This vegan spinach artichoke dip is a creamy, delicious, and healthy alternative to the traditional version. It's perfect for parties, gatherings, or just a cozy night in. The combination of cashews, spinach, and artichoke hearts creates a rich and flavorful dip that everyone will love.
If you're not familiar with nutritional yeast, it's a deactivated yeast that adds a cheesy flavor to vegan dishes. Raw cashews need to be soaked in water for at least 2 hours to soften them for blending. Artichoke hearts can usually be found canned or jarred in the vegetable aisle. Make sure to get unsweetened almond milk to keep the dip savory.
Ingredients For Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip
Raw cashews: These provide a creamy base for the dip when soaked and blended.
Unsweetened almond milk: This keeps the dip dairy-free and adds a smooth texture.
Nutritional yeast: Adds a cheesy flavor without any dairy.
Lemon juice: Provides a tangy brightness to the dip.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor.
Onion powder: Enhances the overall flavor with a hint of onion.
Salt: Balances and enhances the flavors of the dip.
Frozen spinach: Adds a nutritious and flavorful green element.
Artichoke hearts: Contributes a unique, slightly tangy flavor and texture.
Technique Tip for Making This Dip
When blending the cashews and almond milk, ensure the mixture is completely smooth to achieve a creamy texture for the dip. If your blender isn't powerful enough, you can soak the cashews longer or use a high-speed blender to get the desired consistency.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
raw cashews - Substitute with sunflower seeds: Sunflower seeds provide a similar creamy texture when blended and are also nut-free, making them suitable for those with nut allergies.
unsweetened almond milk - Substitute with unsweetened soy milk: Soy milk has a similar consistency and neutral flavor, making it a good alternative for almond milk.
nutritional yeast - Substitute with miso paste: Miso paste adds a similar umami flavor, though it will change the texture slightly. Use a small amount to avoid overpowering the dip.
lemon juice - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar provides a similar tangy acidity that helps brighten the flavors in the dip.
garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh garlic offers a more intense and aromatic flavor. Use one clove of minced garlic for every teaspoon of garlic powder.
onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped onions: Finely chopped onions can provide a similar flavor profile. Use about ¼ cup of finely chopped onions for every teaspoon of onion powder.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness along with a depth of flavor. Use a reduced-sodium version to control the salt content.
frozen spinach - Substitute with fresh spinach: Fresh spinach can be steamed and drained to achieve a similar texture. Use about 2 cups of fresh spinach to replace 1 cup of frozen spinach.
artichoke hearts - Substitute with hearts of palm: Hearts of palm have a similar texture and mild flavor, making them a good alternative to artichoke hearts.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dip
How to Store or Freeze This Dip
- Allow the spinach artichoke dip to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dip watery.
- Transfer the cooled dip to an airtight container. For best results, use a container that fits the dip snugly to minimize air exposure.
- Store the container in the refrigerator. The dip will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days.
- If you want to freeze the dip, place it in a freezer-safe container. Leave a little space at the top to allow for expansion as it freezes.
- Label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness.
- The dip can be frozen for up to 2 months. For optimal texture and flavor, try to consume it within this timeframe.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw the dip in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
- Once thawed, give the dip a good stir to reincorporate any separated ingredients.
- Reheat the dip in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
- Serve the reheated dip with your favorite chips, crackers, or veggies for a delightful snack or appetizer.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover vegan spinach artichoke dip in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s heated through and bubbly. Stir halfway through for even heating.
For a quicker option, use the microwave. Transfer the dip to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until the dip is evenly warmed.
If you prefer a stovetop method, place the dip in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to ensure even heating and prevent sticking. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the dip is thoroughly warmed.
For a creamy texture, add a splash of unsweetened almond milk or vegetable broth while reheating. This helps to maintain the dip’s consistency and prevents it from becoming too thick.
If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the dip in an air fryer-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 10 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Best Tools for Making This Recipe
Blender: To blend the soaked cashews, almond milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt into a smooth mixture.
Mixing bowl: To combine the blended mixture with the thawed spinach and chopped artichoke hearts.
Baking dish: To transfer the mixture into and spread it out evenly for baking.
Oven: To bake the dip at 375°F (190°C) until the top is lightly browned and the dip is heated through.
Spatula: To spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish.
Measuring cups: To measure the raw cashews, almond milk, nutritional yeast, and other ingredients accurately.
Measuring spoons: To measure the lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt precisely.
Strainer: To drain the thawed spinach and remove excess water.
How to Save Time on Making This Dip
Pre-soak cashews: Soak cashews overnight to save time on the day of preparation.
Use pre-chopped veggies: Buy frozen spinach and artichoke hearts that are already chopped to reduce prep time.
Blend in advance: Blend the cashew mixture the night before and store it in the fridge.
Preheat oven early: Preheat your oven while you mix the ingredients to save a few minutes.
Serve with ready-to-eat sides: Pair the dip with store-bought chips or pre-cut veggies for quick serving.
Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup raw cashews soaked in water for at least 2 hours
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup frozen spinach thawed and drained
- 1 cup artichoke hearts chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a blender, combine the soaked cashews, almond milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Blend until smooth.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the blended mixture with the thawed spinach and chopped artichoke hearts.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the dip is heated through.
- Serve warm with your favorite chips, crackers, or veggies.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Main Courses and Desserts for This Dip
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