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Creamy Herbed Cashew Cheese (Vegan + Dairy-Free)

Updated: 6 days ago


vegan cashew cheese recipe


A Simple, Flavor-Packed Spread for Every Occasion


If you haven’t made cashew “cheese” yet, here’s your sign! This Herbed Cashew Cheese might be one of the easiest—and most versatile—recipes on a plant-based menu. It’s rich, creamy, and tangy with a fresh herb flavor that instantly upgrades just about any meal.


Made with a handful of wholesome ingredients like soaked cashews, lemon juice, miso, and herbs, this dairy-free cheese is packed with nutrients and umami flavor. Plus, you can easily customize it to your mood—add roasted red pepper for a smoky twist, garlic for depth, or extra herbs for an earthy, garden-fresh taste.


Keep it thick and spreadable or thin it out for a luscious sauce—the choice is yours!


dairy free vegan cashew cheese

Creamy Herbed Cashew Cheese (Vegan + Dairy-Free)


Serves: 4

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: none


Ingredients for Creamy Herbed Cashew Cheese


Cheese

  • 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in water for 4 or more hours

  • 1 Tbsp mellow white or chickpea miso

  • 2 Tbsp nutritional yeast

  • 2 Tbsp chopped shallot

  • 1 lemon, juiced

  • ¼ cup water (plus more as needed for desired consistency)


Herbs

  • 2 Tbsp cilantro, chopped (or parsley, basil, or dill)

  • 2 Tbsp chives, chopped

  • Optional: 1 tsp red pepper flakes or ¼ tsp cayenne for spice


Creamy Herbed Cashew Cheese Directions


  1. Drain and rinse the soaked cashews. Add them to a food processor or high-speed blender.

  2. Add miso, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, shallot, and water.

  3. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.

  4. Transfer to a medium bowl.

  5. Stir in the herbs and optional red pepper flakes or cayenne.

  6. Taste and adjust—add more herbs, lemon, or salt if desired.

  7. Garnish with extra herbs before serving.


Substitutions + Variations

  • No miso? Use an extra tablespoon of nutritional yeast and a pinch of salt.

  • No shallot? Swap in white or yellow onion.

  • No fresh herbs? Use dried (½ the amount) or mix and match your favorites:

    • Parsley + oregano

    • Rosemary + thyme

    • Cilantro + dill

  • For a flavor twist: Add roasted red peppers, garlic, or sun-dried tomatoes.


vegan cashew cheese

 10 Delicious Ways to Use Cashew Cheese

  1. Spread on avocado toast.

  2. Wrap it up with colorful veggies in a sprouted tortilla.

  3. Serve as a dip with vegetable crudités.

  4. Top on flatbread with tomatoes, onion, and basil.

  5. Spread over a veggie burger.

  6. Stuff into legume pasta shells.

  7. Stir into soups as a creamy thickener.

  8. Use in vegan mac ’n’ cheese.

  9. Roll into zucchini cannelloni.

  10. Add to tomato sauce for a creamy “alla vodka” vibe (vodka optional!).


Final Thoughts

Herbed Cashew Cheese is one of those why-didn’t-I-make-this-sooner? recipes. It takes minutes to prepare, lasts several days in the fridge, and instantly transforms simple meals into something special. Whether you’re looking to elevate your toast, boost your pasta, or add a gourmet touch to a plant-based spread, this dairy-free cheese delivers every time.


Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Thin with a splash of water or lemon juice if it thickens.


Nutrition Information

Per serving (2 servings): 200 calories, 25 grams carbohydrates, 2.5 grams fiber, 8 grams protein, 12 grams fat, 2 grams saturated fat, 169 milligrams sodium

Excellent source of B1, B2, B3, B12, folate, copper, magnesium, zinc




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