Mediterranean Diet Creamy Cashew Cheese

Indulge in the rich, velvety perfection of Mediterranean Diet Creamy Cashew Cheese, a plant-based marvel that's as nutritious as it is delicious. Made with soaked raw cashews, fresh lemon juice, and a touch of apple cider vinegar, this dairy-free cheese is blended to a lusciously smooth texture and infused with the savory goodness of nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and onion powder. Optional fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme add a Mediterranean flair, making this recipe perfect for spreading on whole-grain bread, pairing with crisp veggies, or dolloping onto your favorite healthy snacks. Ready in just 15 minutes of prep, this no-cook, no-bake recipe is a wholesome, vegan alternative that fits beautifully into your Mediterranean lifestyle. Make it the highlight of your next gathering or keep it on hand for quick, satisfying meals throughout the week.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:15 mins

Servings: 10

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups raw cashews
• 0.5 cups water
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (optional, such as rosemary or thyme)

Directions

Step 1

Place the raw cashews in a bowl and cover them with water. Let them soak for at least 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator to soften.

Step 2

Once the cashews have soaked, drain and rinse them under cold water.

Step 3

In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine the soaked cashews, 1/2 cup of water, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, and sea salt.

Step 4

Blend the mixture on high until it becomes smooth and creamy. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides with a spatula to ensure everything is well integrated.

Step 5

Taste and adjust seasoning, if needed, adding more salt, lemon juice, or vinegar to taste.

Step 6

If using, add the fresh herbs and pulse until mixed but still visible for a flecked texture.

Step 7

Transfer the cashew cheese to a sealed container and refrigerate for at least one hour to thicken.

Step 8

Serve as a spread on whole-grain bread or crackers, or as a dip for vegetables.

Step 9

Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to one week.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(358.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1021.7

Total Fat 73.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 13.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2364.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 65.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.9g	0%
Total Sugars 11.1g
Protein 40.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 79.6mg	0%
Iron 12.8mg	0%
Potassium 1493.0mg	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: 61.0%

Protein: 14.9%

Carbs: 24.1%