Vegan Blue Cheese Dressing

Try this vegan blue cheese dressing for a dairy-free alternative that doesn't skimp on flavor! Made with soaked cashews, tofu, and a blend of savory spices, this dressing is rich, creamy, and tangy. It’s perfect for salads, dipping, or drizzling over your favorite vegan dishes.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Healthy ingredients: Made with whole foods, like raw cashews and tofu, this vegan blue cheese dressing is packed with nutrients.
• Versatile: Beyond salads, you can use this vegan blue cheese dressing as a veggie dip, a spread for sandwiches, or a topping for baked potatoes.
• Customizable: You can adjust the thickness to your liking or add more spices for extra flavor, making it your own.

Creamy vegan blue cheese dressing

This vegan blue cheese dressing recipe might be dairy-free, but it is packed with all the same rich and tangy flavors as traditional blue cheese dressing. With a straightforward preparation and easily accessible ingredients, it comes together unbelievably quickly and effortlessly.

Raw cashews create an ultra-smooth, creamy base, while nutritional yeast and miso paste add a cheesy, nutty, and umami-rich flavor. Instead of actual cheese, I use crumbled tofu to give the dressing its characteristic blue cheese crumbles texture.

This dressing is not only simple to prepare but also customizable! You can easily adjust the consistency and seasonings to your liking, making it spicy or extra herby. Use it as a dressing on your favorite salads, with veggies, on sandwiches, and more. Try it with fresh and crispy vegan wedged salad!

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Raw cashews: Once soaked, raw, unsalted cashews create a perfectly creamy base for this dressing. Blanched almonds will also work in a pinch, but they will alter the flavor.
• Nutritional yeast: Adds a cheesy flavor that gives the dressing an umami-rich element. You should be able to find nutritional yeast at any bulk food store or online.
• Apple cider vinegar: Provides acidity to emulate the classic tanginess of regular blue cheese dressing. Lemon juice or white wine vinegar are also good alternatives.
• White miso paste: Also known as shiro miso, this paste gives the dressing more umami depth. You’ll find the best quality shiro miso at your local Asian food market.
• Onion & garlic powder: Both offer a savory flavor depth without overpowering the dressing. Fresh minced garlic and onion can be used if they’re blended well into the mix.
• Dill: Adds a fresh, citrus-like taste with a slightly grassy undertone. Chives will also work for a more onion-like flavor.
• Firm tofu: I use crumbled firm tofu to emulate the classic blue cheese crumbles. Make sure it's pressed well for the best texture.

How to make vegan blue cheese dressing

• Step 1: Soak your raw, unsalted cashews in boiling water for at least 25 minutes to soften them. Be patient here! You’ll know they’re ready when the cashews can easily split apart.

• Step 2: While the cashews are soaking, crumble the tofu into a bowl, then set aside. If your tofu is on the wet side, press it first for 15-20 minutes to remove excess moisture.

• Step 3: Drain the cashews and place them in a high-speed blender, adding water, nutritional yeast, apple cider vinegar, miso paste, onion and garlic powders, and salt. Blend the mixture until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.

• Step 4: Transfer the blended mixture to a mixing bowl and fold in the crumbled tofu and dill. Chill the dressing in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving to help the flavors meld together and thicken the dressing.

Serving Suggestions

You can use this vegan blue cheese dressing in any of the same ways you’d use regular blue cheese dressing! For a cool contrast, serve it as a dip with buffalo tofu or cauliflower bites instead of vegan ranch. Pair it with fresh veggie sticks or drizzle it over a vegan wedge salad.

You can also serve it with roasted vegetables, like maple balsamic Brussels sprouts and roasted winter veggies, to elevate their flavors. Or, spread it on your favorite vegan burgers and sandwiches.

Storage

For a longer-lasting vegan blue cheese dressing, follow these storage tips:

• Fridge: Store the dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavors will continue to meld and develop over time.
• Freezer: I don’t recommend freezing this dressing, as it can affect the texture and consistency of the tofu too much once it's thawed.

Variations

• Spicy: For a spicy version, add a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes to the blend.
• Herbs: Try mixing in other fresh herbs, like basil, oregano, and parsley.
• Zesty: Add lemon zest to the dressing for a bright, citrusy note.

Top tips

• Soak the cashews: Test your cashews and make sure they split apart easily for the smoothest vegan blue cheese dressing consistency.
• Press the tofu: If your tofu appears quite wet, remove the excess moisture by pressing it between a hard surface with a heavy object on top (like a cast-iron skillet).
• Chill before serving: Let the dressing sit in the fridge for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to develop and the texture to thicken.
• Blend thoroughly: To achieve an ultra-creamy dressing, Make sure there are no cashew chunks left in the blended mixture. Continue blending if necessary.
• Stir the tofu in last: To maintain the crumbled “blue cheese” texture, fold in the tofu crumbles after blending the other ingredients.

FAQ

More dressing recipes

If you love this vegan blue cheese dressing, check out some more popular vegan salad dressings like these:

• Vegan Caesar Dressing: Creamy Caesar dressing made egg and anchovy-free.
• Maple Dijon Vinaigrette: A flavor-packed dressing using pantry staples.
• Southwest Salad Dressing: A creamy, spicy, and tangy recipe ready in 5 minutes.
• Oil-Free Creamy Balsamic Dressing: A healthier alternative to traditional dressings.