Vegan Salsa Cheese Sauce

This Easy Vegan Salsa Cheese Sauce is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness with a zesty kick from salsa. It’s quick to make and perfect for dipping, drizzling, or pouring over nachos, tacos, burritos, or even roasted vegetables. Made with simple pantry ingredients, this sauce is a must-try for any nacho lover or anyone looking for a dairy-free alternative that’s full of flavor.

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup raw cashews (soaked for 4 hours or overnight, or boiled for 10 minutes to soften)
1/2 cup salsa (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 cup water (or more if needed)
1/4 cup nutritional yeast (for cheesy flavor)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
1/4 teaspoon cumin (for a bit of warmth)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Soak the Cashews

If using raw cashews, soak them in water for at least 4 hours, or overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can boil them for about 10 minutes until they soften.
Drain and rinse the cashews before using.

2. Blend the Ingredients

In a blender or food processor, combine the soaked cashews, salsa, water, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), and cumin.
Blend until smooth and creamy. Add more water if needed to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.

3. Heat the Sauce

Pour the sauce into a saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring frequently. This will help thicken the sauce and bring out the flavors.
Once the sauce is heated through and bubbly, remove from heat.

4. Serve

Serve immediately over nachos, tacos, baked potatoes, or use as a dip for chips, veggies, or fries!

Tips:

Storage: Leftover salsa cheese sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little extra water if needed to thin it out.
Spicy Version: For a spicier sauce, add a bit of chopped jalapeños to the blender or a dash of hot sauce.
Creamier Sauce: For a richer texture, add a tablespoon of coconut cream or olive oil.

This Easy Vegan Salsa Cheese Sauce is the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and spicy, making it the ideal addition to any Mexican-inspired meal. It’s quick to make, versatile, and sure to be a crowd favorite!