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5.0 from 60 votes

Vegan Cashew Queso

This easy cashew queso is ready in just 10 minutes and has all of the cheesy, creamy, queso flavor you crave. It's vegan, low in fat, oil-free, and endlessly customizable with different spices and salsas. 

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
10 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 85 kcal
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

  • 1¼ cups water
  • ⅓ cup raw cashews see Notes about soaking
  • 1½ tablespoons tapioca starch or 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast or more to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice or 2 teaspoon plain rice vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon Chipotle flakes or more if you like it spicy
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder or 1 small clove garlic
  • ⅛ teaspoon cumin
  • ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ½ cup thick and chunky salsa or any salsa you love

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. For smooth queso: combine all ingredients in a high speed blender and blend until completely smooth. For chunky queso: combine all ingredients except salsa in a high speed blender and blend until completely smooth. 
  2. Pour mixture into a small sauce pan. If making chunky queso, add the salsa now. Whisking frequently, cook over medium heat 3 to 5 minutes or until piping hot and thickened. Taste and add more salsa if desired. Serve warm. 

Notes

  • Cashews: If you don't have a high-speed blender, you can sub raw cashew butter (2.5 to 3 Tbsp), or soak the cashews to soften them for blending. 
  • If you need a nut-free option, raw sunflower seeds are great. You can also experiment with a combination of seeds and white beans.
  • Store leftover cashew queso in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It's also freezer-friendly. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Then thaw overnight in the fridge, give it a quick whisk or blend, and reheat on the stovetop or in a microwave.

Nutrition Information

Calories 85kcal (4%) Carbohydrates 8g (3%) Protein 4g (8%) Fat 4g (6%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Cholesterol 0mg (0%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 2g (4%) Vitamin A 112IU (2%) Vitamin C 3.5mg (4%) Calcium 12.4mg (1%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 85

% Daily Value*

Calories 85kcal 4%
Carbohydrates 8g 3%
Protein 4g 8%
Fat 4g 6%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 2g 4%
Vitamin A 112IU 2%
Vitamin C 3.5mg 4%
Calcium 12.4mg 1%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.