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    You are here: Home » Recipes » Dips, Dressings & Sauce Recipes » Vegan Garlic Cashew Spread

    Vegan Garlic Cashew Spread

    Published: Apr 13, 2016 · Last Updated: Apr 16, 2021 by Karielyn Tillman · This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Vertical image of a small dip bowl filled with Gluten-Free Vegan Garlic Cashew Spread on a weathered wooden surface with text overlay
    White bowl filled with Gluten-Free Vegan Garlic Cashew Spread with garlic bulbs in the background and text overlay

    This healthy Gluten-Free Vegan Garlic Cashew Spread is an easy recipe to make with only 5 clean, real food ingredients and can be prepared in under 5 minutes. It's a perfect plant-based staple recipe to use in wraps, to dip fresh veggies, or spread on gluten-free crackers.

    A small white bowl filled with Gluten-Free Vegan Garlic Cashew Spread on a weathered wooden surface with scattered cashews and garlic bulbs to the sideThis plant-Based Gluten-Free Vegan Garlic Cashew Spread is an easy recipe to make and a great staple recipe to have on hand.

    Here's Why This Recipe Works

    My top 3 favorite reasons:

    1. It's A Versatile Plant-Based Staple Recipe
    2. Can Be Prepared In Less Than 5 Minutes
    3. Made With Only 5 Clean, Real Food Ingredients

    It's A Versatile Plant-Based Staple Recipe

    This is a great recipe to keep on hand because there are so many things you can use it for.

    For example, one of my favorites is my Stuffed Mini Peppers with Vegan  Garlic Cashew Spread.

    Some other ways you can use it are on wraps, to dip fresh veggies, and even spread on gluten-free crackers or bread.

    Made With A Minimal Ingredient List

    You'll love this really easy recipe that's made with only 5 clean, real food ingredients.

    For example, cashews, garlic, lemon juice, sea salt, and a pinch of ground black pepper.

    They are common ingredients that can be found easily and you may already have them all on hand!

    Can Be Prepared In Less Than 5 Minutes

    You can make this plant-based recipe in a matter of minutes using a Vitamix.

    I included a step to soak the cashews in advance to make the mixture extra smooth.

    However, it's optional and can be skipped if you're short on time.

    This healthy, clean eating recipe is organic, plant-based, raw, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, oil-free, low-carb, paleo-friendly, and Medical Medium® compliant.

    Feel Good About What You Eat text graphic

    How To Make This Recipe: Step-By-Step Instructions

    Here is how to make this recipe and I'll show you how with step-by-step instructions below.

    Step 1: Prepare The Cashews

    Firstly, there are two options for the cashews:

    1. Unsoaked Cashews - if you are short on time, you can add the raw cashews directly to the Vitamix. The mixture will be somewhat "grainy" but will taste the same.
    2. Soaked Cashews - if time allows, soak the cashews in a bowl of filtered/purified water for 30-60 minutes. When done, drain and rinse the cashews before adding to the Vitamix. Soaking the cashews will make them soft and the mixture extra smooth.

    Step 2: Blend The Ingredients

    Secondly, add all the ingredients for the recipe, including the cashews to a Vitamix.

    Blend on high speed until everything is well combined and the mixture has a thick consistency.

    Taste and adjust the seasonings to your preference.

    Step 3: How To Store Gluten-Free Vegan Garlic Cashew Spread

    Lastly, store the spread in an air-tight, BPA-free container in the refrigerator.

    Overhead image of the top of a small white bowl filled with Gluten-Free Vegan Garlic Cashew Spread on a weathered wooden surface with scattered cashews and garlic bulbs surrounding it

    Karielyn's Expert Tips + Ingredient Substitutions

    Here are some of my expert tips to make this recipe perfectly:

    Cashews. The secret to making this spread is in the cashews. You want the mixture to be thick enough to spread, but not have a "grainy" texture. Soaking the cashews in filtered/purified water before adding them to the blender will make them soft. In addition, this will make the mixture extra smooth without a "grainy" texture.

    Not to worry if you don't have time to soak the cashews in advance. The taste will be the same and only the texture would be different.

    Garlic. I recommend using fresh garlic to give the best flavor. In addition, here are some other garlic suggestions:

    • Add 1-2 extra cloves of freshly crushed garlic if you L.O.V.E. garlic.
    • If time permits, you could also use roasted garlic to give it a more intense flavor.

    Lemon Juice. Freshly squeezed lemon juice will give you the best flavor and most nutrients. However, you can substitute with store-bought organic lemon juice.

    Himalayan Pink Salt. This is my salt of preference but it can always be substituted with sea salt.

    Vertical image of a small white dip bowl filled with Gluten-Free Vegan Garlic Cashew Spread on a weathered wooden surface with garlic bulbs in the background

    Want More Healthy Plant-Based Dip + Dressing Recipes?

    Check out these:

    • Tomatillo and Jalapeno Dip 
    • Healthy Party Dips Roundup 
    • Vegan Pistachio Mint Hummus
    • or my CLEAN EATING Cookbook with 75+ plant-based vegan + gluten-free recipes made with clean, real food ingredients just like this one that you will love!

    Did You Make This Recipe?

    I'd love to hear about it! Please give it a rating and leave a comment below...it would make my day! : )

    Horizontal image of a small white dip bowl filled with Gluten-Free Vegan Garlic Cashew Spread on a weathered wooden surface with scattered cashews around it

    Gluten-Free Vegan Garlic Cashew Spread

    This healthy Gluten-Free Vegan Garlic Cashew Spread is an easy recipe to make with only 5 clean, real food ingredients and can be prepared in under 5 minutes. It's a perfect plant-based staple recipe to use in wraps, to dip fresh veggies, or spread on gluten-free crackers.
    { Plant-Based | Raw | Vegan | Gluten-Free | Dairy-Free | Soy-Free | Oil-Free | Low-Carb | Paleo-Friendly | Medical Medium® Compliant }
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Pin Review Save For Later Saved!
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 0 minutes
    Optional Inactive Time: 1 hour
    Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
    Yields: 16 servings
    Calories : 92

    Equipment

    • Vitamix

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups organic raw cashews
    • 4 cloves organic garlic (freshly crushed)
    • 1/2 cup organic lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
    • 1/2 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
    • 1 pinch organic ground pepper
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    Optional Step: Prepare the cashews:

    • Soak the cashews in filtered/purified water for 30-60 minutes, then rinse and drain. This step is optional, but it will make the cashews soft and the mixture extra smooth.

    Prepare the spread:

    • Add all ingredients to a Vitamix and blend until everything is well combined, but still thick, taking care not to over blend, and using the tamper if needed. If the mixture is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of water to help it blend easier.
    • Taste and adjust seasonings to your preference.
    • Store in an air-tight BPA-free container in the refrigerator.

    Recipe Notes

    Cashews. Soaking the cashews in filtered/purified water before adding them to the blender will make them soft. In addition, this will make the mixture extra smooth without a "grainy" texture.
    Not to worry if you don't have time to soak the cashews in advance. The taste will be the same and only the texture would be different.
    Garlic. I recommend using fresh garlic to give the best flavor. In addition, here are some other garlic suggestions:
    • Add 1-2 extra cloves of freshly crushed garlic if you L.O.V.E. garlic.
    • If time permits, you could also use roasted garlic to give it a more intense flavor.
    Lemon Juice. Freshly squeezed lemon juice will give you the best flavor and most nutrients. However, you can substitute with store-bought organic lemon juice.
    Himalayan Pink Salt. This is my salt of preference but it can always be substituted with sea salt.
    Serving Size: This recipe will make (1) cup. The serving size was calculated at (1) tablespoon per serving for a total of (16) servings.

    Nutrition Information

    Serving: 1svg | Calories: 92kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 7g | Sodium: 75mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Calcium: 7mg
    Course:Appetizer
    Cuisine:American
    Recipe Author: Karielyn Tillman
    Did You Make This Recipe?Leave a Rating + Comment Below!
    Head Shot of Author Photo
    Karielyn Tillman

    Hi, I'm Karielyn! I'm the published cookbook author of CLEAN DESSERTS and content creator of The Healthy Family and Home™ website since 2012. I specialize in creating easy, healthy plant-based and Medical Medium® compliant recipes that are gluten-free + vegan and made with clean, real food ingredients that you can feel good about eating.

    « Vegan Chocolate Chip Chia Seed Pudding
    Stuffed Mini Peppers with Vegan Garlic Cashew Spread »

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Linda says

      March 24, 2018 at 9:44 am

      ’1/2 organic lemon juice’
      1/2 what? Cup? Teaspoon?
      I can’t find the comments that might already answer this question.

      Reply
      • Karielyn says

        March 26, 2018 at 7:05 pm

        Hi there Linda! Sorry about that...it should be "1/2 cup" organic lemon juice. I just corrected the recipe and thanks so much for letting me know about the error 🙂

        Reply
    2. Mikaelee says

      May 13, 2017 at 6:01 pm

      Could I make this in a food processor?

      Reply
      • Karielyn says

        May 18, 2017 at 12:29 pm

        Hi Mikaelee! You should be able to. I would soak the cashews for about 30-60 minutes (then drain them) before adding them to the food processor so they will be soft and blend easier.

        Thanks for the question and I hope you enjoy the recipe 🙂

        Reply
    3. Alisha says

      January 10, 2017 at 5:33 pm

      5 stars
      I made this tonight and I'm in creamy garlic heaven! Thank you for such a simple and delicious recipe.

      Reply
      • Karielyn says

        January 11, 2017 at 11:32 am

        Hi there Alisha! I'm so glad to hear you enjoyed the recipe! It is definitely super easy to make and very versatile too.

        Thank you for trying out the recipe and for taking the time to let me know you like it...I really appreciate it 🙂

        Reply
    4. Ashton says

      May 08, 2016 at 11:05 am

      Hi Karielyn! I just started a Raw Vegan diet. and I'm wondering about your recipe for the "Garlic Cashew Spread"... how long does this keep in the refrigerator? Or should it be eaten the same day? Thank you!

      -Ashton

      Reply
      • Karielyn says

        May 19, 2016 at 6:33 pm

        Hi there Ashton! Yay for starting a raw vegan diet!! You can keep it in the refrigerator for a couple of days covered and it will be fine.

        Thanks for your question and I hope you enjoy it...it's really good 🙂

        Reply

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