Whole 30 Paleo Cashew Parmesan
If you've been missing that salty, savory sprinkle that finishes off a bowl of pasta or a roasted veggie dish, this cashew-based blend is about to become your new pantry staple. Raw cashews and nutritional yeast come together in a food processor to create something that genuinely mimics the texture and umami punch of finely grated Parmesan — without any dairy in sight. The whole thing comes together in minutes with just a few pulses; the key is stopping before the cashews turn into a paste, so you get that perfect dry, sandy crumble. Garlic powder and a touch of onion powder round out the flavor in a way that feels surprisingly complete. It's compliant with strict elimination protocols since every ingredient is clean, whole, and free from grains, legumes, and additives that tend to sneak into store-bought cheese alternatives. Keep a jar in the fridge and you'll find yourself reaching for it on everything from salads to soups to roasted broccoli.
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Learn more →Ingredients
8 servings
- 1 cup raw cashews
- 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- ¼ tsp onion powder (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Add the cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, salt, and onion powder (if using) to a food processor.
- 2
Pulse 10–15 times in short bursts until the mixture resembles coarse, dry crumbs — about the texture of finely grated Parmesan. Stop before the mixture turns into a paste; the cashews should still look dry and sandy, not clumped.
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