Vegan French Onion Dip

Name: Vegan French Onion Dip
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 batch cashew sour cream sauce; 1 cup chopped yellow or white onion; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/8 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

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Whoa! Savory, fast, easy, tasty, and healthy are the best words to describe this vegan French onion dip recipe. 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. Whether you’re dipping fresh veggies or our air fryer smashed potatoes, this vegan French onion dip will keep everyone coming back for more.

Vegan french onion dip in a bowl topped with fresh chopped parsley, air fryer potatoes blurred in the background.

I grew up eating the Lipton French onion dip with greasy, salty potato chips. Tasty? Yes. Healthy? Not so much.

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. If you have to make that, it'll take another 5 to 10 minutes. Either way, it's not a long process to whip this up.
Perfect for All Occasions – From game nights and holiday festivities to family gatherings, this dip suits any event.
Healthy – This dairy-free onion dip not only omits the dairy, but it also omits the oil and excessive sodium most storebought versions have.

What You Need to Make This Dairy-Free Onion Dip

Cashew sour cream
Yellow (or white) onion
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Smoked paprika
Black pepper
Coconut aminos
Apple cider vinegar
Lemon juice

Ingredients for dairy free onion dip: onions, cashew sour cream, seasonings and spices.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cashew Sour Cream

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 2: Caramelize the Onion

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.

Step 3: Combine

Combine the cashew sour cream with the caramelized onions, apple cider vinegar, and lemon juice. Stir to combine. Taste the dip and season with salt and more black pepper as desired.

Step 4: 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.

We highly recommend enjoying these with a crispy batch of air fryer smashed potatoes or fresh veggies.

Chopped onions in a skillet. — 1. dry saute onions until caramelized

Chopped onions that have been browned and dry spices added. — 2. add in dry seasonings—garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper

Browned chopped onion and seasonings in the skillet. — 3. stir in coconut aminos and remove from heat

Cashew sour cream and caramelized onion in a mixing bowl. — 4. combine cashew sour cream and cooked onions

Vegan french onion dip in a mixing bowl with a spoon for stirring to combine ingredients. — 5. give it a good stir

Lemon juice and apple cider vinegar being added to the bowl with other ingredients. — 6. add in the acid: apple cider vinegar and lemon juice; stir again and salt to taste

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.

Vegan French onion dip in a bowl with a woman's hand taking an air fryer smashed potato to dip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dip nut-free?

Yes! You can substitute sunflower seeds for cashews if you’re looking for a nut-free option. The flavor will differ slightly.

How long does this dip last in the fridge?

This dip stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. Give it a stir before serving.

What if I don’t have coconut aminos?

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.

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Vegan French Onion Dip

Why You'll Love This Vegan French Onion Dip

What You Need to Make This Dairy-Free Onion Dip