you can soak your cashews in cool/lukewarm for 4-8 hours to achieve a smoother sauce.
- Variations: Add 1/4 tsp. ground turmeric, 1/2 tsp. chili powder, 1/2 tsp. ground cumin, etc.
- Stir-ins: After blending, stir in black beans, diced red bell pepper, diced tomato, salsa, or fresh cilantro if desired.
- Yield: Recipe makes about 2 cups (just under).
- Recipe originally published October 2022. Updated October 2023.
Nutrition Information
Show Details
Calories
132kcal
(7%)
Carbohydrates
9g
(3%)
Protein
5g
(10%)
Fat
10g
(15%)
Saturated Fat
2g
(10%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
2g
Monounsaturated Fat
5g
Potassium
212mg
(6%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
1g
(2%)
Vitamin A
106IU
(2%)
Vitamin C
8mg
(9%)
Calcium
17mg
(2%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6(1/3-cup servings)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 132 kcal
% Daily Value*
Calories | 132kcal | 7% |
Carbohydrates | 9g | 3% |
Protein | 5g | 10% |
Fat | 10g | 15% |
Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
Potassium | 212mg | 5% |
Fiber | 2g | 8% |
Sugar | 1g | 2% |
Vitamin A | 106IU | 2% |
Vitamin C | 8mg | 9% |
Calcium | 17mg | 2% |
Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Genuine Reviews
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
9 reviews
Excellent
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