5 from 9 votes
Cashew Queso (Vegan, Oil-Free!)
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.
Prep Time
5 mins
Additional Time
10 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings:
6
(1/3-cup servings)
Calories:
132 kcal
Course:
Appetizer, Condiments
Cuisine:
Vegan, gluten-free
Ingredients
- 1 cup cashew nuts raw
- 1/2 cup water
- 4 oz. diced green chiles canned
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice fresh
- 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.
Cup of Yum
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
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%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6 (1/3-cup servings)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 132
% 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.