Vegan Roasted Red Pepper Cashew Sauce
A luscious dairy-free sauce made with sweet roasted red peppers and soaked cashews. It’s naturally creamy without cream, packed with smoky-sweet flavor, and easy to whip up in under 30 minutes.
Time
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20–25 minutes
Ingredients
2 large roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade)
½ cup raw cashews, soaked (see note)
2 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
3 cloves garlic, sauteed or roasted
2 tbsp nutritional yeast (for cheesy flavor)
1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra smokiness)
½ tsp salt, more to taste
¼ tsp black pepper
½ – 1 cup water (or unsweetened plant milk, for creaminess)
Instructions
1. Soak the cashews
Quick soak: Place cashews in hot water for 20 minutes, then drain.
Overnight: Soak in cool water overnight, then drain.
2. Cook garlic (optional, for mellow flavor)
In a small pan, saute garlic in 1 tsp olive oil until golden (1–2 minutes). You can also roast garlic cloves for a sweeter flavor.
3. Blend the sauce
Add roasted peppers, soaked cashews, garlic, olive oil, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper into a high-speed blender.
Blend on high, adding water/plant milk gradually until smooth and creamy.
4. Taste & adjust
Add more lemon for brightness, nutritional yeast for cheesiness, or smoked paprika for depth.
5. Serve
Toss with pasta, drizzle over roasted veggies, use as a dip for bread or pita, or spread in wraps.
Notes & Tips
Roasting peppers at home: Char whole red peppers under the broiler or on a gas flame until blackened, peel off skins, and deseed.
Extra creamy option: Use plant milk (like oat or almond) instead of water.
Storage: Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 5 days or freeze for 2 months.
❓ Frequently asked questions FAQ
Q: Can I make it nut-free?
A: Yes! Substitute cashews with sunflower seeds or silken tofu for creaminess.
Q: Does it taste spicy?
A: Not at all—unless you add chili flakes or cayenne for heat.
Q: Can I use jarred roasted red peppers?
A: Absolutely! Just drain them well before blending.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 75
Protein: 2g
Fat: 5g
Carbs: 6g
Fiber: 1g