Best Vegan Mac and Cheese

Rich and creamy vegan mac and cheese-a dairy-free comfort classic!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, French
Keyword: dairy free, holiday side, holidays, mac and cheese, pasta
Servings: 16
Calories: 128kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ c raw cashews soaked in water for 2 hours, if desired
  • 3 TBSP fresh lemon juice
  • ¾ c water
  • 1 ½ tsp fine sea salt
  • ¼ c nutritional yeast
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • ½ clove garlic
  • ¼ tsp turmeric
  • tsp of cayenne pepper optional
  • ½ tsp mustard optional; spicy brown or yellow
  • 16 oz whole wheat elbow or shell pasta
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Paprika for garnish

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta according to package directions.
  • Drain the cashews (if soaked). This makes them easier to blend.
  • While the pasta is cooking, combine the cashews, lemon juice, water, salt, nutritional yeast, chili powder, garlic, turmeric, cayenne and mustard in a highspeed blender. Blend until silky smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add 2 more tablespoons of water and blend.
  • Once the pasta is tender, drain and rinse it, then return the pasta to the pot and stir in the cheese sauce. Season to taste and serve warm!
  • Add sautéed onions, garlic or red bell peppers to enhance the color and nutritional value of the recipe.

Notes

This recipe was adapted from Detoxinista 

Nutrition

Calories: 128kcal | Carbohydrates: 14.8g | Protein: 5.1g | Fat: 6.3g | Saturated Fat: 1.3g | Sodium: 182mg | Potassium: 155mg | Fiber: 2.1g | Sugar: 1g | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 2mg
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