Dairy Free Vegan Cilantro Lime Crema

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This dairy free vegan cilantro lime crema is just what you need to be making this summer!  It is made with cashews, cilantro and lime juice, making it a delicious topper for dinner bowls, tacos, rice dishes, or to even use as a salad dressing.

For this recipe, you soak cashews in water which creates an incredibly creamy texture and it boosts the nutritional content!  Since this creamy sauce is made with cashews, it is dairy free and vegan so it is perfect for those who follow a vegan diet or one without dairy!

If you are looking for more dairy free and vegan recipes, try my: Gluten Free and Vegan Double Chocolate Zucchini Muffins, Gluten Free and Vegan Hot Cocoa Cookies or Creamy Dairy Free Pomegranate and Herb Dip.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

• It is simple. After soaking the cashews, they get tossed into a high powered blender with the remaining ingredients and blended until creamy. It’s as easy as that!

• It is delicious. This simple and delicious sauce is full of flavor from cilantro and lime. It makes a perfect addition to many meals!

• It is approachable. This recipe uses simple ingredients and basic kitchen tools. Anyone can make this!

Ingredients

Here are notes about the ingredients needed to make this vegan cilantro lime crema.  All of these ingredients can be found at your local grocery store or an online retailer.

• Cashews: Use raw cashews for this recipe.

• Water

• Cilantro: Use fresh cilantro.

• Lime: Use the juice of one lime.

• Salt

• Garlic: Fresh garlic is always best, but bottled minced garlic is great for convenience.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Here is how to make this zesty cilantro lime crema recipe.

Step 1: In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to boil.

Step 2: Remove the saucepan from the heat, add the cashews and allow them to soak for 30 minutes to soften.

Step 3: Drain the cashews and place them in a high powered blender along with the remaining ingredients.  Blend until creamy.

Step 4: Taste test and adjust seasonings, if needed.

Expert Tips

• If you would like your sauce a bit more runny, simply add some water.

• Taste the sauce after blending all the ingredients together and adjust seasonings as you see fit!

• If you do not have a high powered blender, a food processor should work just fine.

Variations

• For a different flavor and a bit of heat, add ½ of a seeded jalapeno.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this on top of my sheet pan chicken nachos with beans or my sweet potato buddha bowl with pineapple and lime marinated steak.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use roasted cashews?

Raw cashews are going to be best for this recipe because they will provide the most neutral flavor and the creamiest texture.  You could use roasted cashews in a pinch, but just know they will add a different flavor and texture.

What can I do with leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

More Easy Recipes

Anti-Inflammatory Cherry Smoothie with Blueberries: This anti-inflammatory cherry smoothie with blueberries is packed with nutrient rich and beneficial ingredients that help support a healthy lifestyle.

Roasted Stuffed Acorn Squash: Acorn squash stuffed with quinoa, raisins, pistachios, chickpeas, parsley, chives, and mint.

Slow Cooker Pot Roast (Gluten and Dairy Free): This recipe is also allergy friendly as it’s gluten free and dairy free. A great dinner to serve for guests that may have sensitivities or intolerances.

If you make this recipe, don't forget to come back and leave a 5-star rating and a comment below.

Many Hugs,

Cathleen

sauces and dressings

Yield: 6

Author: Cathleen Crobons

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Cilantro Lime Crema

Prep time: 5 MinInactive time: 30 MinTotal time: 35 Min

Ingredients

• 1 cup raw cashews⁣
• 1/2 cup water⁣
• 1/3 cup cilantro⁣
• Juice of 1 lime⁣
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)⁣
• 1 clove minced garlic⁣

Instructions

1. Bring 1 cup of water to a boil, in a small pot. Turn off heat and soak cashews for 30 minutes to soften them.⁣
2. ⁣Then drain water and toss cashews into a high powered blender along with remaining ingredients. Blend until creamy. Taste and adjust as needed.⁣

Nutrition Facts

Calories

121.09

Fat

9.44

Sat. Fat

1.67

Carbs

7.11

Fiber

0.76

Net carbs

6.35

Sugar

1.36

Protein

3.99

Sodium

101.05

Cholesterol

0

Nutritional Info is generated automatically and may not be 100% accurate.