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5.0 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 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

    Cup of Yum
  1. 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.*
  2. 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.
  3. Blend for 20-30 seconds or until smooth. Taste and adjust flavor, liquid, and salt as desired.
Warm it up (optional):
  1. Microwave: Place desired amount in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in small increments, stirring often.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 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

% 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.