This Vegan Cashew Queso is ultra creamy, super flavorful, and extremely easy to make! 5 ingredients and a blender, and you’re ready to go!
Whether you’re vegan, paleo, dairy-free, or anything but, you’re going to LOVE this cashew queso. It’s smooth, creamy, and packed with taco spices. What’s not to love?
Is vegan queso healthy?
Yes! This vegan cashew queso is dairy free, gluten free, packed with healthy fats, and loaded with nutritious ingredients such as cashews and green chiles.
Ingredients and substitutions
5 ingredients (plus water and salt) and you’ve got a creamy, dreamy dipping sauce for your favorite tortilla chips!
- Cashews – roasted, salted cashews are called for in the original recipe. Unsalted cashews may be used, but you’ll likely need to add additional salt. Roasted cashews are recommended, because there’s no need to soak them before blending! If only raw cashews are available, you’ll need to soak them in hot water overnight to allow them to soften.
- Water – allows the queso to blend into a creamy and smooth dip without impacting the flavor.
- Taco Seasoning – store-bought or homemade taco seasoning is fine, use whatever you have on hand! Depending on brand/recipe, you may need to add more or less than the original recipe.
- Lime Juice – cuts the smokiness from the taco seasoning a much needed bright and tangy flavor. Fresh or bottled will be just fine.
- Green Chiles – 2 (4 oz) cans chopped mild green chiles are called for in the recipe. Like it spicy? Try canned jalapenos instead! Either way, no need to drain the can.
- Hot Sauce – optional, but highly recommended for a bit of kick! Use your favorite variety. We used the original Tabasco, but feel free to mix it up. Love an extra smoky flavor? Try Chipotle Tabasco!
How to make
- Place cashews, water, taco seasoning, lime juice, green chiles, hot sauce, and salt into a high powered blender (like a Vitamix) and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and re-season, if necessary, then serve and enjoy!
Do I need to soak the cashews?
No! As long as you’re using roasted cashews and have a high powered blender, there is no need to soak the cashews before blending.
How to serve cashew queso
This queso is great slightly warmed, room temperature, or chilled in the fridge.
- As a dip. Serve with tortilla chips, vegetables, crackers, and more!
- As a sauce. Drizzle over nachos, tacos, burrito bowls, etc.
How to store
Leftovers will last in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
To enjoy again, eat cold from the fridge, room temperature, or warmed in the microwave.
– Jennifer
Vegan Cashew Queso
Equipment for this recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups roasted, salted cashews
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning homemade or store-bought
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 (4 oz) cans diced green chiles
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce more or less to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon salt more or less to taste
Instructions
- Place cashews, water, taco seasoning, lime juice, green chiles, hot sauce, and salt into a high powered blender (like a Vitamix) and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and re-season, if necessary, then serve and enjoy!
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Notes
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Nutrition Information
*Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on products used.