Vegan Queso, Two Ways

Ay yo where’s my queso

As I mentioned in my previous post, I’ve been on a Mexican food kick lately, so I figure no better time than now to post my vegan queso recipes. I made more this week, of course. And seriously this dip is so delicious, people devour it. I brought it to a party and literally everyone asked what was in it and how can they get some. And no one has a clue how healthy it really is.

Cuz per usual, I do my best to make tasty things healthier and make healthy things tastier. That’s always the goal. And, ideally as easy as possible. Not every dish I make is just 5 ingredients or just 2 steps, but I love delicious food that’s good for you and ideally super easy to throw together and this definitely ticks all the boxes.

The original version is cashew-based which gives it that delicious creaminess, and combines with salsa, red pepper, nutritional yeast, and turmeric to round out the flavor punch and nutritional power. And as I discussed in my vegan parm post, nutritional yeast has a terrible name but gives dishes the most wonderful umami/ savory/ cheesy flavor and is chock full of health benefits.

The alternative version uses the ever versatile cauliflower instead of cashews for people who don’t do nuts (or technically legumes). And it still tastes pretty darn amazing. And you just throw it all in a food processor and eat up. And try not to eat it all in one sitting. But if you did, honestly, it’s not a big deal, especially not if you eat it with veggie sticks, as I do because it’s basically just veggies and protein, and that’s what science says is good for us 😉

Vegan Queso Dip Recipe: Two Ways

Cashew Version:

• 3/4 cup soaked cashews
• 1 cup salsa
• 1/2-1 red, yellow, or orange pepper
• 3 tbsp nutritional yeast (I do heaping tablespoons)
• 1/2 – 1 tsp turmeric
• 1/4 tsp salt

Steps:

1. Soak the cashews for 2-3 hours in filtered water. Rinse.
2. Combine all ingredients in your food processor or blender, and blend until they’re thoroughly combined.
3. Serve with your veggie sticks or organic chips.

Cauliflower Version:

• 1 1/2 cups steamed cauliflower
• 1 cup salsa
• 1/2 red, yellow, or orange pepper
• 3 tbsp nutritional yeast (I do heaping tablespoons)
• 1/4 tsp turmeric
• 1/4 tsp salt

Steps:

1. Steam the cauliflower until tender. Run under cold water to cool.
2. Combine all ingredients in your food processor or blender, and blend until they’re thoroughly combined.
3. Serve with your veggie sticks or organic chips.

Enjoy! xx