Here’s a delicious and creamy Vegan Pimento Cheese Dip recipe that’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering! This plant-based dip mimics the tangy, cheesy flavor of traditional pimento cheese, but it’s dairy-free and full of flavor.
Vegan Pimento Cheese Dip Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups raw cashews (soaked for at least 4 hours or overnight)
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (such as almond, soy, or oat)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp turmeric (for color)
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
- 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 cup jarred pimentos, drained and chopped
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions (optional)
- 1-2 tbsp pickled jalapeños or diced red pepper (optional for heat)
Instructions:
- Soak the Cashews:
- If you haven’t soaked your cashews yet, place them in a bowl and cover them with water. Let them soak for at least 4 hours or overnight for a smoother texture. If you’re short on time, you can soak them in hot water for about 20-30 minutes to speed up the process.
- Blend the Base:
- Drain and rinse the soaked cashews. In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine the cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, plant-based milk, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric, smoked paprika (if using), and salt.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the blender or food processor a few times. If the mixture is too thick, add more plant-based milk 1 tablespoon at a time to achieve your desired consistency.
- Add Pimentos and Flavorings:
- Stir in the chopped pimentos, green onions (if using), and jalapeños or red peppers (if using) for a kick. Mix until well incorporated.
- Chill and Serve:
- For the best flavor, let the dip chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Serve:
- Serve with crackers, tortilla chips, veggie sticks, or on a sandwich or wrap. Enjoy this creamy, tangy, and delicious vegan pimento cheese dip!
Tips:
- Make it Spicy: Add more pickled jalapeños or some cayenne pepper if you prefer extra heat.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The dip may firm up in the fridge, so just stir in a bit of plant-based milk to loosen it up before serving.
- Customization: Add in other herbs and spices like dill, chives, or paprika to adjust the flavor to your liking.
This vegan pimento cheese dip is creamy, tangy, and totally addictive! Perfect for parties, game days, or a snack. 😍
