Creamy Jalapeño Dip (Vegan)

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!

We’re a condiment and dip loving kinda house. Did I ever tell you that? Almost everything we prepare for dinner goes with a sauce, dip, dressing or spread. I didn’t quite realize this until I actually thought about it, but it’s true. Salads, pasta, pizza, grain bowls, snacks and even soups. They all have a drizzle or dollop of something on them.

So needless to say, I’m always looking for the healthiest and least processed options possible. That’s why I usually make my own. And that’s why this jalapeño cilantro dip is a go-to for us. It’s easy to make, super tasty and made with real ingredients.

Reasons you’ll love this creamy jalapeño dip too:

• 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!

Ingredients to make this jalapeño dipping sauce:

• Raw cashews
• Nut milk
• Cilantro
• Fresh lime juice
• Jalapeño
• Sea salt

How to make this jalapeño cilantro dip:

• Soak your cashews in hot water for about half an hour.
• Drain the water. Add the cashews and the other ingredients to a blender or food processor.
• 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.

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.

Ways to serve this jalapeño sauce/dip:

• Use it as a dip for tortilla chips, nachos or fries.

• Spread it on burgers or add it to the top of tacos.

• Thin it out a bit and use it as a dressing for salads or grain bowls.

Other dairy-free dips you might enjoy:

• Roasted Red Pepper Cashew Dip is a reader favourite and works beautifully with pasta or zucchini noodles.

• White Bean Dip is the easiest dip you’ll ever make and there are three different flavour options to choose from in the recipe.

• Mushroom Spinach Dip is for all the mushroom lovers out there with lots of garlic, spinach and fresh rosemary.

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 (Vegan)

★★★★★

5 from 7 reviews

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!

• Author: Leanne
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 1 cup 1x
• Category: Dips and Spreads
• Method: Blend
• Cuisine: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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.

Keywords: jalapeño cilantro dip, jalapeño dipping sauce