Creamy Cashew Garlic Sauce – Easy Sauce Recipe

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This Creamy Cashew Garlic Sauce is a smooth, flavorful, and dairy-free addition to any dish.

Made with soaked cashews, garlic, and a handful of simple ingredients, it creates a luscious texture perfect for pastas, salads, grain bowls, or roasted vegetables.

It comes together in just 10 minutes with no cooking required—just soak, blend, and enjoy.

Quick and Easy Creamy Cashew Garlic Sauce

This sauce is made by blending soaked cashews with garlic, lemon juice, and nutritional yeast for a cheesy, savory flavor. It yields about 2 cups—perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

Ingredients

• 1 cup raw cashews, soaked for at least 2 hours (or overnight)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup water (add more as needed for texture)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for richness)

Instructions

1. Soak the Cashews: Drain and rinse the soaked cashews to remove excess starch and soften texture.
2. Blend: Add cashews, garlic, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, salt, pepper, and 1/4 cup water to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Adjust: Add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Stir in olive oil if using.
4. Serve or Store: Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 8 servings
• Calories: 100kcal
• Fat: 8g
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 6g

Brief Background

Cashew-based sauces have become a staple in plant-based cooking due to their creamy texture and ability to mimic dairy sauces.

This style of sauce draws influence from vegan and raw food movements, where cashews are used as a whole-food alternative to cream or cheese.

By blending soaked cashews with flavorful ingredients like garlic and lemon juice, you get a rich, spreadable sauce that’s both healthy and indulgent.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
• Herb-Infused: Blend in fresh parsley, basil, or chives for a green twist.
• Smoky Version: Add 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika or a drop of liquid smoke.
• Thinner Dressing: Add more water and a splash of vinegar to make a salad dressing.
• Oil-Free: Omit the olive oil for a fully whole-food, plant-based version.

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