Vegan Spinach Dip
A creamy, plant-based spinach dip that’s quick, nutritious, and crowd-pleasing. Made with soft tofu, cashews, and fresh spinach, it’s high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it a wholesome appetizer or snack everyone will enjoy.
Equipment
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 Measuring Spoons Set
- 1 chef’s knife
- 1 cutting board
- 1 blender
- 1 medium saucepan
- 1 large skillet or sauté pan
Ingredients
- 6 ounces fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil olive or avocado
- ¾ cup yellow onion diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- ¾ cup raw cashews soaked for 2 hours
- 4 ounces soft or silken tofu
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Spinach: Begin by thoroughly washing 6 ounces of fresh spinach under cold running water to remove any dirt or grit. Drain well. Place a medium saucepan over low heat and add 1 teaspoon of water. Add the spinach and gently wilt it for about 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon until the leaves are soft but still vibrant green. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Sauté the Onions: Take a large skillet or sauté pan and place it over medium heat. Pour in 2 tablespoons of cooking oil (olive oil or avocado oil works best). Once the oil is shimmering, add ¾ cup of finely diced yellow onion. Cook the onions for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become translucent and fragrant. This slow sauté develops a natural sweetness and depth of flavor that complements the spinach.
- Cook the Garlic: Add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet with the onions. Stir continuously for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can turn bitter. Cooking the garlic briefly releases its aromatic oils, which will infuse the dip with a warm, savory flavor. Remove the skillet from heat after this step.
- Soak the Cashews (If Not Already Done): For optimal creaminess, soak ¾ cup of raw cashews in water for at least 2 hours prior to blending. This softens them, allowing them to blend into a smooth, decadent texture that replaces dairy. If you’re short on time, you can use hot water to soak them for 30–45 minutes, but longer soaking yields the best consistency. Drain the cashews before using.
- Combine Ingredients in Blender: Add the wilted spinach, sautéed onion and garlic mixture, soaked cashews, 4 ounces of soft or silken tofu, and ½ teaspoon salt into a high-speed blender. Secure the lid and blend on high until the mixture becomes completely smooth and creamy. Stop and scrape down the sides of the blender as needed to ensure everything is fully incorporated. The result should be a velvety, lump-free dip with a light green color.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dip and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add a pinch more salt, a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness, or a dash of black pepper for subtle heat. Blend briefly again if you add any extra ingredients.
- Chill the Dip: Transfer the blended spinach dip into an airtight container or serving bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Chilling also thickens the dip slightly, giving it a perfect creamy consistency for spreading or dipping.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the vegan spinach dip chilled or at room temperature. Pair it with fresh vegetable sticks, crackers, bread slices, or chips. This dip is ideal for parties, snacks, or as a nutritious addition to meal prep. Any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days.
Notes
- Soak Cashews Properly: Don’t skip soaking the cashews. Soaking softens them, ensuring a creamy, smooth texture that mimics dairy. Quick soaking in hot water works in a pinch, but for best results, allow at least 2 hours.
- Use Soft Tofu: Silken or soft tofu blends seamlessly into this dip. Firm tofu will make the texture grainy and less smooth.
- Wilt Spinach Lightly: Overcooking spinach can make the dip watery and dark. A brief 2–3 minute wilt preserves color, flavor, and nutrients.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the dip for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and intensify.
- Customize Flavor: Add lemon juice, nutritional yeast, or fresh herbs for extra zing. Taste and adjust salt and seasonings after blending.
