Vegan Cheese Pasta Sauce Dip
Indulge in the creamy, dairy-free decadence of this Vegan Cheese Pasta Sauce Dip, a versatile and nutrient-packed recipe that's perfect for plant-based enthusiasts and comfort food lovers alike. Made with raw cashews, nutritional yeast, and a medley of spices like smoked paprika and turmeric, this sauce delivers that signature cheesy flavor while staying 100% vegan. Whether drizzled over pasta or served as a warm dip with veggies and crackers, its ultra-smooth texture and adjustable thickness make it a must-have for any occasion. Ready in just 15 minutes, this wholesome, gluten-free sauce is a quick, healthy alternative to traditional cheese dips, packed with protein and rich flavor. Perfectly customizable, it's a crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or party spreads!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Raw cashews
- 1 cup Plant-based milk (unsweetened, unflavored)
- 4 tablespoons Nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 0.25 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Water (optional, to adjust consistency)
Instructions
Soak 1 cup of raw cashews in hot water for 10-15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a blender, combine the soaked cashews, 1 cup of plant-based milk, 4 tablespoons of nutritional yeast, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
Blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the blender as necessary to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Transfer the blended mixture to a small saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring continuously. Add the cornstarch slurry and cook until the mixture thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt, lemon juice, or nutritional yeast for a cheesier flavor, if desired.
Pour the sauce over cooked pasta, or serve as a warm dip with your favorite vegetables, crackers, or bread.
If the sauce thickens too much while cooling, stir in a small amount of water to adjust the consistency before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
796 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 52.0 g | 67% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.1 g | 45% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1367 mg | 59% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 59.4 g | 22% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.0 g | 32% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.4 g | ||
| Protein | 34.9 g | 70% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.5 mcg | 12% | |
| Calcium | 361 mg | 28% | |
| Iron | 10.4 mg | 58% | |
| Potassium | 1314 mg | 28% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
