PCOS Friendly Dairy Free Cashew Cheese Ball
Creamy, tangy, and studded with a gorgeous pecan-and-herb crust, this cashew cheese ball is the kind of appetizer that disappears fast at any gathering. Soaking raw cashews and blending them with nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar creates a surprisingly rich, cheese-like base — no dairy required. For anyone managing PCOS, avoiding dairy can be a meaningful step toward reducing inflammation, and this recipe delivers all the indulgence without the compromise. The smoked paprika and garlic powder give it a savory depth that makes it feel anything but "health food." Rolling the chilled ball in chopped pecans, fresh chives, and parsley adds texture and a pop of color that looks stunning on a board. Serve it with crisp sliced vegetables or your favorite crackers and watch it become the centerpiece of the table. It keeps in the fridge for up to three days, so you can make it ahead and stress less when entertaining.
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Learn more →Ingredients
8 servings
For the cheese ball
- 2 cups raw cashews, soaked in cold water for at least 2 hours, then drained
- 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- 2–3 tbsp water, as needed
For the coating
- ¾ cup pecans, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
For serving
- crackers or sliced vegetables, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Soak the cashews in enough cold water to cover by 2 inches for at least 2 hours (or up to overnight), then drain and rinse well.
- 2
Add the drained cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and smoked paprika to a food processor. Process for 3–4 minutes, scraping down the sides every minute, until the mixture is very smooth and creamy with no visible cashew pieces. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time if needed to help the mixture blend — it should be thick enough to hold a shape, not pourable.
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