Cashew Ricotta

Creamy, tangy, and entirely plant-based, this Cashew Ricotta is a game-changer for dairy-free cooking and vegan recipes! Made with just a handful of wholesome ingredients like raw cashews, freshly squeezed lemon juice, nutritional yeast, and a touch of garlic, this versatile spread boasts a smooth and fluffy texture that's perfect for everything from layering in lasagna to dolloping on pizza or spreading on toast. With a prep time of just 15 minutes (plus a quick soak for the cashews), this recipe is as simple as it is satisfying. Whether you're vegan, lactose-intolerant, or just looking to try something new, Cashew Ricotta is a delicious, protein-packed alternative packed with zesty, cheesy flavor. Make ahead and store it in the fridge for easy meal prep all week long!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:15 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups Raw cashews
• 0.5 cups Water
• 3 tablespoons Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tablespoon Apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Nutritional yeast
• 1 small Garlic clove
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt
• 1 tablespoon Optional: Olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Place the raw cashews in a bowl and cover them with warm water. Let them soak for at least 4 hours or overnight to soften. If you're short on time, soak in hot water for 30 minutes, though the texture may be slightly less creamy.

Step 2

After soaking, drain the cashews and rinse them thoroughly under running water.

Step 3

Add the soaked cashews to a high-speed blender or food processor along with water, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, nutritional yeast, garlic clove, and salt. If using, also add the olive oil for a slightly creamier texture.

Step 4

Blend until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides of the blender or processor with a spatula. Add a tablespoon of water at a time if needed to reach your desired ricotta-like consistency.

Step 5

Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add a pinch of salt, an extra splash of lemon juice for tanginess, or more nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Step 6

Transfer the cashew ricotta to a bowl or airtight container. It’s ready to use immediately or can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(377.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1118.7

Total Fat 87.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 15.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1213.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 63.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 7.6g	0%
Total Sugars 11.4g
Protein 37.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 76.1mg	0%
Iron 12.5mg	0%
Potassium 1391.4mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 66.1%

Protein: 12.6%

Carbs: 21.3%