Vegan Queso Dip

Super Bowl Sunday is just around the corner! While my husband’s the football fan, I’m all about the halftime show and snacks. ‘Cause we all know having some delicious eats is essential for the big game. 

And just because I’m an Acne Nutritionist doesn’t mean I won’t be indulging in my fair share of comfort foods. Alongside some of the game-day classics below, I’ll definitely be whipping up my insanely delicious Vegan Queso Dip.

It’s smooth, super creamy and packed full of flavourful spices. I love topping it with my homemade pico de gallo and using plantain chips to dip! But if you’re a tortilla chip fan, my favourite grain-free option is Siete.

More Super Bowl Recipes

Crispy Chicken Wings: this tasty finger food is a classic Superbowl food that never goes out of style. I use a delicious spice combo to coat my wings and baked them in the oven. They also turn out great in the air fryer!

Burgers: Another classic is a burger with a soft fluffy bun. I love topping mine with caramelized onions and guacamole and having it alongside Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries.

Chips + Dip: Chips and dip are a staple of any Superbowl spread. Try a classic like guacamole or pico de gallo, or mix it up with some hummus or spinach artichoke dip.

Chili: Chili is the perfect comfort food for a chilly Super Bowl Sunday. Make a big batch in the slower cooker and let your guests help themselves.

Pizza: Pizza is another classic Superbowl food that never fails to satisfy. If you’re looking for a grain-free version, I make mine with cassava flour.

Cashews & Skin Health

Cashews are versatile and delicious nuts that can be used to create the creamy texture of a cheese dip. Apart from their yummy taste, cashews offer a wide bunch of health benefits, including those for skin health.

Cashews are a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals that are crucial for maintaining healthy skin. They are packed with vitamins E, C, and K. These antioxidants help protect the skin from damage caused by harmful free radicals. They also help to boost the skin’s natural defence system, keeping it looking young and radiant. 

One of the most significant nutritional benefits of cashews for skin health is the presence of essential fatty acids. Cashews are a great source of healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which help to moisturize the skin from within. These fatty acids help to keep the skin hydrated, reducing the risk of dryness/flaking and improving overall skin texture and appearance.

In addition to vitamins and essential fatty acids, cashews also contain minerals like magnesium and zinc that are essential for healthy skin. Magnesium is critical for cell growth and repair, and it helps to regulate the skin’s natural oil production. Zinc, on the other hand, is involved in the healing process and helps to reduce the risk of skin infections.

Apart from their nutritional benefits, cashews also have anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe and calm irritated skin. Inflammation is a common cause of various skin conditions, including acne, eczema, and psoriasis, and consuming cashews (in moderation of course!) can help to reduce inflammation.

All About Nooch

Nutritional yeast (aka nooch) is a type of inactive yeast that’s packed with nutrients. It’s often used as a cheese substitute in vegan dishes and has a nutty, cheesy flavour. But nutritional yeast isn’t just delicious; it also offers lots of health benefits that make it a great food to incorporate into your meals.

Rich source of B vitamins: nutritional yeast is fortified with vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, and B12. B vitamins play an important role in maintaining good health, including helping to regulate the metabolism and keeping the nervous system functioning properly.

Great source of protein: just two tablespoons provide four grams of protein, making it a great food for anyone looking to increase their protein intake.

Good for the gut: source of prebiotics, which supports the growth of good bacteria in the gut. This can help to improve digestive health, reduce the risk of digestive disorders, and boost overall gut health.

Supports healthy skin: high in antioxidants, including selenium and glutathione, which can help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. It’s also a good source of vitamin B2, which is important for maintaining healthy skin and reducing the risk of skin conditions like acne and eczema.

Vegan Queso Dip

Ditch the dairy & upgrade to this creamy vegan queso dip! Packed with plant-based protein, it's the perfect addition to any game day spread.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Author: Katie Stewart

Ingredients

• 1 cup raw cashews (soaked - see notes)
• 1 cup hot water
• 1/3 cup crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
• 1 clove garlic
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp chile powder
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 cup pico de gallo (optional)

Instructions

• Add all ingredients except the cashews to a high speed blender.
• Blend on high until well combined.
• Add cashews and blend again until smooth.
• To warm (optional): If you're using a high-speed blender like a Vitamix, leave it running for 2-3 minutes to heat up the dip. Alternatively, you can warm in an oven safe dish (covered) for 5-10 minutes at 350F.
• Pour into a serving bowl and top with the pico de gallo (if using) and serve immediately.

Notes

You can either soak cashews in cold water for at least 4 hours (or overnight). Alternatively, you can speed soak in water fresh off the boil for 10-20 mins.