
Creamy, tangy, and surprisingly rich, this cashew-based ricotta is the kind of dairy-free alternative that actually earns a permanent spot in your fridge. Soaking the raw cashews until plump is the secret to that smooth, spreadable texture — once blended with fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, nutritional yeast, and a hint of garlic, the result is genuinely hard to distinguish from the real thing. Conventional ricotta substitutes and store-bought vegan cheeses are notorious for sneaking in sweeteners and syrups that have no business being in a savory spread, but every ingredient here is whole and straightforward. Nutritional yeast brings a subtle savory depth while keeping things completely clean, and a handful of fresh basil folded in at the end adds a bright, herbaceous lift. A short rest in the refrigerator lets the flavors settle and the texture firm up just enough to hold its shape on a spoon or dollop beautifully onto pasta. Spread it on toast, layer it into lasagna, or use it as a dip — this ricotta is endlessly versatile and made entirely from ingredients you can trust.
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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.
Drain the cashews through a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold running water.
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