Chipotle Dip (Without Mayo)

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This easy, vegan Chipotle Dip has a smoky flavour with a touch of sweetness and a hint of heat. It’s made with cashews so it’s smooth, creamy and mayo-free!

We are all about the dips in our house, and homemade cashew sauces and dips are so delicious and easy to make.

This cashew queso is a go-to for us, especially on nacho night, and this creamy jalapeño dip is the perfect condiment for pumpkin fries or potato wedges.

And, for game day, this dairy-free buffalo chicken dip or dairy-free caramelized onion dip are definitely crowd pleasers!

Chipotle dip in a bowl with chips surrounding it.

We’ve been loving this chipotle dip with air fryer turnip fries and tortilla chips. (Check out this post for details on how to make air fryer tortilla chips)!

Why you’ll love this recipe

It’s made without sour cream or mayo, so it’s dairy-free and vegan.
You only need 7 ingredients and it’s super easy to make.
It’s versatile! You can enjoy this recipe as a dip, sauce, spread or salad dressing.

What is chipotle sauce made from?

Normally, the key ingredients in chipotle sauce or chipotle dip include chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, mayo and sour cream or plain yogurt.

We’re changing things up in this recipe and substituting cashews for the mayo and sour cream/yogurt, and using chipotle powder in place of the chipotle pepper in adobo.

Details on the ingredients

Ingredients to make vegan chipotle dip arranged individually and labelled.

Cashews – They create the dairy-free creamy texture in this dip. I normally use raw and unsalted cashews (whole or halved) and soak them in hot water for 30 minutes.

Milk – Any type of non-dairy milk will work. You can even use dairy milk if you don’t need this dip to be dairy-free or vegan. I prefer to use unsweetened almond or cashew milk.

Lemon juice – A pop of citrus flavour balances out the heat in this recipe. Feel free to substitute lime juice for the lemon juice.

Maple syrup – Again, a little sweetness balances out the heat. For a non-vegan version, you can use honey or another type of liquid sweetener.

Seasoning – You just need a simple mix of salt, garlic powder and chipotle chili pepper (also called chipotle powder).

How to make chipotle dip with cashews

It takes just three easy steps to make this dip:

Add the cashews and hot water to a glass dish or jar. Cover and let soak for 30 minutes.
Drain the cashews and add them to a high-powered blender or food processor along with the other ingredients.
Blend on high until smooth.

Close up of cashew chipotle dip in a bowl.

Ways to use chipotle sauce

We usually use it as a dip and it goes perfectly with these air fryer pita chips, air fryer baby potatoes, air fryer potato slices or these butternut squash home fries.

Drizzle it on nachos like these loaded veggie nachos or these pulled pork breakfast nachos.

Spread it on turkey burgers, salmon patties or chicken patties to add a spicy kick.

Serve it up with tacos like these tofu scramble breakfast tacos, air fryer fish tacos or taco cups with ground turkey.

The spicy flavour also pairs nicely with seafood including these air fryer breaded shrimp, salmon fillets or crab cakes.

Add a dollop on top of this chicken fajita soup or these ground beef fajitas!

Frequently asked questions

Is this chipotle dip spicy?

This dip definitely has a spicy kick, but the maple syrup and lemon juice tame the heat a bit. The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of chipotle chili pepper. If you like it a little less spicy, just reduce the amount you use. If you like it spicier, feel free to use a little more.

Do you need to soak the cashews in water?

Yes, soaking the cashews in hot water softens them and helps them blend into a smooth and creamy texture.

Do you need to use a high-powered blender?

While a high-powered blender or food processor works best, you can use any type of blender or food processor, but the texture may not be as smooth. If your appliance isn’t powerful enough to blend the cashews into a creamy consistency, try blending them in batches or soaking them for longer. I like to blend this dip in the smoothie cup that came with my high-powered blender. It’s just the right size and results in the creamiest texture.

Can I make this dip nut-free?

This recipe is nut-based, but if you’re looking for a spicy, nut-free dip, try this edamame hummus with jalapeño.

How long does this dip last?

If it’s stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it should last for 3-4 days. It will thicken a bit as it chills, so you may need to stir in a little more nut milk or water to thin it out. (This really depends on your preferred consistency).

Overhead of chipotle sauce in a bowl and served with tortilla chips.

Key recipe tips

Soak the cashews. This is essential for easy blending and to achieve a creamy texture.
Blender. A high-powered blender or food processor works best for this recipe.
Spice level. Adjust the amount of chipotle powder to suit your taste.
Make it sweeter. Add a little more maple syrup or liquid sweetener of your choice.
Fresh citrus. Freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice has the best flavour so avoid bottled juices if you can.
Make it a salad dressing. Just blend in a little more milk or water to make it a thinner consistency.
Double the recipe. This recipe makes about one cup, so feel free to double it to feed a crowd.

Other cashew dips

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think in the comments below!

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