How to make Vegan Spinach Dip

Vegan spinach dip is a creamy and delightful alternative to the traditional dairy-based spinach dip that reimagines this classic appetizer in a way that’s inclusive for those on a vegan diet. Made from plant-based ingredients, it’s designed for anyone looking to enjoy the rich flavors of a spinach dip without animal products.

To capture the characteristic creaminess of a classic spinach dip, vegan recipes often use blended soaked cashews, silken tofu, or vegan cream cheese as a base. Nutritional yeast serves as an essential ingredient to introduce a cheesy flavor, while ingredients like garlic, onions, lemon juice, and various herbs are added to enhance the overall taste profile. Spinach is, of course, the star of the dish—either fresh or frozen spinach is wilted or thawed and thoroughly drained to prevent excess moisture from diluting the dip.

This wonderful concoction is not only great with dipping accompaniments such as slices of baguette, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks, but it also works beautifully spread on wraps and sandwiches or as a garnish over stuffed mushrooms. The versatility of vegan spinach dip makes it an excellent addition to any appetizer spread, potluck contribution, or snack time selection.

Aside from its indulgent taste, vegan spinach dip provides a healthy dose of leafy greens, contributing beneficial nutrients including iron, fiber, and vitamins, making it a nutritious choice that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for health benefits.

Vegan Spinach Dip Recipe

Vegan Spinach Dip

Vegan spinach dip is a plant-based alternative to traditional spinach dip that is completely free from animal products. It maintains the creamy and rich flavors of its dairy-based counterpart by utilizing ingredients like soaked cashews, silken tofu, or vegan cream cheese as a base. The cheesy taste is typically achieved with nutritional yeast, while garlic, onions, lemon juice, and various herbs are used to enhance its overall taste profile.

This dip is not only delicious but also versatile—it can be enjoyed with bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables, and also works well as a spread for sandwiches and wraps or as a topping for dishes like stuffed mushrooms. Packed with nutrients such as iron, fiber, and vitamins from the spinach, vegan spinach dip offers health benefits and fits well into a variety of dietary preferences including veganism and vegetarianism.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Salad, Sauce

Cuisine Italian

Servings 12 serving

Calories 195 kcal

Equipment

• 1 medium saucepan
• 1 pan

Ingredients

  

• 11/2 cup vegan cream cheese
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1 small onion white chopped
• 5 cloves garlic – minced
• 6 oz fresh baby spinach – chopped roughly
• 1/2 cup vegan mayo
• 11/4 cup almond milk – plain unsweetened
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• Kosher salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat, add onion and cook for a minute, until translucent, add the garlic and let it cook for another minute
• Add the baby spinach, a handful at a time so that the pan will not be overcrowded, cook until wilted. Remove from the heat and set aside.
• Combine the cream mayo, cheese and paprika in a medium mixing bowl, add cooked spinach.
• Add almond milk to the mixture, if too thick, 1 tbsp at a time until desire consistency is achieved, taste and season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve immediately with chips of choice or as you want.
• Store any leftover in an air tight container and keep in the fridge, use within a week

Keyword olive oil, vegan cream cheese

Cooking Tips about Vegan Spinach Dip

• Select Fresh Spinach: Use fresh baby spinach for the best flavor and texture, or frozen spinach for convenience. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and squeeze out all the excess water to prevent the dip from becoming watery.
• Creamy Base Choices: Common bases for vegan spinach dip include soaked and blended cashews, silken tofu, or vegan cream cheese. Choose your base depending on the texture and taste you prefer. Cashews will give it a nuttier flavor, while silken tofu will make it lighter in calories.
• Depth with Nutritional Yeast: Nutritional yeast is a staple in vegan cooking to impart a cheesy flavor without using any dairy. Adjust the amount of nutritional yeast to reach the desired cheesiness.
• Garlic and Onions for Flavor: Sauté garlic and onions before adding them to the mix. This step enhances their flavors and reduces the raw edge that can overpower the other subtle tastes in the dip.
• Season Generously: Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper. You might also add a pinch of nutmeg to complement the spinach and bring out a depth of flavor.
• Boost with Herbs: Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives not only give the dip a pop of color but also add fresh, aromatic notes.
• Consistency Adjustment: If the dip is too thick, add a bit of unsweetened plant-based milk to thin it out. If too thin, consider adding more of your creamy base or even a tablespoon of cornstarch dissolved in water to thicken it up.
• Acidity Balance: A bit of lemon juice can brighten up the dip, adding a light, refreshing taste that cuts through the creaminess.
• Baking Option: For a warm dip, you can bake it in an oven-safe dish until slightly bubbly and golden on top. This is particularly enjoyable during colder months.
• Chill Before Serving: Letting the dip sit in the refrigerator for an hour or two before serving allows the flavors to meld and become more pronounced.
• Garnish at the End: Top with smoked paprika, extra virgin olive oil, or fresh herbs before serving for added flavor and presentation.
• Serve with Variety: Offer a range of dipping options such as sliced baguette, vegetable sticks, crackers, or flatbreads to appeal to different tastes and textures.

Serving suggestions about Vegan Spinach Dip

• Dippable Delights: Serve the vegan spinach dip with an array of dippable treats such as sliced baguettes, pita chips, crackers, or pretzels. Offering a variety of textures will cater to different preferences.
• Veggie Platter: Accompany the dip with a colorful selection of raw vegetables like carrot sticks, bell pepper strips, celery, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber slices for a healthy and refreshing option.
• Stuffed Mushrooms: Generously fill mushroom caps with the vegan spinach dip and bake them until they are golden. This makes for a savory and elegant appetizer.
• Sandwich Spread: Use the spinach dip as a moist and flavorful spread on sandwiches or wraps, combining it with other ingredients like roasted veggies, avocado, and sprouts.
• Pasta Sauce: For a creamy pasta dish, thin the spinach dip with a little bit of pasta water and mix it with your favorite noodles, adding in some extra steamed spinach or other veggies for a more substantial meal.
• Bread Bowl: Hollow out a round loaf of bread and fill it with the spinach dip. Guests can tear off pieces of the bread bowl to scoop up the dip, enjoying the extra flavor from the bread.
• Canapés: Spread the dip onto small toasted bread rounds and top with a slice of cucumber or tomato for bite-sized canapés that are perfect for parties.
• Grain Bowls: Spoon the vegan spinach dip over a hearty grain bowl made with quinoa, brown rice, or farro, and top with roasted chickpeas or grilled tofu for protein.
• Baked Potatoes: Top baked or smashed potatoes with a generous scoop of vegan spinach dip, creating a comforting and filling entrée or side.
• Grilled Vegan Cheese Sandwich: Create a delicious vegan grilled cheese sandwich by adding spinach dip between slices of vegan cheese and your choice of bread, then grilling until crispy and melty.

Top 5 FAQs about Vegan Spinach Dip

• What is vegan spinach dip made of? Vegan spinach dip is made using plant-based ingredients that imitate the creaminess and flavor of traditional spinach dip without using dairy. Common base ingredients include soaked cashews, silken tofu, or vegan cream cheese blended until smooth. Nutritional yeast is added to give a cheesy taste, while garlic, onions, lemon juice, and various herbs enhance the overall flavor. Spinach is the main feature, either fresh or thawed from frozen.
• How does vegan spinach dip differ from regular spinach dip? The primary difference between vegan and regular spinach dips is the exclusion of animal products in the vegan version. Traditional recipes often use dairy products like sour cream, mayonnaise, or cream cheese. Vegan spinach dip achieves similar creaminess and flavor by using plant-based substitutes like cashews or vegan cream cheese, and nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste.
• Can you use frozen spinach instead of fresh for the dip? Yes, frozen spinach can be used as an alternative to fresh spinach in the dip. It’s convenient and available year-round. If opting for frozen spinach, it needs to be thoroughly thawed and squeezed dry to prevent excess water from making the dip too watery.
• Is vegan spinach dip healthy? Vegan spinach dip can be considered a healthier alternative to traditional dips due to its plant-based ingredients. It typically contains less saturated fat and is cholesterol-free, as it does not contain dairy. The dip includes spinach which is high in iron, fiber, and vitamins, providing additional nutritional benefits.
• How should you serve vegan spinach dip? Vegan spinach dip can be served in various ways. It’s popularly enjoyed with bread such as sliced baguette, a variety of crackers, fresh vegetable sticks, or as a spread for sandwiches and wraps. You can also use it as a topping for dishes like stuffed mushrooms or oven-baked and served hot for a cozy appetizer.

In conclusion, vegan spinach dip is a plant-based delight that skillfully captures the essence of its conventional dairy counterpart. It’s an artful blend that relies on ingredients like soaked cashews, silken tofu, or vegan cream cheese to achieve the creamy texture so loved in traditional spinach dips. The use of nutritional yeast imparts a cheesy flavor synonymous with the classic version, while garlic, onions, and lemon juice enhance the dip’s savory profile.