Whoa! Savory, fast, easy, tasty, and healthy are the best words to describe this Vegan French Onion Dip recipe. It's the perfect dip for our Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes.
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I grew up eating the Lipton French onion dip with greasy, salty potato chips. Tasty? Yes. Healthy? Not so much.
This dairy-free onion dip is made with whole plant food ingredients, yet it perfectly captures that classic oniony, umami-packed flavor we all love.
This healthy, whole food plant-based spin on the traditional dip is a great alternative for holiday gatherings, gameday, or any event where you want to share healthy eats with family, friends, and coworkers.
Why You'll Love This Vegan French Onion Dip
- Rich and Creamy Texture: Thanks to cashews, this dip is irresistibly creamy, without any dairy.
- Classic Onion Flavor: Sautéed yellow onions and a mix of seasonings create that traditional French onion taste.
- Easy and Quick: This dip can be made in under 10 minutes if you have the cashew sour cream on hand. It'll take another 5 to 10 minutes if you have to make that. Either way, it's not a long process to whip this up.
- Perfect for All Occasions: This dip suits any event from game nights and holiday festivities to family gatherings.
- Healthy: This dairy-free onion dip not only omits the dairy but also the oil and excessive sodium that most store-bought versions have.
What You Need to Make This Dairy-Free Onion Dip
- Vegan cashew sour cream: This plant-based alternative brings thick, velvety creaminess. Packed with healthy fats and neutral flavor, it acts like regular sour cream.
- Yellow (or white) onion: Caramelizing onions mellows sweetness while garlic/onion powders intensify flavor. Think classic French onion soup in dip form.
A full list of ingredients with exact amounts can be found on the recipe card below.
How to Prepare
Make Ahead
If you haven't done so already, make a batch of the cashew cream sauce according to recipe instructions. This provides the creamy base for this dip.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and saute for 6 to 8 minutes or until golden brown. If the onion starts to stick, add a tablespoon or two of water to release.
Step 2: Once the onions are caramelized, add the dry seasonings—garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
Step 3: Turn off the heat, give it a stir, and add in the coconut aminos. Stir to combine and remove from the heat to sit for 5 minutes.
Step 4: Add the caramelized onions to the cashew sour cream.
Step 5: Give it a good stir.
Step 6: Add the apple cider vinegar and lemon juice. Stir to combine. Taste the dip and season with salt and more black pepper as desired.
Serve and Enjoy
Transfer your vegan French onion dip to a serving bowl. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate to chill before serving. As it sits, this dip will thicken, and flavors will meld together.
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Other Ways to Enjoy This Vegan French Onion Dip
While the classic way to enjoy this dip is with chips or veggies, this dip also works as a spread for wraps and sandwiches. Try it with our vegan tempeh BLT and hearty breakfast burrito.
If you are using this as a dip, check out our crunchy, savory air fryer banana chips or crispy air fryer smashed potatoes. Enjoy this appetizer combo with our Italian mocktail, copycat Starbucks pink drink, refreshing watermelon mocktail, or healthy mojito mocktail.
Recipe FAQs
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Give it a good stir before serving. Freezing is not recommended.
Yes! You can substitute sunflower seeds for cashews if you’re looking for a nut-free option. The flavor will differ slightly.
You can use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly saltier and less sweet.
This vegan French onion dip is everything you want in a dip: creamy, flavorful, and nutritious. Made with simple, whole-food ingredients, it’s an excellent dairy-free onion dip option that’s as satisfying as the original. Bring it to your next party, and watch it disappear in no time. Plus, it's a breeze to make, making it perfect for spur-of-the-moment get-togethers.
Related Recipes to Check Out
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Vegan French Onion Dip
Ingredients
- 1 batch cashew sour cream sauce
- 1 cup chopped yellow or white onion
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ⅛ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 Tablespoon coconut aminos
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon fresh herbs for garnish (optional, I used parsley)
Instructions
- Make Ahead: If you haven't done so already, make a batch of the cashew cream sauce according to recipe instructions. This provides the creamy base for this dip.
- Preheat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and saute for 6 to 8 minutes or until golden brown. If the onion starts to stick, add a tablespoon or two of water to release.
- Once the onions are caramelized, add the dry seasonings—garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Turn off the heat, give it a stir, and add in the coconut aminos. Stir to combine and remove from the heat to sit for 5 minutes.
- Add the caramelized onions to the cashew sour cream. Give it a good stir.
- Add the apple cider vinegar and lemon juice. Stir to combine. Taste the dip and season with salt and more black pepper as desired.
- Transfer your vegan French onion dip to a serving bowl. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate to chill before serving. As it sits, this dip will thicken, and flavors will meld together.
Notes
- Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Give it a good stir before serving. Freezing is not recommended.
- Enjoy as a dip with our air fryer smashed potatoes or savory air fryer banana chips. You can also use it as a spread on our vegan tempeh BLT and hearty breakfast burrito.
Gigi & Sersie says
Rich and creamy with lots of flavor.
Kelvin says
This is such a delicous dip!