Vegan Caramelized Onion Dip
This creamy vegan caramelized onion dip is irresistibly delicious! Made with luscious, rich caramelized onions and buttery cashews, this dip is the perfect blend of savory and satisfying, ideal for any gathering or snacking occasion.
Why you’ll love this:
This vegan dip may beat out hummus as my new favorite…(did I actually just say that?) It’s savory yet light with a touch of sweetness from the caramelized onions. This has become my husband’s new obsession too (he may have eaten all my leftover dip when I made this recipe for the blog).
This is the perfect appetizer for parties, picnics, BBQs, or a special occasion and I guarantee it will WOW your guests (omnivore or vegan).
Check out Lemon & Dill Roasted Zucchini dip, Everything Bagel Hummus, or 7 Layer Dip that are great summer dips!
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet onion: You can also use 2 small onions. Make sure you use sweet onions (like Vidalia) for the best flavor.
- Olive oil: Used to cook your onions and helps deepen their flavor
- Balsamic vinegar: This adds some depth of flavor to the dip and a little sweetness
- Cashews: Unsalted, raw cashew nuts work best. You can use roasted (the dip may be slightly darker in color) If you use salted you will want to omit the salt below and add to taste.
- Garlic & Onion Powder: Adds a little more flavor to the dip
- Salt: Enhances the richness of the sweet caramelized onions. Feel free to add a sprinkle of black pepper if desired.
Substitutions
If you don’t have an ingredient for this vegan onion dip, don’t worry! Swap it out…
- Garlic powder –> You can sub for 1 clove of freshly minced garlic
- Sweet onion –> If you only have a yellow onion you can use that, just add 1 tsp of maple syrup into the blender to mimic the sweeter flavor.
- Balsamic vinegar –> Mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with ½ tablespoon of sugar to equal 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
Equipment
- High speed blender of food processor: I personally think a high-speed blender will give the best results for any dip that has cashews. You can use a food processor, it just may take a little longer to blend and get to your desired texture.
- Large nonstick skillet
Instructions
Step 1: Chop onions into smaller pieces. It’s okay if they are not perfectly uniform but make them close to bite-sized. They will become slightly smaller as they cook too. (You don’t want a giant piece of onion in your dip).
Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a tablespoon of olive oil. Add in diced onion. Add a pinch of salt. Cook for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Turn heat to medium-low and add balsamic vinegar. Cook for 20 minutes, stirring every minute or two. Add in a little water (1-2 tbsp) during those 20 minutes to help steam the onions and deglaze the pan. Finished onions should be browned, soft, and fragrant.
*Don’t rush the cooking process! The trick to good caramelized onions is low heat and a bit of patience.
Step 4: Add cashews, water, spices, and HALF of caramelized onions to high speed blender. Blend for ~ 3 minutes until smooth, stopping occasionally to scrape down edges. If using a food processor it may take a little longer until creamy texture is obtained.
Step 5: In a small bowl, combine cashew dip with remaining caramelized onions and stir until combined. You can either eat right away or let it chill for 1-2 hours (it will thicken up more as it chills). Enjoy with crackers or veggies.
What to Eat with Caramelized Onion Cashew Dip
This dip can be enjoyed with a variety of foods like:
- Crackers (multigrain, wheat, or regular)
- Tortilla chips
- Potato chips
- Fresh veggie sticks (carrots, peppers, and more)
- Pita bread or chips
- Pretzels
- Baguette or crostini
- As a sandwich spread or on burgers
- As a side with grilled veggies
Storage
Store in airtight container for up to 5 days (if it actually lasts in your fridge that long- I ate mine within 2 days!)
FAQ
This recipe could serve a party of 4 people. If you are making for a bigger group or cookout I recommend doubling the recipe. You don’t want to run out of this delicious dip!!
Yes! For a smoky flavor add some smoked paprika. Add herbs like oregano or thyme for another tasty flavor. Cook your onions with some freshly minced garlic flavor for a garlic-infused dip. Transport yourself to the Mediterranean by adding in some sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers.
If you are using a high quality blender you do not need to soak your cashews. However if you are using a regular blender or a food processor I recommend soaking your cashews so your dip has a creamier texture.
Tips
How to make the best caramelized onions:
- Use a sweet onion (like Vidalia)
- Use a large pan so onions cook more evenly
- Cook SLOWLY (patience is key to making cook caramelized onions)
- Add a sprinkle of salt so that the onions release a little of their natural juices
- Watch for the color change (as the onions cook, they will slowly turn a golden brown color).
You will love these other delicious dips
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Vegan Caramelized Onion Dip
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Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large sweet onion or two small onions
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup raw cashews soaked in warm water for 30 minutes
- ½ cup water
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Chop onions into smaller pieces. It’s okay if they are not perfectly uniform but make them close to bite-sized. (You don’t want a giant piece in your dip).
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat with some olive oil. Add in diced onion. Add a pinch of salt (NOT full 1/2 tsp). Cook for 5 minutes.
- Turn heat to medium-low and add balsamic vinegar. Cook for 20 minutes, stirring every minute or two. Add in 1-2 tbsp of water halfway through to help steam the onions and deglaze the pan. Finished onions should be browned, soft, and fragrant.
- Add cashews, water, spices, and HALF of caramelized onions to high speed blender. Blend for ~ 3 minutes until smooth and creamy, stopping occasionally to scrape down edges. If using a food processor you may have to blend a little longer until desired texture is obtained.Your final dip will be smooth and slightly liquidy, but don't worry it will get thicker as it sits in the fridge.
- In a small bowl, combine blended cashews with remaining caramelized onions and stir until combined. You can either eat right away or let it chill for 1-2 hours (it will thicken up more as it chills). Enjoy with crackers or veggies.
Notes
-
- Crackers (multigrain, wheat, or regular)
-
- Tortilla chips
-
- Potato chips
-
- Veggie sticks (carrots, peppers, and more)
-
- Pita bread or chips
-
- Pretzels
-
- Baguette or crostini
-
- On sandwiches or burgers
-
- As a side with grilled veggies
-
- Use a sweet onion (like Vidalia)
-
- Use a large pan so onions cook more evenly
-
- Cook SLOWLY (patience is key to making cook caramelized onions)
-
- Add a sprinkle of salt so that the onions release a little of their natural juices
-
- Watch for the color change (as the onions cook, they will slowly turn a golden brown color).
