A Vegan-Friendly Cream Sauce That’s Rich, Smooth, and Infused with Fresh Flavor
If you’re looking for a dairy-free sauce that’s versatile enough to drizzle, dip, or spread, this Garlic Herb Cashew Cream Sauce is a must-try. The Vitamix E310’s blending strength makes it silky, smooth, and fully emulsified in just minutes. For a deeper breakdown of how different blenders handle dense sauces, dips, and nut-based recipes, see our expert blender reviews with performance testing insights.
The E310’s classic 10-speed control, combined with its tamper, makes it especially effective for thick blends like this. Whether you’re tossing it over pasta, using it as a dip for roasted veggies, or spooning it onto grain bowls, this sauce delivers bold, creamy flavor in every bite.
Table of Contents
Ingredients (Yields 1½ cups)
- 1 cup raw cashews (soaked for 4 hours or boiled for 10 minutes)
- ¾ cup filtered water
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ cup loosely packed fresh parsley or cilantro
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional)
- Fresh ground pepper to taste
Want to add more variety to your kitchen lineup? Explore our blender recipe hub for tasty sauces, hearty soups, savory dips, and delicious smoothies.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Soak the Cashews
Place raw cashews in water and soak for 4 hours, or for a quick method, boil them in water for 10 minutes. Drain and rinse before using.
2. Add Ingredients to Vitamix
In the E310 pitcher, add cashews, filtered water, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and salt. Reserve the fresh herbs and chives for later.
3. Blend Until Smooth
Start on low speed and gradually increase to high. Use the tamper to push ingredients into the blades as needed. Blend for 1–2 minutes until the sauce is creamy and thick.
4. Add Herbs and Finish
Add the parsley (or cilantro) and chives. Blend briefly on low until herbs are just incorporated for a fresh flavor and light green tint. Season with pepper to taste.
For those seeking even more vegan-friendly spreads, try our Chefman roasted beet hummus recipe with goat cheese variation, another creamy, plant-forward blend that pairs well with crackers, veggies, or sandwiches.
Ingredient Substitutions
| Original Ingredient | Alternatives |
|---|---|
| Raw cashews | Macadamia nuts, sunflower seeds (for nut-free) |
| Olive oil | Avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or omit entirely |
| Lemon juice | Lime juice, apple cider vinegar |
| Fresh herbs | Basil, dill, or spinach for a milder flavor |
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight jar for up to 6 days. Stir before use.
- Freezer: Freeze in silicone trays or small containers for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge and stir well.
- Meal Prep: This sauce holds up great for weekly batch cooking, ideal for bowls, sandwiches, and pasta.
Still deciding which machine is best for creamy sauces and dips? Check our best blenders guide for 2025 with buyer insights to see which models excel with nut-based recipes like this one.
Nutritional Breakdown (Approx. per 2-tablespoon serving)
- Calories: 90
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 0g
- Vitamin E, K, Magnesium: Moderate amounts
Why It Works in the Vitamix E310
Many blenders stall or leave grit behind when making thick sauces. The Vitamix E310 powers through cashews without strain, producing restaurant-quality cream in minutes. Curious about more? Don’t miss our hands-on Vitamix E310 Explorian review with durability tests to see how this model performs across sauces, soups, and smoothies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I skip the soaking step for cashews?
Boiling works as a fast alternative, but skipping it entirely may leave the sauce gritty.
Is this good served cold or warm?
Both. Cold for dips and spreads, warm for pasta or roasted veggies.
Can I use dried herbs?
Fresh is best for flavor and color, but you can use 1 teaspoon of dried herbs per tablespoon of fresh.
How thick should it be?
It should be spoonable but not runny. Add a tablespoon of water at a time if it’s too thick.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, and the E310 can handle it easily. Just blend slightly longer to ensure smooth consistency.
More Recipes & Blender Ideas
This sauce works beautifully in vegan pasta dishes, grain bowls, or as a dip for roasted veggies. To balance your meals, you can also try cozy blender soups like our Vitamix E310 roasted red pepper soup for a warming, savory pairing.
