Vegan Cheese Pasta Sauce Dip

Indulge in the creamy, dairy-free decadence of this Vegan Cheese Pasta Sauce Dip, a versatile and nutrient-packed recipe that's perfect for plant-based enthusiasts and comfort food lovers alike. Made with raw cashews, nutritional yeast, and a medley of spices like smoked paprika and turmeric, this sauce delivers that signature cheesy flavor while staying 100% vegan. Whether drizzled over pasta or served as a warm dip with veggies and crackers, its ultra-smooth texture and adjustable thickness make it a must-have for any occasion. Ready in just 15 minutes, this wholesome, gluten-free sauce is a quick, healthy alternative to traditional cheese dips, packed with protein and rich flavor. Perfectly customizable, it's a crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or party spreads!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:5 mins

Total Time:15 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Raw cashews
• 1 cup Plant-based milk (unsweetened, unflavored)
• 4 tablespoons Nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 0.25 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 0 Water (optional, to adjust consistency)

Directions

Step 1

Soak 1 cup of raw cashews in hot water for 10-15 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a blender, combine the soaked cashews, 1 cup of plant-based milk, 4 tablespoons of nutritional yeast, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.

Step 3

Blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the blender as necessary to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 4

If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Transfer the blended mixture to a small saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring continuously. Add the cornstarch slurry and cook until the mixture thickens, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 5

Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt, lemon juice, or nutritional yeast for a cheesier flavor, if desired.

Step 6

Pour the sauce over cooked pasta, or serve as a warm dip with your favorite vegetables, crackers, or bread.

Step 7

If the sauce thickens too much while cooling, stir in a small amount of water to adjust the consistency before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(645.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	796.5

Total Fat 52.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 9.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1367.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 59.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.0g	0%
Total Sugars 7.4g
Protein 34.9g	0%

Vitamin D 100.0IU	0%
Calcium 361.4mg	0%
Iron 10.4mg	0%
Potassium 1314.0mg	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: 55.4%

Protein: 16.5%

Carbs: 28.1%