This Dairy Free Queso is creamy, flavorful, and made with cashew cream for a rich queso-style dip without traditional cheese. It is perfect for scooping with tortilla chips, spooning over tacos, or adding to nachos, bowls, and roasted vegetables.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- Extra Virgin Olive oil: Helps soften the onion and garlic while building a savory base.
- Onion and garlic: Add depth, aroma, and classic queso-style flavor.
- Salsa: Brings tomato flavor, acidity, and mild heat to the dip.
- Cashew cream: Creates the rich, creamy texture without using dairy. Cashew cream is what sets Dairy Free Queso apart from traditional versions.
- Nutritional yeast: A smart substitute in Dairy Free Queso for classic cheese flavor.
- Chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika: Give the dairy free queso warm, smoky flavor.
- Pickled jalapeños and brine: Add tangy heat and a little extra punch.
- Lime juice: Brightens the dip and balances the richness.
- Cilantro: Adds freshness and a pop of herby flavor at the end.
Alternative Ingredients
- Cashew cream: Use your favorite dairy-free cream sauce if needed.
- Salsa: Use mild, medium, or hot salsa depending on your spice preference.
- Nutritional yeast: Leave it out, but the queso will taste less cheesy. Nutritional yeast is typically in Dairy Free Queso to mimic cheese.
- Pickled jalapeño brine: Use a splash of lime juice or leave it out. In Dairy Free Queso, these options keep the flavor interesting.
- Cilantro: Swap with green onion or skip it if you do not like cilantro.
Nutritional Benefits
- Healthy Fat Source: Cashew cream and olive oil add fats that help make this dip more satisfying.
- Naturally Dairy Free: This dairy free queso is a helpful option for anyone avoiding dairy or lactose.
- Plant-Based Nutrients: Cashews, onion, garlic, salsa, and cilantro add nutrients from whole plant foods.
- Lower in Saturated Fat: This dairy-free version can be lighter than traditional queso made with cheese.
- Flavor Without Excess: Salsa, spices, lime, and jalapeños build bold flavor without needing heavy ingredients.
- Adds B Vitamins: Nutritional yeast contributes savory flavor and can add B vitamins, depending on the brand.
Expert Tips
Smooth texture: Use a very smooth cashew cream so the queso turns out creamy, not grainy. Dairy Free Queso needs a silky texture for the best dip experience.
Control the heat: Start with mild salsa, then add jalapeños or brine if you want more spice.
Keep it loose: Add a small splash of water if the queso thickens too much as it warms. Adjusting the thickness ensures Dairy Free Queso stays creamy.
Avoid boiling: Warm it gently so the cashew cream stays silky and smooth. With Dairy Free Queso, keeping the cream smooth is key.
Best flavor: Taste at the end because salsa and jalapeño brine can vary in saltiness. To finish Dairy Free Queso, taste and adjust for salt, so every bite is perfect.
FAQs
Let it simmer gently for a few extra minutes, stirring often.
Yes, just use an unsweetened plain version so the flavor stays savory.
Yes, use mild salsa and skip the jalapeños and jalapeño brine.
It uses cashew cream instead of milk, cream, or cheese.
It has a creamy, savory, Tex-Mex flavor with a cheesy taste from nutritional yeast.
Yes, but it will taste less cheesy and more like a creamy salsa dip.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dairy free queso warm with tortilla chips, roasted vegetables, tacos, nachos, grain bowls, or burrito bowls. It also makes a great drizzle over roasted potatoes, sweet potatoes, or a dairy-free taco salad.
Storage Suggestions
Store leftover dairy free queso in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water as needed to loosen the texture.
You’ll also enjoy:
- Southwest Breakfast Bowl
- Fish Tostada
- Mexican Street Corn Soup
- Lobster Fritter
- Blackened Salmon Bowl
- Avocado Lime Crema
Dairy Free Queso
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup yellow onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup salsa smooth or chunky
- 1 cup cashew cream
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp salt or to taste
- 1-2 tbsp pickled jalapeño brine
- 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp cilantro chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Add the onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.1/2 cup yellow onion, 2 cloves garlic
- Stir in the salsa, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt.1 cup salsa, 1/2 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/4 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp salt
- Add cashew cream and nutritional yeast, then stir until smooth and creamy.1 cup cashew cream, 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- Let the queso warm through for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring often. If needed, add a splash of water to loosen it.
- Stir in the pickled jalapeño brine, chopped jalapeños, lime juice, and cilantro if using.1-2 tbsp pickled jalapeño brine, 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños, 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp cilantro
- Taste and adjust the salt or lime juice as needed.
- Serve warm with tortilla chips, roasted vegetables, or spooned over tacos, bowls, or nachos.
Notes
- Keep It Creamy: Do not boil the queso once the cashew cream is added.
- Adjust the Heat: Use mild salsa and skip jalapeños for a softer flavor.
- Brighten Flavor: Add extra lime juice at the end if the dip tastes too rich.
- Loosen Texture: Stir in a splash of water if it thickens while sitting.
- Best Cashew Cream: Use a smooth cashew cream for the most queso-like texture.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: I am a health and wellness coach with a degree in health science from Arizona State University. However, I am not a doctor or registered dietitian. Any information or advice provided on this website is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making any dietary or lifestyle changes, especially if you have a medical condition. The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice or a substitute for it.
Leave a Reply