It’s dip time again! I originally made this delicious spinach & cashew dip to take on a picnic, although I’ve since made it a few more times to snack on at work or toss through some pasta as a pesto and every time it has been a real winner. It’s incredibly simple to whip up and is so cheap to make, so you’ve really got no excuse not to give it a try!
Roasting the cashews does make the process that little bit longer, but it’s worth it, I promise! You can always roast up a large amount of cashews at once and then you’ll have them on hand when you want to make this dip again (because if you’re like me that will be pretty soon anyway!). So, let’s get into it!
Ingredients List
- 2/3 cup cashews
- 100g baby spinach
- 1/2 cup fresh basil
- Juice of a lemon
- 1/4 cup almond oil (or olive oil)
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast (if you eat parmesan you can use that instead)
- Salt & pepper
Steps
- Preheat oven to 160C
- Pop the cashews on a baking tray and roast, tossing occasionally, for 10-15 minutes, or until the cashews are golden coloured. Leave to cool to room temperature
- Combine the cashews, spinach and basil in your food processor and blitz until combined, scraping the sides as necessary
- Add the lemon juice, then slowly drizzle in the oil with the motor running, until combined and at your desired consistency
- Mix in the nutritional yeast, taste and season with salt and pepper
- Enjoy!
The nutritional yeast gives this such a nice bite, and means that it is truly vegetarian (and vegan) friendly. You can find nutritional yeast in health food stores and sometimes supermarkets (it’s also known as nooch and savoury yeast flakes), and it’s an excellent source of vitamin B12. It’s a great way to get a cheesy flavour without needing to use cheese, so is a firm staple in most vegan’s pantries!
As I mentioned, this spinach & cashew dip is not only excellent eaten by the scoopful on the end of carrot or celery, but it makes a delicious pesto as well. Because really, what’s the difference between pesto and this kind of dip anyway?! Spread it on your sandwiches, toss it through some pasta, add some to your scrambled eggs – this dip is really the gift that keeps on giving! I wasn’t kidding when I said you’ll want to make more pretty much straight away!
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some dip to eat!
merilyn
July 11, 2015 at 10:32 am (9 years ago)good one thanks liz!
I love spinach and cashews!
a dip or pesto for a group or a meal in itself for one, maybe two, if they are lucky!;) … could mix it through pasta or rice or quinoa maybe, to extend it! versatile and healthy!
enjoy your weekend! love m:)X
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
July 21, 2015 at 8:25 pm (9 years ago)Thanks Merilyn, it certainly is versatile and healthy!
Little Vegan Bear
July 11, 2015 at 8:24 pm (9 years ago)I make something similar as a sauce for gnocchi – mine is probably a lot runnier though. Was this one from winter solstice night?
Little Vegan Bear recently posted…True North II, A Caterpillar’s Dream and Fina’s Vegetarian Cafe
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
July 21, 2015 at 8:25 pm (9 years ago)Yep, the one from solstice night! I make it runnier when I want it for a pesto rather than a dip too!
Lucy @ Bake Play Smile
July 16, 2015 at 9:45 pm (9 years ago)Perfect party food Liz!! Thanks for linking up with our Fabulous Foodie Fridays party! Have a great weekend xx
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
July 21, 2015 at 8:28 pm (9 years ago)Thanks Lucy!
Dannielle @ Zamamabakes
July 17, 2015 at 10:00 pm (9 years ago)Loving how easy this is to make not to mention the fact that it’s healthy and delicious!
Dannielle @ Zamamabakes recently posted…Fabulous Foodie Fridays #60
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
July 21, 2015 at 8:28 pm (9 years ago)Easy, healthy & delicious is what I aim for around these parts!
Kathryn Doherty
July 18, 2015 at 4:12 am (9 years ago)Love this bright green color! Just screams healthy and makes me want to dip all the things in it! I bet it would make a delicious sandwich spread, too. Yum!
Kathryn Doherty recently posted…Wild rice salad with mango and cilantro
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
July 21, 2015 at 8:29 pm (9 years ago)Yep, it definitely works excellently in a sandwich spread!
Pug @ Pug's Modern Life
July 18, 2015 at 1:07 pm (9 years ago)Ohhhh, now this looks good enough to eat off a spoon! I’ve been looking for good healthy dips to spruce up my carrot and celery sticks at work (do you know how much SUGAR is in the store-bought ones?! Yikes!) and if I make it vegan I can share it with my supervisor. Bookmarking and pinning for sure!
Pug @ Pug’s Modern Life recently posted…The face of tired
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
July 21, 2015 at 8:30 pm (9 years ago)Yep – so much sugar, not to mention preservatives and all kinds of other ingredients I’d rather avoid!