Healthy Vegan Queso Dip (Dairy-free, Soy-free)

This queso dip is one of my new favorite party snacks.

I served it to my friends at a get together last weekend, and everyone was shocked at its similarity to the popular Ro*tel dip— which is a simple mix of diced tomatoes and chiles, with a melted block of Velveeta. For this dip, I wanted to recreate that classic flavor, without using any “processed cheese product.”

To my surprise, it’s actually not that difficult to recreate that processed cheesy flavor. Perhaps it’s due to the fact that most “cheese products” don’t contain much real cheese to begin with?

Instead, this dip gets its creaminess from raw cashews! Not only do cashews have a lower fat content than most other nuts, they’re also loaded with iron, magnesium and tryptohpan. Paired with fresh lemon juice and diced tomatoes, providing a healthy dose of vitamin C, this dip– unlike it’s processed counterpart– is practically guilt-free!

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Healthy Queso Dip (Dairy-free, Soy-free)
makes about 2 1/2 cups

Ingredients:

1 cup raw cashews*, soaked for up to 4 hours and drained
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon sea salt
juice of half a lemon (about 1 1/2 tablespoons)
3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
1/8 teaspoon turmeric
14 oz. can diced tomatoes with green chiles

*Raw cashews have a very mild and neutral flavor that works well in this recipe. Try to avoid using roasted cashews, which have a stronger cashew flavor.

Directions:

In a high-speed blender, or food processor, combine the first six ingredients, plus the liquid from the can of diced tomatoes and green chiles. (I was able to get about 1/4 cup of liquid from the can.)

Blend until a smooth and creamy “cheese” sauce is created. Feel free to add more liquid, if you like, but keep in mind that the diced tomatoes and chiles will also thin-out the sauce a bit.

Transfer the cheese mixture to a large bowl, then add in the can of diced tomatoes and green chiles. Stir well to combine.

At this point, be sure to adjust any flavors to your taste, then warm the dip using a small crock pot, or by heating it gently over a stove top. As the dip is warmed, it becomes even more authentic!

Serve with baked tortilla chips and fresh sliced veggies, for a nutrient-rich party snack!

4.82 from 37 votes

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Healthy Queso Dip

Prep Time

10 mins

Total Time

10 mins

 

A creamy, dairy-free queso, similar to the popular Ro*tel dip!

Course: Appetizer

Servings: 8

Calories: 108 kcal

Author: Detoxinista.com

Ingredients

• 1 cup raw cashews , soaked for up to 4 hours and drained
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• juice of half a lemon (about 1 1/2 tablespoons)
• 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 1/8 teaspoon turmeric
• 14 oz . can diced tomatoes with green chiles

Instructions

1. In a high-speed blender, or food processor, combine the first six ingredients, plus the liquid from the can of diced tomatoes and green chiles. (I was able to get about 1/4 cup of liquid from the can.)
2. Blend until a smooth and creamy "cheese" sauce is created.
3. Transfer the cheese mixture to a large bowl, then add in the can of diced tomatoes and green chiles. Stir well to combine.
4. At this point, be sure to adjust any flavors to your taste, then warm the dip using a small crock pot, or by heating it gently over a stove top. As the dip is warmed, it becomes even more authentic!
5. Serve with baked tortilla chips and fresh sliced veggies, for a nutrient-rich party snack!

Enjoy!

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Reader Feedback: Are you a queso fan? Have you ever made Ro*tel dip before? I have always been a huge fan of warm queso dips, so now I can get my “cheesy” fix, without a stomach ache later!