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Easy Vegan Cashew Queso

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Game Day Cheese Dip

This Easy Vegan Cashew Queso is the perfect plant-based cheese dip. It’s great for the big game or any gathering. Healthy, dairy-free, and delicious!

Easy vegan cashew queso in a blue bowl with chips.

It’s Fall here in the South and that can only mean two things: College Football and Food! And there’s no better Game Day food than cheese dip. But, if football ain’t your thing you can still have the dip. I mean, who really needs a reason for cheese dip?

I’ve tried several different vegan nacho recipes over the last several years and they were usually hit or miss. Some good, some not so good. But, once I discovered how to make cheese dip with cashews…GAME CHANGER!

Vegan cheese dip in a blue bowl with baking sheet and chips.

How Do You Make Easy Vegan Cashew Queso

This Cashew Queso recipe is super simple. You only need a few ingredients and most are just spices.

The one ingredient you may not be very familiar with is Nutritional Yeast, or “Nooch”. It’s where the cheese flavor comes from and it’s also super nutritious. It’s loaded with B-vitamins and is a must-have for any plant-based kitchen.

Soak your cashews in warm water for 20-30 minutes or you can boil them for about 10 minutes. This helps the cashews to soften and makes them super creamy once you blend them.

Cashews and spices on a tray.

Once the cashews are done soaking just toss them into a high-speed blender with all the remaining ingredients. Now, just blend on high until the dip is smooth and creamy.

When you’re finished blending pour the dip into a small saucepan and heat over low to medium heat. Continually stir the dip until it reaches your desired consistency.

Cashews and spices in a blender.

Pour the vegan cheese dip into a bowl, add the salsa, and mix it up.

That’s it! This is Easy Vegan Cashew Queso recipe is ready to go!

Cheese dip with salsa in a blue bowl.

How Do I Serve Easy Vegan Cashew Queso

You can serve this delicious dip with Healthy Homemade Tortillas. It’s great over my Oil-Free Oven Roasted Potatoes. And, you can drizzle it over this amazing Mexican 7 Layer Dip!

If you’re looking for a nut-free option you should try my Vegan Cheese Sauce. It’s rich, creamy, and delicious.

Easy vegan cashew queso in a bowl with chips.

I’m pretty sure this Easy Vegan Cashew Queso will rock your world. It’s…

  • Rich
  • Creamy
  • Smooth
  • Cheesy
  • Easy to make
  • Healthy
  • & Delicious
Chip being dipped into vegan cheese.

If you make this recipe let me know. Please leave a comment below with a star rating. Be sure and share a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #shaneandsimple. I want to see your work. Enjoy!

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Game Day Cheese Dip

Easy Vegan Cashew Queso


★★★★★

5 from 15 reviews

  • Author: Shane Martin
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegan
Print Recipe
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Description

This Easy Vegan Cashew Queso is the perfect plant-based cheese dip. It’s great for the big game or any gathering. Healthy, dairy-free, and delicious!


Scale

Ingredients

  • 1 cup raw cashews (soaked for at least 30 mins.)
  • ¾ cup water
  • ¼ cup nutritional yeast
  • ¼ cup salsa
  • 1 Tbsp lemon juice
  • ½ tsp of salt
  • ¼ tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp. smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. If you don’t have a Vitamix or high-speed blender, soak your cashews for 20-30 mins. and they will soften. It will make them creamier as they are blended.
  2. Put all ingredients, EXCEPT SALSA, into a blender and process until smooth and creamy.
  3. Pour into a bowl, add salsa, and enjoy!
  4. If you want, you can warm this in a small saucepan on low to low-medium heat. Stir regularly so it doesn’t burn. It will thicken even more as it heats up.

Equipment

Vitamix

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Notes

Nutritional Yeast can be purchased in almost any health food store and it’s usually found in the bulk section. But, many grocery stores are carrying it now as well. To give this queso a little “kick”, add a few jalapenos to your mixture at the end. You can also add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for added flavor. Using baked chips like TOSTITOS Oven Baked SCOOPS or making your own chips make this an even healthier snack. You can find my recipe for How To Make Your Own Chips here.

  • Category: Dips & Spreads
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: Vegan

Keywords: dip, spreads, cheese dip, vegan cheese dip, party food, queso, vegan queso,

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @shaneandsimplecooking on Instagram and hashtag it #shaneandsimple

This post was shared at the Weekend Potluck!

Previous Post: « Quinoa Chipotle Bowl With Southwest Tahini Sauce
Next Post: Spicy Thai Peanut Spaghetti »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Beth

    February 08, 2018 at 6:41 am

    I just found your site and I think I’m in love ! Thank you for the wonderful recpies !

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Shane Martin

      February 08, 2018 at 8:23 am

      Haha! Well, thank you! I hope you enjoy the recipes. Peace and plants.

      Reply
    • Maureen

      April 17, 2020 at 10:06 am

      Last night I made your potato chips in the microwave & your Cashew Queso for a snack. I always seem to hold my breath when I serve my husband any new vegan foods. He really liked both. Yeah! I love the chips & the cashew queso is delicious. I love just about any recipe you come out with. AND the pics are great. 👍 Thank you.. Keep up the great work.

      Reply
      • Shane Martin

        April 17, 2020 at 10:11 am

        Thank you so much, Maureen! Blessings to you.

        Reply
  2. Jenny

    February 14, 2018 at 2:04 pm

    I mean…come on!!! If this doesn’t make you smile you have no soul. My parents (hardcore plant haters) loved this recipe which in my book, is a HUGE win! The smoked paprika is the secret key in this cheese dip. Shane, I love how reliable your recipes are. Each one consistently delivers an excellent result. This is my new favorite recipe site!

    Reply
    • Shane Martin

      February 15, 2018 at 4:06 pm

      WOW! Thanks so much, Jenny! I really appreciate the feedback and support. I’ll do my best to keep’em coming and consistent. Blessings!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
  3. Kim

    May 15, 2018 at 11:51 pm

    Yummy. My husband would love this recipe. I can’t wait make it for him.

    Reply
    • Shane Martin

      May 16, 2018 at 11:28 am

      Awesome. Let me know how it goes.

      Reply
  4. Rhoda

    September 02, 2018 at 9:52 am

    I’ve tried a few recipes for cheese sauce , but…..this one! Sooooo good and so simple! Thanks so much!

    Reply
    • Shane Martin

      September 02, 2018 at 10:59 am

      Thank you, Rhoda. So glad you enjoyed it and thanks for reaching out!

      Reply
  5. Adrienne Davila

    November 08, 2018 at 5:10 pm

    This is delicious! Thank you so much. We poured it over some potatoes and veggies for a quick dinner.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Shane Martin

      November 08, 2018 at 8:38 pm

      Thanks so much, Adrienne! So glad you enjoyed it. Love it on potatoes!

      Reply
  6. Michael

    December 23, 2018 at 6:13 pm

    I’m totally going to make this for Christmas Eve tomorrow!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Shane Martin

      December 24, 2018 at 10:17 am

      GO FOR IT!!! Hope you enjoy it and Merry Christmas ??

      Reply
  7. Jenny

    December 29, 2018 at 6:49 am

    Another winner! My husband and I eat Mexican food a lot. ( beans, lentils, peppers, in a variety of dishes) I haven’t missed cheese at all these past 5 months, but he still does (probably because he sneaks it in sometimes). I whipped this up yesterday and drizzled it over some simple bean nachos and wow! It just adds such a great flavor and texture! It’s really good! I think will stop him from adding cheese from time to time. I don’t know how you come up with this stuff but I’m so glad you do. This is officially my first stop when looking for recipes now. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Shane Martin

      December 29, 2018 at 11:23 am

      Jenny, that is great! And, it sounds awesome. Thanks so much for sharing. Happy New Year!???

      Reply
  8. donna mcfarland

    January 22, 2019 at 9:33 am

    Can’t WAIT to try this Shane! Omg…your site, dude…I’m in LOVE with it!! No cashews in the house…but i’m on it!! Keep on, pleeease!!!

    Reply
    • Shane Martin

      January 22, 2019 at 11:23 pm

      Thanks, Donna! I hope you enjoy it. And, thanks so much for your kind words. Peace.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
  9. Mary

    March 31, 2019 at 11:42 pm

    I’m allergic to cashews. Have you ever tried this with another kind of nut? Thank you!

    Reply
    • Shane Martin

      April 02, 2019 at 12:13 pm

      Hmmm, Mary. I’ve never tried another nut. Cashews work because they’re pretty neutral and really creamy when blended. Here’s a really good recipe from Cookie & Kate that doesn’t use nuts at all. Give it a try. She does use oil to sauté her onions but you can eliminate that very easily.

      Reply
      • Rhonda E Davis

        May 31, 2020 at 5:30 pm

        The link you insert for a cashew-free sauce is to a recipe that uses 1 cup of cashews.

        Reply
        • Shane Martin

          June 01, 2020 at 11:54 am

          I just checked it and it was for the nut-free sauce. Could you send me a link?

          Reply
  10. Lili

    September 07, 2019 at 1:32 pm

    What type of salsa do you use in this recipe? I’m always on the lookout for a good tasting salsa, but haven’t found one I truly enjoy, yet. Thanks, and looking forward to making this!

    Reply
    • Shane Martin

      September 07, 2019 at 2:44 pm

      Lili, to be honest, it’s usually whatever I grab when I run into the grocery store. But, lately, we’ve been using the ones we find at Aldi.

      Reply
  11. Jamie

    January 01, 2020 at 6:47 pm

    Made this as a topper tonight! YUM! The best vegan cheese sauce I have made thus far. I’ve tried different recipes and none worked. The taste for your’s was perfect! Kid approved. Adding to my rotation of recipes. Thanks for sharing!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Shane Martin

      January 01, 2020 at 9:56 pm

      Awesome, Jamie! We’ve made it twice in the last two days:)

      Reply
  12. Becki

    January 02, 2020 at 5:26 pm

    Wondering if you can use a white bean instead of cashews? If so, how much would you think?

    Reply
    • Shane Martin

      January 02, 2020 at 6:05 pm

      Becki, never tried it with white beans. But, if you are looking for a low-fast version try this vegan cheese sauce. It’s made with potatoes and carrots. https://shaneandsimple.com/vegan-cheese-sauce/

      Reply
  13. Colleen Parker

    January 20, 2020 at 2:09 pm

    I know I keep leaving comments on how delicious every recipe of yours is that I make, and here I am doing it again!! This Queso Dip is a creamy bowl of deliciousness!! It is super simple to make and over the top yummy!! Try it, you will not be sorry!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Shane Martin

      January 20, 2020 at 7:28 pm

      Hi, Colleen! Please feel free to leave all the comments you desire. LOL! Thank you so much!!!

      Reply
  14. Jan Willis

    January 27, 2020 at 9:12 pm

    I have made this several times and my husband and I both love it! So versatile and frankly I think it’s way better then regular greasy cheese! I wanted to also thank-you for your many tasty, easy recipes. When I have friends wanting to try plant based eating I will always recommend your recipes, they are awesome! 😋👍🏻

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Shane Martin

      January 27, 2020 at 11:36 pm

      Wow, thank you so much, Jan!!! I really appreciate it. Blessings.

      Reply
  15. Susan

    January 28, 2020 at 5:09 pm

    So if I have a high speed blender I don’t need to soak the cashews? Or is it better if they are still soaked for a bit?

    Reply
    • Shane Martin

      January 28, 2020 at 9:06 pm

      Hi, Susan. I still soak them just because I believe it makes them creamier. But, if you have a high-speed blender it will still do just fine. I will say that Ninja blenders are the worst. UGH!

      Reply
      • Susan

        January 31, 2020 at 8:10 am

        I made this to go over the Vegan Stuffed Bell Pepper recipe. Honestly, I’ve been hesitant in trying recipes where nutritional yeast is used as the cheese replacer. I dipped my finger in the mix yesterday, however, and I’m excited to have it for dinner tonight! I’ll have to try soaking them next go around to see the difference.

        Reply
        • Shane Martin

          January 31, 2020 at 8:32 pm

          Thank you, Susan!

          Reply
  16. Stephanie Moore

    April 19, 2020 at 11:41 am

    I have made SO many vegan cheese sauce recipes over the 4 years I’ve been plant based and I loved the simplicity of this one and the flavor. I think the smoked paprika gives it the perfect punch. I also added some fresh onion and garlic before I mixed it. We have made it twice now because it can come together so fast. Will definitely continue to make this one!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Shane Martin

      April 19, 2020 at 1:25 pm

      Wonderful. Gotta have my cheese dip:)

      Reply
  17. Eva

    May 03, 2020 at 10:40 pm

    Wow. Just wow!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Shane Martin

      May 04, 2020 at 10:03 am

      Thank you:)

      Reply
  18. Elizabeth

    June 23, 2020 at 9:27 am

    I haven’t made it het. Just wonder ignorance i can blend t in a high speed blender until cooked. Really want to avoid the additional on additional and meds mess of cooking as a saucepan.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Shane Martin

      June 23, 2020 at 11:28 pm

      Absolutely! That’s usually what I do in my Vitamix. But, keep an eye on it as it will get thicker as it heats. I added the extra simply because most do not have a Vitamix.

      Reply
  19. Laura

    July 26, 2020 at 6:05 pm

    Making this for the 2nd time in a week. It’s crazy good! I made a mistake when making it today though. I make a homemade BBQ sauce & it’s currently stored in a glass salsa jar. Well I accidentally grabbed that instead of salsa. I must say, a pretty delicious mistake. I like them both ways, your way w/ salsa, and my mistake way w/ BBQ sauce. I share your recipes w/ everyone! Every one I have made has been nothing short of delicious & a keeper!

    Reply
    • Shane Martin

      July 27, 2020 at 10:52 pm

      Mistakes are wonderful:) Thanks for reaching out.

      Reply
  20. Eileen

    August 31, 2020 at 8:16 pm

    Shane, I can’t wait to make this recipe. Is it freeable? Thank you. I have LOVED every one of your recipes and I try yours before others. I have learned your recipes are easy, healthy, and they satisfy my palette. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Shane Martin

      August 31, 2020 at 9:38 pm

      Hi, Eileen! Yes, it can even be frozen if needed, in a freezer-friendly container. Reheat over medium-low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave for a minute or two. Add a little water if needed to thin it because it will thicken in the fridge.

      Reply
  21. Collette

    September 06, 2020 at 2:21 pm

    Very good! I added a fourth of a canned roasted red pepper and it gave it a really “cheesy” look. YUM!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  22. Jeanette

    September 20, 2020 at 1:08 pm

    Can the nutritional yeast be omitted?

    Reply
    • Shane Martin

      September 20, 2020 at 11:36 pm

      Yes. But, it will be more of a “sour cream” instead of cheese. The nooch is what gives it that nutty cheesy flavor. But, hey, sour cream dip is not bad either:)

      Reply
  23. Shawn

    September 23, 2020 at 2:31 pm

    How long will this keep, guess it should be fine for a few days with no dairy

    Reply
    • Shane Martin

      September 23, 2020 at 3:28 pm

      You can keep it in the fridge for up to a week. However, it never lasts that long at my house:)

      Reply
  24. Katherine Torrington

    September 25, 2020 at 10:55 am

    Shane, you make me (almost) want to recycle all my vegan cookbooks and just cook from Shane and Simple…your recipes are top-of-the-charts!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Shane Martin

      September 25, 2020 at 9:23 pm

      Thank you so much!!!

      Reply
  25. Mary Bradford

    September 25, 2020 at 8:39 pm

    Finally made a WFPB queso that my teens approved! They say it tastes like cheese! Thanks so much Shane, your recipes are very dependably tasty!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Shane Martin

      September 25, 2020 at 9:20 pm

      I love it when the teens approved:) Thanks so much!!!

      Reply
  26. Cheryl D Garcia

    October 16, 2020 at 11:08 am

    Shane, this is wonderful! I made the tortilla chips also. When I clicked on your link to the Homemade Tortillas, it came to the chips baked in the oven. I’m asking if you make your own flour tortillas and where can I find that recipe? Thank you.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Shane Martin

      October 16, 2020 at 2:00 pm

      Hi, Cheryl. I don’t make my own tortillas…yet:) I use corn tortillas almost all the time.

      Reply

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