Home » Condiments » Super Easy Vegan Queso (Cashew-Free, Oil-Free)

Super Easy Vegan Queso (Cashew-Free, Oil-Free)

ByKristen Wood Last updated
This post may contain affiliate links, and we receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you using these links. We appreciate your support!
Skip to Recipe Pin Recipe

No cashews are to be found in this quick, easy, creamy and flavorful best vegan queso recipe made with only a few simple ingredients, including nutritional yeast. Naturally gluten-free and oil-free.

a close up shot of creamy vegan queso in a white ramekin.

💛 Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Super quick and easy to make.
  • A true queso taste (much better than cashew queso!).
  • Ridiculously ‘cheesy’, savory flavor.
  • Can be used as a vegan queso dip or a vegan nacho cheese sauce.
  • Packed with nutrients, nutritional yeast.
  • A creamy queso texture.
  • The perfect blend of spices.
  • Naturally vegan, dairy-free, plant based, oil free soy free, nut free and gluten free.
orange vegan queso alongside yellow corn tortilla chips.

🔪 How to Make Vegan Queso

A saucepan with a variety of spices.
Step 1 – Combine ingredients over medium-high heat.
A whisk sticking out of a saucepan with a milk like substance.
Step 2 – Mix well.
A blue whisk in a saucepan with a cheesy sauce.
Step 3 – Simmer and whisk until thickened.
A whisk stirring a vegan queso sauce.
Step 4 – Turn off the heat and stir in the salsa.
A small ceramic ramekin filled with a vegan cheese sauce.
Step 5 – Serve in a bowl and enjoy!

🥣 How to Serve

This vegan cheese sauce is great served alongside tortilla chips, on top of chips for vegan nachos, used as a spread for wraps or sandwiches, as a dip for veggies or burritos, to make vegan cheese quesadillas, to top off baked potatoes or even served over pasta. It’s also great drizzled over a tortilla topped with copycat chipotle fajita veggies!

a tortilla chip stuck in an oil free vegan queso dip made with nutritional yeast.

❓ FAQ

Can I use something other than tapioca starch?

Yes! You can replace the tapioca flour with arrowroot starch or corn starch, if you prefer.

Is this recipe spicy?

This entirely depends on what choice of salsa you use. On its own, this vegan queso is not spicy. Use a mild salsa for a mild queso or a spicy salsa for a spicy queso.

How do I store and reheat this vegan queso?

To store, keep vegan queso in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, place the queso in a saucepan over medium heat and stir until warm throughout. It makes great leftovers!

Where can I buy nutritional yeast?

Nutritional yeast can be purchased online in places like Amazon and is easily found in grocery stores like Whole Foods or Sprouts.

Top view of a small dish with an orange cheesy sauce.

🫕 More Delicious Vegan Dips You Might Love

Vegan Walnut Pesto Recipe

Romesco Sauce

Vegan Seed Cheese

plant based vegan queso recipe served with tortilla chips as a no cashews dip.

Easy Vegan Queso Recipe

No cashews are to be found in this quick, easy, creamy and flavorful vegan queso recipe made with only a few simple ingredients, including nutritional yeast. Naturally gluten-free and oil-free.
5 from 8 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Appetizers, Condiments, Vegan
Cuisine: Vegan
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Author: Kristen Wood

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups oat milk or any milk of choice
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
  • 3 tablespoons tapioca starch
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground yellow mustard
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ cup salsa of choice

Instructions

  • In a saucepan over medium-high heat add the milk, nutritional yeast, tapioca starch, paprika, cumin, salt, mustard powder and onion powder.
  • Whisk continuously until the mixture thickens to queso consistency, about 5 minutes.
  • Turn off the heat, then stir in the salsa.
  • Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Top Tip: Use a mild salsa for a mild queso or a spicy salsa for a spicy queso.
Garnish Tip: Having guests over? Top off with pickled jalapeños and fresh cilantro to make more presentable.
Want extra spice? Stir in a drizzle of a favorite hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne pepper or mix in some roasted green chiles.
Learn more about nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 93kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 709mg | Potassium: 218mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 593IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 147mg | Iron: 2mg
Have you tried this recipe?Please Rate + Comment Below!
Watch Our Latest VideosFollow us on YouTube!
Mention on Instagram!@moon.and.spoon.and.yum

Hello! I’m a mama, food writer, photographer, recipe developer, and cookbook author. I enjoy sharing both wildly creative and ridiculously practical gluten-free vegetarian recipes that are approachable for all. Welcome!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




 

2 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Thank you very much for this delicious and low fat sauce. It was exactly what I was looking for to pour over my steamed veg and salad bowl. Adding this to my recipe book 😊

    Reply