Pistachio Free Dairy Free Cashew Cheese Ball
Party appetizers that rely on dairy can feel completely off-limits if you're avoiding it, but this cashew-based cheese ball delivers the same creamy, tangy centerpiece energy without a drop of milk or cream. Soaking raw cashews until soft and then blending them with nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar creates a surprisingly rich, savory base that genuinely mimics the sharpness of a classic cheese ball. A touch of smoked paprika and garlic powder round out the flavor so every bite feels layered and satisfying. The whole thing gets rolled in a coating of finely chopped pecans, fresh chives, and parsley, giving you a gorgeous herby crust with a little crunch in every slice. Best of all, every ingredient in this recipe is naturally free of pistachios, so there's no label-reading anxiety when you're shopping or serving guests with nut sensitivities specific to that variety. It comes together with just a food processor and some chill time, making it an easy make-ahead option for entertaining. Serve it surrounded by crackers and sliced vegetables and watch it disappear before the main course even hits the table.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
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.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!