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    Home » Recipes » Appetizers

    Easy Creamy Cashew Queso Dip

    Published: Apr 20, 2022 by Janessa

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    In our house, this Cashew Queso Dip mostly gets made on days when we're hungry, looking for a snack and it seems we don't have much for options.

    Days when we look in the pantry and there aren't any Crispy Roasted Chickpeas ready, we've already eaten all of our Crunchy Peanut Butter Snack Bars and an Avocado Blueberry Smoothie just doesn't seem like it will hit the spot.

    And then I remember that we always have raw cashews on hand, there are usually carrots in the fridge for dipping and voila, 10 minutes later we are eating this delicious snack! "Hanger" averted.

    Queso with tortilla chips, guacamole and salsa in the background

    However, this Healthy Queso is much too delicious to reserve strictly for snack emergencies!

    It is also a great appetizer or as a topping for burritos, tacos, eggs and more.

    The Ingredients

    • Cashews- It is important to use raw cashews as roasted cashews won’t achieve the same creamy consistency.
    • Water- Using hot water helps to soften the cashews for a creamy dip (and makes the dip warm for serving). Alternatively you can soak the cashews overnight.
    • Garlic- You could use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder instead.
    • Hot Sauce- I usually use Sriracha but another hot sauce such as Frank’s would also work. If using a different hot sauce (or if you are sensitive to spice), use half of the amount to start and then add more to taste. You can always add more but you can’t take it out!
    • Chili Powder- Use chili powder spice mixture (a blend of spices including cumin, garlic powder, paprika) for this recipe, not just ground chili peppers.
    • Cumin
    • Sea Salt
    Bowls of queso, salsa and guacamole

    How to Make Healthy Queso Dip

    1. Place ingredients in the bowl of a blender. For best results, allow to sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the hot water to soften the cashews before blending.
    2. Blend until creamy. Taste and add additional hot sauce to suit your tastes.
    3. Serve!

    Leftovers

    Make Ahead: This cashew queso can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

    To Store: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

    To Reheat: This dip is also great cold. But if you would like to serve it warm, you can microwave in 30 second bursts (stirring in between) or heat in a sauce pan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently.

    Queso on a chip

    How to Serve

    This vegan queso is delicious served warm or cold. It is warm when initially blended or it can be reheated if serving later. See above for instructions.

    This is a great dip for tortilla chips or freshly cut vegetables. Serve it alongside Easy Salsa, Guacamole and Beet Hummus for the ultimate chips and dips tray!

    It would also be tasty drizzled on scrambled eggs, as a sauce for a sandwich or even as a salad dressing.

    Dietary Notes

    If you have dietary restrictions, check the packaging of specific ingredients that you use to ensure they are compliant. This recipe is:

    • Dairy Free
    • Gluten Free
    • Paleo - If you use a compliant hot sauce.
    • Vegetarian
    • Vegan
    Bowl of queso

    And if you liked this recipe...

    ...you might also like:

    • Corn and Black Bean Salsa
    • Peanut Sauce
    • Cashew Shrimp Alfredo
    • Santa Fe Ranch

    Quick Cashew Queso

    This delicious creamy cashew "queso" dip is ready in no time! Great as a dip for tortilla chips, vegetables and more.
    5 from 11 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Resting Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Servings: 1.5 cups
    Calories: 121kcal

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup raw cashews
    • ¾ cup hot water
    • 1 clove garlic
    • 1 tablespoon sriracha or similar hot sauce
    • 1 teaspoon chili powder
    • ½ teaspoon cumin
    • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
    (Prevent your screen from going dark)

    Instructions

    • Add all of the ingredients to the bowl of a high powered blender and allow to sit for 10 minutes.
    • Blend on high until smooth, about 1 minute, adding more water if needed. Taste and add additional hot sauce if preferred.
    • Serve immediately for a warm dip or place in the refrigerator for at least one hour to serve chilled.

    Notes

    Leftovers
    Store leftover queso in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
    Recipe inspired by Minimalist Baker.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 0.25cup | Calories: 121kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 259mg | Potassium: 157mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 105IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 2mg
    Did you make this recipe?Let me know what you thought in the comments below!

    More Snack-able Appetizers!

    • Honey roasted cashews being poured out of a bowl.
      Honey Roasted Cashews
    • Hummus in a white bowl surrounded by fresh vegetables.
      Hummus without Garlic
    • Pineapple Pico de Gallo Salsa
    • Simple Lemon Guacamole without Cilantro
    « Cranberry Crisp (Gluten Free)
    Chunky Chocolate Granola »

    Reader Interactions

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    1. Shelby

      April 25, 2022 at 10:03 am

      5 stars
      Ohh this is such a yummy dip! I love the light seasoning and am totally guilty of eating it right out of the fridge!

      Reply
      • Janessa

        April 25, 2022 at 10:47 am

        Haha, same here! I'm glad you enjoyed this recipe, Shelby.

        Reply
    2. Savannah McGhee

      April 26, 2022 at 6:45 am

      5 stars
      This is going to be perfect for upcoming celebrations! Savory and filled with wonderful spices.... We love trying new dips!

      Reply
      • Janessa

        April 26, 2022 at 8:55 am

        I hope that you enjoy this recipe, Savannah!

        Reply
    3. tina

      April 26, 2022 at 8:29 am

      5 stars
      This is the perfect dip for my vegan friends!

      Reply
    4. Stacey Crawford

      April 28, 2022 at 10:08 am

      5 stars
      I love this dairy-free version of queso dip! Such a brilliant idea to use the cashews as cheese.

      Reply
      • Janessa

        April 28, 2022 at 12:01 pm

        I'm glad you enjoyed this recipe, Stacey! Thank you for your kind review.

        Reply
    5. Sunrita

      April 28, 2022 at 12:43 pm

      5 stars
      This is an amazing dip! In fact I'm using this as a sandwich spread as well! Has become my go to recipe. Thanks so much

      Reply
      • Janessa

        April 28, 2022 at 7:45 pm

        I'm glad you like this recipe, Sunrita! Thank you for your kind review.

        Reply

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    Janessa

    Hi, I'm Janessa and I'm passionate about sharing recipes that are made with wholesome ingredients, are quick and easy and most importantly, delicious!

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