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Perfect for game day, this from-scratch vegan french onion dip is just as good as the one we’ve all had at parties over the years. Itโ€™s usually made with dairy-based sour cream and boxed onion soup mix, but weโ€™re using the healthy power of cashews for creaminess, and the flavor of…yep, you guessed it, delicious sweet onions! 

completed Vegan French Onion Dip in a white bowl against a light background

The bold flavor of onion shines through in this homemade onion dip recipe! Even better, it’s so rich and creamy and will be a hit with all types of eaters!

Even my omni friends and family will eat this one up when I bring it to potlucks and parties! Keep it classic with homemade potato chips or these healthy cheesy zucchini chips! But it also works great with crispy crackers, toasted pita bread, and veggie sticks.

If you’re looking for more dishes to serve for events, check out this collection of vegan appetizer recipes.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • A hit for parties and game day! Everyone is going to love it!
  • It also doubles as an amazing sandwich spread! Make a large batch so you have extras to use throughout the week!
  • Uses simple, wholesome ingredients.
  • Easy to make vegan dip recipe.

What Goes Into This Recipe

All you need to make for this french onion dip vegan are five simple ingredients plus some water and salt. It’s so easy! Here’s an overview of the main ingredients with the full list and quantities in the recipe card.

ingredients for Vegan French Onion Dip measured out against a white surface
  • Cashews: Use raw cashews and make sure theyโ€™re soaked overnight for the best results.
  • Yellow onion: This vegan onion dip uses fresh onions instead of an onion soup mix. Feel free to experiment with sweet onions, especially if you prefer a sweeter flavor.
  • Garlic powder: This pantry staple works great and most of the time an ingredient you probably have on hand.
  • Apple cider vinegar: The sweet, tangy flavor is perfect for the dip however, you can also use white vinegar but it will have a slightly sharper flavor.

How To Make French Onion Dip Vegan

  • 1) Soak the cashews. Place the raw cashews in a small bowl and cover with water by about 2-3 inches. Place in the refrigerator to soak overnight. 

HINT: If short on time, simply cover cashews with boiling water and let them soak as long as possible. The ideal soak time is 8 hours, the minimum is 2 hours.

  • 2) Drain the cashews and rinse them with cool fresh water in a colander. Let them drain and set aside.
  • 3) Heat the oil in a medium skillet and add the onion. Cook on low heat, covered for 15 minutes, then remove the lid and cook an additional 5 minutes until golden brown.
process shot of adding onions to pan
  • 4) Combine all the ingredients in a food processor and process for 3 to 4 minutes on high until rich and creamy. Add more water to reach desired consistency and scrape down the sides as needed. Chill in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours before serving.

FAQs

Is french onion dip vegan?

The traditional recipe isnโ€™t vegan as itโ€™s made with some combination of dairy-based sour cream, milk, and/or mayonnaise. But, itโ€™s easy enough to make the dip vegan by swapping out the non-vegan ingredients with vegan alternatives. My recipe uses blended, soaked cashews to give the vegan version the perfect amount of creaminess.

How long does this onion dip last in the refrigerator?

If you are storing this homemade onion dip, it is likely missing all the preservatives found in the storebought brands so it will last significantly less time. For best results, store it in an airtight container or jar for up to one week.

Expert Tips 

  • Adjust the seasonings. Feel free to tweak the salt, sweetener, and vinegar as you see fit. You can even double the onion amount if you’re an onion fan like I am.
  • No time to chill? Itโ€™s ok – you can serve it immediately but the flavors do meld together more over time.
  • Forget to soak the cashews? You can use a quick method and pour hot water over them. Let them sit as long as possible but 1-2 hours minimum is required. The recipe will still work, you may just lose a little creaminess. 
completed Vegan French Onion Dip in a white bowl against a light background

How to Serve Vegan French Onion Dip

More Vegan Dip Recipes

Photos by Alfonso Revilla

completed Vegan French Onion Dip in a white bowl against a light background

Vegan French Onion Dip

4.94 from 32 votes
Prep: 8 hours 10 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 8 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Perfect for game day, this from-scratch vegan french onion dip is just as good as the one we've all had at parties over the years. Itโ€™s usually made with sour cream and boxed onion soup mix, but weโ€™re using the healthy power of cashews for an extra creamy texutre.

Ingredients 

  • 1 cup of raw cashews soaked overnight
  • 1 ยฝ cups of yellow onion finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon of oil medium-high heat
  • 1 ยฝ teaspoons of salt (or more to taste)
  • ยฝ teaspoon of garlic powder
  • โ…“ cup of water
  • 1 Tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)

Instructions 

  • Place raw cashews in a bowl and cover with water by about 2-3 inches. Place in refrigerator and let soak overnight. If short on time, simply cover cashews with boiling water and let them soak as long as possible. The ideal soak time is 8 hours, the minimum is 2 hours.
  • Drain cashews and rinse in a colander. Set aside.
  • In a skillet, saute finely chopped onion in 1 teaspoon of medium heat oil. Cook on low heat, covered for 15 minutes, then remove the cover and cook an additional 5 minutes until golden brown.
  • In a food processor, combine all ingredients and process for 3 to 4 minutes on high until rich and creamy. Add more water and scrape down the sides as needed. Ideally, chill for 1 to 2 hours before serving (but you can eat it immediately as well).

Notes

  • Adjust the seasonings. Feel free to tweak the salt, sweetener, and vinegar as you see fit. You can even double the onion amount if you’re an onion fan like I am.
  • No time to chill? Itโ€™s ok – you can serve it immediately but the flavors do meld together more over time.
  • Forget to soak the cashews? You can use a quick method and pour hot water over them. Let them sit as long as possible but 1-2 hours minimum is required. The recipe will still work, you may just lose a little creaminess.ย 

Nutrition

Calories: 107kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 3gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 440mgPotassium: 154mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 14mgIron: 1mg

Disclaimer: Although plantbasedonabudget.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Plantbasedonabudget.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.

Additional Info

Author: Renee Press
Course: Dips and Sauces
Cuisine: American
Method: Stovetop
Diet: Vegan
Tried this recipe?Please tag us at @PlantBasedOnABudget! ๐Ÿ™‚
About

Renee Press

Renee Press is the founder of Fire and Earth Kitchen in Seattle WA. which offers cooking classes, food coaching, and chef services. She’s on a mission to make vegan, gluten-free cooking easy, accessible, and delicious for everyone. fireandearthkitchen.com

More about Renee Press
4.94 from 32 votes (26 ratings without comment)

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