Vegan Salsa con Queso

Get ready to indulge in the creamy, zesty goodness of Vegan Salsa con Queso—a plant-based twist on the classic dip that’s perfect for game nights, parties, or snack time. This dairy-free recipe uses raw cashews, nutritional yeast, and an array of warming spices like smoked paprika and cumin to create an irresistibly rich and velvety base. A vibrant blend of canned diced tomatoes with green chiles, fresh jalapeño, and chopped cilantro brings a punch of bold, Tex-Mex-inspired flavor to every bite. Ready in just 15 minutes, this dip is gluten-free, wholesome, and incredibly versatile—ideal for pairing with tortilla chips or drizzling over nachos, tacos, or baked potatoes. Whether you're vegan or simply looking for a lighter queso alternative, this recipe delivers all the satisfaction of the classic with none of the dairy.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:5 mins

Total Time:15 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1 cup raw cashews
• 1 cup water
• 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 0.5 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 can (10 oz) canned diced tomatoes with green chiles
• 1 medium jalapeño, finely chopped
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Start by soaking the raw cashews in hot water for at least 10 minutes to soften them.

Step 2

Drain and rinse the cashews thoroughly.

Step 3

In a high-speed blender, combine the soaked cashews, 1 cup of water, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin powder, turmeric, smoked paprika, and salt.

Step 4

Blend the mixture on high until it becomes completely smooth and creamy. This may take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 5

Transfer the blended mixture to a medium saucepan and place it over medium heat.

Step 6

As the mixture begins to warm, it will thicken. Stir constantly to ensure a smooth consistency.

Step 7

Once the queso has thickened, add the canned diced tomatoes with green chiles, including their liquid.

Step 8

Stir in the chopped jalapeño and cook for another 2 minutes to heat through.

Step 9

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh cilantro.

Step 10

Serve warm as a dip with tortilla chips or drizzle over nachos, tacos, or baked potatoes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(785.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	809.5

Total Fat 51.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 8.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3307.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 68.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.6g	0%
Total Sugars 16.6g
Protein 35.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 172.9mg	0%
Iron 14.1mg	0%
Potassium 1914.9mg	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: 52.7%

Protein: 16.2%

Carbs: 31.1%