A smooth and creamy vegan queso dip made without nutritional yeast. A spicy and flavorful snack to enjoy with tortilla chips and veggies or add it tacos, salads, and more!
Queso is usually made with dairy products (cheese, milk, etc.) as well as a combination of spices, tomatoes and most importantly; jalapeños or green chiles. This vegan queso uses cashews instead of dairy products. The result? A creamy and delicious dip with added vitamins, minerals, and protein.
Looking for other easy snacks or appetizers? Check out these buffalo cauliflower bites and this edamame guacamole.
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Ingredients for vegan queso without nutritional yeast
- Raw cashews
- Water
- Jar of nacho sliced jalapeños
- Garlic
- Smoked paprika
- Onion powder
- Cilantro
For exact measurements and detailed step-by-step directions, scroll to the recipe card below.
How to make an easy vegan queso without nutritional yeast
- Add 1 cup of cashews to a bowl and cover with boiling water. Let soak for 10-15 minutes.
- Drain and rinse cashews and place into blender with the rest of the ingredients
- Blend and serve!
Substitutions
Jalapeños: swap for canned green chiles (or use both!)
Garlic: substitue clove for 1 teaspoon of garlic granules
Smoked paprika: substitue for regular paprika, Fronteir Co-op mexican seasoning, or taco seasoning.
Cilantro is optional but highly recommend for additional flavor.
How to use vegan queso
- As a dip with cut vegetables, tortilla chips, or pretzels
- In tacos or salads
- Mix with your favorite pasta
Storing vegan queso
This vegan queso will last for about a week in the fridge for optimal freshness. If you have leftovers, I recommend trying it as a cold dip. It's excellent!
To reheat: microwave for 10-15 seconds. Watch closely to ensure it doesn't burn.
Top tip: If the consistency is thick after reheating, add a splash of water or more jalapeño juice.
📋 Recipe
Vegan Queso without Nutritional Yeast
Equipment
- high speed blender
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw cashews (soaked, drained and rinsed)
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup sliced jalapeños (store-bought in a jar or pickled at home)
- ¼ cup jalapeño brine (juice from the jar of sliced jalapeños)
- 1 clove garlic, roughly chopped
- 1 handful chopped cilantro (roughly 4-6 stems)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼-½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- First, add cashews to a bowl and cover with boiling water. Let soak for 10-15 minutes.*this helps make the queso smooth and creamy
- Rinse and drain cashews and add to a high-speed blender or food processor. Add the rest of the ingredients and blend until smooth.
- Top with a dash of sea salt, dried cilantro and smoked paprika. Serve with tortilla chips and salsa as an appetizer or serve on tacos for a main dish. Enjoy!
Notes
Did you make this vegan queso? I can’t wait to hear your thoughts! Leave a review below and tag @notablyvegan in your creations on Instagram, Pinterest, or Twitter.
Rose says
I recently made this dip and was pleasantly surprised! It exceeded my expectations. If I could give it more than five stars, I would!! It was so easy to make. I love being able to just put everything into food processor. Instead of using smoked paprika, I did red pepper flakes. I had it with tortilla chips and vegetables and it was creamy and flavorful. It stores well and I was able to use it the next day to dip my quesadillas in. I look forward to making another one of your Dips!
Morgan says
Rose, thank you for leaving such a kind review! I love mixing a little pico de Gallo in when using it with nachos and quesadillas - bold flavors and so quick!
Thanks again!
Morgan
Randall says
Made this yesterday for the first time and really enjoyed it. I've never been a fan of nutritional yeast as a cheese substitute, tastes weird and kind of icky to me. This recipe is extremely easy to make, and while having a somewhat similar texture and taste profile to traditional queso, doesn't try TOO hard to imitate traditional queso. It is its own thing, but also happens to work great with nachos. Will be making it again soon!
Morgan says
Yes! You summed up my vision for the recipe, perfectly.
I’m thrilled you enjoyed it and thank you for taking the time to leave a review!
Cheers!