Nitrate & Nitrite Free Vegan Cashew Ricotta
Creamy, tangy, and surprisingly rich, this cashew-based ricotta is the kind of recipe that makes you wonder why you ever reached for the store-bought stuff. Raw cashews are soaked until plump, then blended with fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, nutritional yeast, and a touch of garlic until the texture lands somewhere beautifully between spreadable and scoopable. Nutritional yeast brings a subtle savory depth that mimics the nuttiness of traditional ricotta without any dairy in sight. Because every ingredient here is whole and unprocessed, you never have to squint at a label hunting for hidden preservatives or cured-meat-adjacent additives — it's clean from start to finish. A short rest in the fridge lets the flavors settle and the texture firm up just enough to hold its shape on a cracker, a crostini, or layered into pasta. The optional fresh basil folds in at the end and makes the whole thing feel genuinely restaurant-worthy. Whether you're spreading it, dolloping it, or eating it straight off the spoon, this ricotta earns a permanent spot in your weekly rotation.
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
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!