Dairy Free Vegan Cashew Ricotta

Total time2 hr 10 min

Prep time10 min

Cook time0 min

4.6

(20)

Creamy, tangy, and surprisingly close to the real thing, this plant-based ricotta is made entirely from soaked raw cashews blended with bright lemon juice, lemon zest, nutritional yeast, and a hint of garlic. The soaking step is the secret — it softens the cashews just enough that a high-speed blender or food processor can work them into a thick, spreadable texture that genuinely holds its shape on a spoon. Nutritional yeast brings a subtle savory depth that fills the flavor gap you might expect when skipping traditional cheese, while the lemon keeps everything fresh and lively. A short rest in the fridge lets the ricotta firm up slightly and the flavors meld together, so it's worth the wait before you dig in. Use it anywhere you'd reach for the dairy version — dolloped onto pasta, layered into lasagna, spread on toast, or finished with a handful of fresh basil for something that feels genuinely elegant. Store-bought dairy-free cheeses can be hit or miss, but making your own means you control every ingredient and get a result that's noticeably fresher and cleaner-tasting.

About Fig

Fig 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

6 servings

1 ½ cups raw cashews
3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from about 1 large lemon)
1 tsp lemon zest
2 tbsp nutritional yeast
1 small garlic clove, minced
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
3–4 tbsp water, plus more as needed
2 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

1
Place the cashews in a bowl and cover with cold water by at least 2 inches. Soak for 2 hours at room temperature, or overnight in the refrigerator, until the cashews are plump and noticeably softened.
2
Drain the cashews through a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold running water.

Want the full recipe?

Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!