Spice up your next snack session with this delightfully-dippable Vegan Smokey Cashew Queso Dip!
It’s no secret at this point that we here at NS are big-time fans of snacking. We also believe that the best healthy snacks include recipes that not only taste delicious but also check some of the nutritional boxes. Using lightly toasted raw cashews and almond milk gives this Smokey Cashew Queso dip a boost of protein.
Finding substitutes for dairy isn’t always easy. Especially when it comes to mimicking the texture of a perfectly creamy cheese sauce. In our home, we’ve personally tried numerous store-bought options, most of which were packed with extra oil and preservatives.
By adding a few tablespoons of nutritional yeast, you get a big boost of B vitamins, while adding the perfect “cheesy” flavor. The real game-changer came from a recipe created by chef and author Kenji López-Alt where he uses a potato to improve texture. Once cooked, the natural starches from the potato give this dip a smooth “cheesy” texture, without the use of dairy.
Why Smokey Cashew Queso Dip is a Nourishing Snack Option
Whenever you make yourself a snack, we always say to include at least 2 elements of our Foundational Five system.
Our Foundational Five system is an easy way to know you have a nourishing and well-balanced meal, and it’s made up of five elements: protein, starchy carbohydrates, non-starchy carbohydrates, fat, and flavor factor.
By choosing two of those plus the flavor factor, you’ll always have a well-balanced snack that will give you the energy you need plus keep you satiated until your next meal.
The two main ingredients in this Vegan Smokey Cashew Queso Dip are cashews, which are a healthy source of fat and plant-based protein, and potatoes, which provide a starchy carbohydrate.
Cashews also contain minerals such as zinc, manganese, copper, and selenium, all of which are important for our immune system and overall health.
With a side of veggies for dipping, this cashew queso dip is a great option for a snack or alongside a meal.
What is the Foundational Five Flavor Factor?
In case you’re new to the NS Community and the Mindful Nutrition Method, the Foundational Five system is part of how we teach you to build balanced meals. It makes it easy for you to give your body the nourishment you need while having the flexibility to enjoy the foods you love without stressing about food.
The Foundational Five is made up of five elements of nutrition including Protein, Fat, Non-starchy Carbohydrates, starchy & Sugary Carbohydrates, and the Flavor Factor (which brings vibrancy, deliciousness, and enjoyment to your meals).
You can download our free guide that walks you through our Foundational Five system for creating balanced meals that you can use to meal prep or cook fresh this week!