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You are here: Home / Sauces, Spreads and Dips / Creamy Jalapeño Dip (Vegan)

Creamy Jalapeño Dip (Vegan)

February 24, 2020 Updated: June 28, 2023 By Leanne 20 Comments

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This Creamy Jalapeño Dip is the best dairy-free jalapeño cilantro dip! You only need six ingredients and the spice level is totally customizable. This easy vegan dip also works as a sauce, dressing or spread!

If you’re looking for a spicy jalapeño dip without any mayo, cream cheese, sour cream or cheese, you’ll love this simple jalapeño cilantro dip. It has a cashew base and it’s easy to make, super tasty and made with real ingredients.

Once you give this one a try, I also highly recommend this cashew queso, this dairy-free caramelized onion dip and this dairy-free buffalo chicken dip.

Jalapeño dip in a small black bowl with cilantro leaves surrounding it.

Reasons you’ll love this recipe

  • You just need 6 ingredients.
  • It’s creamy without sour cream, mayonnaise or cream cheese.
  • The spice level is adjustable to your taste.
  • It’s versatile – use it as a dip, spread, sauce or even dressing.
  • And it can pretty much go with anything!

If you love jalapeño, lime and cilantro together, you’ll also love this jalapeño vinaigrette!

Ingredients for spicy jalapeño dip

  • Raw cashews
  • Nut milk
  • Cilantro
  • Fresh lime juice
  • Jalapeño
  • Sea salt
Ingredients to make jalapeño dipping sauce arranged on a grey surface.

How to make jalapeño cilantro dip

  1. Soak your cashews in hot water for about half an hour.
  2. Drain the water. Add the cashews and the other ingredients to a blender or food processor.
  3. Blend on high until smooth and creamy.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need to soak the cashews?

Yes, soaking the cashews softens them and helps create a creamy dip texture.

How spicy is this dip?

This dip is moderately spicy. I use half a jalapeño without the seeds. If you like it a little less spicy, just use a quarter of a jalapeño. If you like it spicier, use the full jalapeño or add the seeds too. Much of the heat comes from the seeds.

Can you use bottled lime juice?

If you don’t have fresh lime juice, you can use the same amount of bottled lime juice. Just make sure it says pure lime juice on the label.

Is this dip meant to be served hot or cold?

This is a cold jalapeño dip. You can try warming it in the oven or microwave but I haven’t tested it, so I’m not sure how the texture would hold up.

How long will this dip last?

If stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this dip should last for 4-5 days.

Vegan jalapeño dip in serving cups with a plate of home fries.

Recipe tips and substitutions

  • For any cashew dip, I always suggest a high-powered food processor or blender. If your blender or food processor isn’t powerful, you’ll just have to blend the mixture for a bit longer and it might not get as creamy. I also suggest soaking the cashews over night instead of just for 30 minutes.
  • For the creamiest and thickest texture, I like to blend this dip in my smaller smoothie cup that came with my blender. It’s just the right size and blitzes the dip in seconds!
  • This recipe makes about a cup, so if you’re serving a crowd or would like to make a batch for the week, I suggest doubling the recipe.
  • If you’d like to use the dip as a sauce or salad dressing, just add more nut milk, lime juice or water to thin it out a bit.
  • If you’re not a fan of cilantro, try using fresh parsley instead. It will change the taste slightly, but the dip will still have the same great texture and colour.
Up-close view of creamy jalapeño dip in a small bowl with a serving spoon.

Ways to serve this jalapeño sauce/dip

Use it as a chip dip for air fryer tortilla chips or air fryer pita chips.

Serve it as a side dip with turnip fries, roasted potatoes or potato wedges.

Spread it on turkey burgers or add it to the top of veggie nachos, tofu tacos or taco cups.

Thin it out a bit and use it as a dressing for this spicy salmon pasta salad, these zucchini noodle bowls or these turkey meatball quinoa bowls.

Use it as the creamy dressing for coleslaw to top these fish tacos.

Add a dollop to these ground beef fajitas.

More dairy-free dips

  • Chipotle Dip
  • Roasted Red Pepper Dip
  • White Bean Dip
  • Mushroom Spinach Dip
  • Creamy Herb Dip
  • Cashew Mayo
  • Edamame Hummus with Jalapeño and Cilantro

If you give this Creamy Jalapeño Dip a try, I’d love to hear how you use it in the comments below!

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Creamy Jalapeño Dip in a small bowl on a grey surface with a serving spoon inserted into the bowl.

Creamy Jalapeño Dip (Vegan)

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 7 reviews
  • Author: Leanne
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 1 cup
  • Category: Dips and Spreads
  • Method: Blend
  • Cuisine: Vegan
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Description

This Creamy Jalapeño Dip is the best dairy-free jalapeño cilantro dip! You only need six ingredients and the spice level is totally customizable. It also works as a sauce, spread or dressing!


Ingredients

  • 1 cup raw cashews
  • 1 cup hot water
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened nut milk
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, packed, stems mostly removed
  • 1 lime, juiced (about 1 1/2 tablespoons)
  • 1/2 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt


Instructions

  1. Add the cashews and hot water to a glass dish or jar. Cover and let soak for 25-30 minutes. Once soaked, drain water.
  2. Add the cashews, nut milk, cilantro, lime juice, jalapeño and sea salt to a blender or food processor and blend on high until smooth.
  3. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use. It should last for 4-5 days.

Notes

  1. For cashew dips, I always suggest a high-powered food processor or blender. If your blender or food processor isn’t powerful, you will need to blend the mixture for longer and it might not get as creamy. You’ll also want to soak the cashews overnight instead of just for 30 minutes. For the creamiest and thickest texture, try using the smaller smoothie cup that comes with many blenders.
  2. This dip is moderately spicy. If you like it a little less spicy, use less jalapeño. If you like it spicier, use the full jalapeño or add the seeds too.
  3. Be sure to check out the tips and substitutions section above the recipe for more detailed advice and suggestions for making this recipe.

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Filed Under: All Recipes, Dairy-Free, Sauces, Spreads and Dips, Vegan

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kelly | Foodtasia says

    February 26, 2020 at 4:55 pm

    Oh yum! What a lovely dip! I’m dreaming of all the things I can dip into it!

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      March 8, 2020 at 10:59 am

      Thanks Kelly!

      Reply
  2. Haylie / Our Balanced Bowl says

    February 26, 2020 at 3:21 pm

    Leanne, I seriously am astounded that this is vegan!!! Wow! SO creamy! I would love this especially because i’m obsessed with anything spicy! YUM!

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      March 8, 2020 at 11:00 am

      The magic of cashews! Thanks Haylie. If you like spicy, you’ll love this dip!

      Reply
  3. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says

    February 26, 2020 at 12:53 pm

    I have to try this Leanne! I’ve been eating so much healthier so far in 2020! In fact, I’m down 10 pounds!! This healthy dip will most definitely be added to my healthier menu lineup!

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      March 8, 2020 at 11:00 am

      That’s awesome Mary Ann! I hope you get a chance to try this dip!

      Reply
  4. Tasia ~ two sugar bugs says

    February 25, 2020 at 1:48 am

    I imagine this would be fantastic on some grilled fish!! Love cilantro, lime and jalapeño together and look forward to trying this!

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      February 25, 2020 at 4:23 pm

      I love that idea Tasia! I’ll need to try that the next time we cook some cod or even salmon!

      Reply
  5. Katherine | Love In My Oven says

    February 24, 2020 at 11:47 pm

    We LOVE dips and sauces too, Leanne! We actually have a little section in our pantry that is dedicated to dips, haha! I really need to try this one – not only is the color so vibrant and green, I just love that you made it dairy-free. Pinning to try soon! XO

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      February 25, 2020 at 4:22 pm

      Thanks Katherine! Carving out a specific section for dips is a great idea! Appreciate you pinning!

      Reply
  6. Milena Perrine says

    February 24, 2020 at 10:39 pm

    I look forward to tasting the nutty creaminess of the cashews in this dip! I am thinking it would also be great to spoon over just a bowl of rice with some green onions and avocado slices, just as a light lunch combo. Looks gorgeous!

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      February 25, 2020 at 4:21 pm

      I like the way you think Milena. That sounds delicious! Thank you!

      Reply
  7. Alexandra @ It's Not Complicated Recipes says

    February 24, 2020 at 8:38 pm

    So many delicious uses for this – love the vibrant colour too!
    Jalapeno is delicious!

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      February 25, 2020 at 4:20 pm

      Thanks so much Alex!

      Reply
  8. Marissa says

    February 24, 2020 at 6:26 pm

    I’ve used cashew cream in soups, but never considered it for dip. This jalepeno dip looks SO creamy! I want to dip everything in it!

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      February 25, 2020 at 4:20 pm

      I use it in soups too, but it’s so good as a dip. Worth a try! Thanks Marissa!

      Reply
  9. Terry says

    February 24, 2020 at 11:32 am

    This dip looks tasty! I love a nice spicy dip and this would be perfect. Its great that its vegan as well, so everyone can enjoy it!
    Great recipe.

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      February 25, 2020 at 4:20 pm

      Thank you Terry!

      Reply
  10. Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says

    February 24, 2020 at 10:18 am

    This dip looks unbelievably creamy (without the cream:) I wouldn’t miss it and of course, you can’t beat jalapeno and cilantro flavours to go so well with so many things!

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      February 25, 2020 at 4:19 pm

      Thanks Jennifer! You definitely don’t miss the dairy in this one!

      Reply

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Meet Leanne

Hey there! I'm Leanne and welcome to Crumb Top Baking. I'm a self-taught baker, home cook and food photographer, and I'm passionate about sharing well-tested, simple and approachable desserts and savory recipes. Learn more about me and what you'll find on Crumb Top Baking....

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