Trader Joe's Cashew Fiesta Dip Recipe

This Trader Joe’s Cashew Fiesta Dip is a creamy and cheesy vegan recipe, which is made with raw cashews and nutritional yeast. It’s a healthy twist on the classic queso, ready in about 10 minutes (plus soaking time).

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Trader Joe’s Cashew Fiesta Dip Ingredients

2 cup organic raw cashews (approx. 9 oz)
1/2 cup full fat coconut milk
4 oz can green chilis
1 jalapeno
2 tbsp nutritional yeast
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 lime, juiced
heavy dash of salt

How To Make Trader Joe’s Cashew Fiesta Dip

Soak the cashews: Place the raw cashews in a bowl and cover them with boiling water. Let them soak for at least 15 minutes (or up to an hour) to soften. Drain the cashews well.
Combine all ingredients: Add the soaked and drained cashews, coconut milk, green chilis, jalapeño, nutritional yeast, cumin, chili powder, lime juice, and a heavy dash of salt to a high-powered blender or food processor.
Blend until creamy: Blend on high speed until the dip is completely thick and creamy. If the mixture is too thick to blend smoothly, add a little water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Garnish and serve: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Garnish with an extra dash of chili powder and some fresh cilantro, if desired.

Trader Joe's Cashew Fiesta Dip Recipe — Trader Joe’s Cashew Fiesta Dip Recipe

Recipe Tips

How to get the creamiest dip? Soaking the raw cashews in hot water is the most important step. This softens them and allows them to break down into an ultra-smooth, creamy consistency.
Can I make this without a high-powered blender? Yes. If you don’t have a high-powered blender like a Vitamix, you will need to soak the cashews for longer, at least 1-2 hours, to ensure they are very soft. You may also need to stop and scrape down the sides of your blender or food processor more often.
How to control the spice level? The heat comes from the jalapeño. For a milder dip, be sure to remove all the seeds and the white membranes from the inside of the jalapeño before adding it to the blender. For a spicier dip, leave some of the seeds in.
Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely. This dip is perfect for making ahead. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

What To Serve With Cashew Fiesta Dip

This versatile vegan “queso” is perfect with all your favorite dippers and dishes.

Tortilla chips
Fresh vegetables (crudités) like bell pepper strips, carrot sticks, and cucumber slices
Drizzled over tacos or nachos
As a spread for sandwiches and wraps

How To Store Cashew Fiesta Dip

Refrigerate: Store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It will thicken as it chills; you can stir in a teaspoon of water to loosen it up if needed.

Cashew Fiesta Dip Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: ¼ cup
Calories: 220 kcal
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 7g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Is this recipe actually vegan?

Yes, this dip is completely plant-based and dairy-free. The “cheesy” flavor comes from the nutritional yeast.

What is nutritional yeast?

Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast that is sold as yellow flakes or powder. It has a savory, nutty, and cheesy flavor, which makes it a very popular ingredient in vegan cooking as a cheese substitute.

Why are my cashews not blending smoothly?

This is usually because they were not soaked for long enough, or your blender is not powerful enough. If the dip is grainy, try soaking the cashews for a longer period next time.