Vegan Sour Cream
A thick and creamy Vegan Sour Cream is the perfect addition to your plant-based meals. Made with just six ingredients, this recipe is simple and quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Whether you’re topping a baked potato, mixing it into a dip, or using it in your favorite recipes, this vegan sour cream will elevate your dishes with its rich flavor and smooth texture. Plus, it’s dairy-free and gluten-free!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just five minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious vegan sour cream in no time.
- Versatile Use: Perfect as a topping, in dips, or as a base for salad dressings.
- Healthy Ingredients: Made from wholesome cashews and dairy-free yogurt, it’s a guilt-free indulgence.
- Customizable Flavor: Adjust the tanginess by varying the vinegar or lemon juice to suit your taste.
- Long-Lasting Freshness: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to six days without losing quality.

Tools and Preparation
To make this vegan sour cream, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything blends smoothly. These items will help you achieve that perfect creamy texture.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Blender
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Glass jar with lid
Importance of Each Tool
- Blender: A high-speed blender helps create a smooth and creamy consistency without any lumps.
- Measuring Cups: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the right flavor balance.
- Glass Jar with Lid: Perfect for storing leftovers while keeping them fresh in the fridge.
Ingredients
A thick and creamy vegan sour cream made with just six ingredients (that includes water and salt!) and a few minutes of your time. It’s a simple and delicious plant-based, gluten-free, dairy-free sour cream substitute!
For the Vegan Sour Cream
- 1 1/3 cup cashews (soaked)
- 2/3 cup dairy-free yogurt (unsweetened)
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup water
- 2 tbsp white vinegar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 – 2/3 tsp sea salt
How to Make Vegan Sour Cream
Step 1: Soak the Cashews
Soak cashews for at least 3 hours or overnight in cold water. If you’re short on time, boil them for 10-15 minutes until softened. Once done, drain and rinse the cashews well.
Step 2: Blend Ingredients
In a blender, combine all the soaked cashews with dairy-free yogurt, water, white vinegar, lemon juice, and sea salt. If you’re using a high-speed blender like Vitamix, start with about 1/4 cup of water. Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy. You may need to stop occasionally to scrape down the sides.
Step 3: Taste and Adjust Seasonings
Once blended, taste your vegan sour cream. If you prefer more tanginess, add additional white vinegar or lemon juice according to your liking.
Step 4: Serve or Store
Serve the vegan sour cream immediately as a delicious topping or dip. Alternatively, chill it in the fridge for later use. To store leftovers, keep them in a glass jar with a lid in the refrigerator for up to six days. If you find that it thickens too much in the fridge, simply whisk in a bit more water before serving. Enjoy!
How to Serve Vegan Sour Cream
Vegan sour cream is a versatile condiment that can elevate various dishes. Here are some creative ways to incorporate this creamy delight into your meals.
With Tacos
- Add a dollop of vegan sour cream to your tacos for a rich, creamy texture that complements the spices.
As a Dip
- Serve vegan sour cream with fresh vegetables or tortilla chips as a delightful dip at your next gathering.
On Baked Potatoes
- Top your baked potatoes with vegan sour cream, chives, and a sprinkle of paprika for added flavor.
In Salads
- Mix vegan sour cream into salads for a tangy dressing that enhances the freshness of your greens.
With Chili
- Spoon vegan sour cream over chili to balance the heat and add a creamy finish to this hearty dish.
How to Perfect Vegan Sour Cream
Achieving the perfect consistency and flavor for your vegan sour cream is easy with these tips.
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Soak cashews properly: Soaking cashews for at least 3 hours ensures they blend smoothly, creating a creamy texture.
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Use unsweetened yogurt: Choose an unsweetened dairy-free yogurt for balanced flavors without unwanted sweetness.
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Adjust acidity: If you prefer a tangier taste, feel free to add more vinegar or lemon juice until it suits your palate.
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Chill before serving: Allowing the sour cream to chill in the fridge enhances its flavors and thickens the texture.
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Blend thoroughly: Ensure all ingredients are blended until completely smooth for that ideal creamy consistency.
Best Side Dishes for Vegan Sour Cream
Pairing side dishes with vegan sour cream can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:
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Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted to perfection make for a delicious side that pairs well with creamy dips.
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Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad loaded with vegetables complements the tanginess of vegan sour cream beautifully.
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Stuffed Bell Peppers: These colorful peppers filled with grains and beans make an excellent accompaniment when topped with vegan sour cream.
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Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn slathered in vegan sour cream offers a delightful combination of flavors during summer barbecues.
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Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries provide a sweet contrast when dipped in cool vegan sour cream.
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Pasta Salad: A chilled pasta salad dressed with vegan sour cream gives an extra layer of flavor and richness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making vegan sour cream, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.
- Soaking Time: Not soaking cashews long enough can lead to a gritty texture. Ensure you soak them for at least 3 hours or overnight for the best results.
- Water Amount: Adding too much water can thin out the cream excessively. Start with less water and gradually add until you reach your desired consistency.
- Ignoring Taste Adjustments: Tasting your mixture before serving is crucial. Don’t skip this step; adjust vinegar or lemon juice for tanginess to suit your preference.
- Storage Method: Using the wrong container can affect freshness. Always store vegan sour cream in an airtight glass jar to keep it fresh longer.
- Blending Technique: Failing to blend thoroughly can leave lumps. Stop the blender occasionally to scrape down the sides and ensure a smooth texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight glass jar.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 6 days.
Freezing Vegan Sour Cream
- Freeze in an airtight container.
- It can be stored for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
Reheating Vegan Sour Cream
- Oven: Place in an oven-safe dish and heat at low temperature until warm.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between each, to ensure even warming.
- Stovetop: Gently heat over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions regarding vegan sour cream.
What is Vegan Sour Cream made from?
Vegan sour cream is typically made from soaked cashews, dairy-free yogurt, vinegar, lemon juice, and sea salt. This combination creates a rich and creamy texture without dairy.
How do I adjust the flavor of Vegan Sour Cream?
You can adjust the flavor by adding more vinegar or lemon juice if you want a tangier taste. Always taste as you go!
Can I use this Vegan Sour Cream in recipes?
Absolutely! Use it as a substitute for regular sour cream in dips, dressings, or as a topping on dishes like tacos or baked potatoes.
How long does Vegan Sour Cream last?
When stored properly in the fridge, vegan sour cream lasts about 6 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it.
Is Vegan Sour Cream gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe uses gluten-free ingredients making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Final Thoughts
This vegan sour cream recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. Use it as a dip, dressing, or topping on various dishes. Feel free to customize the flavors by adjusting the acidity levels or adding spices that you love. Give this delightful recipe a try—it’s sure to impress!
Vegan Sour Cream
Vegan Sour Cream is a delightful, creamy condiment that makes an excellent addition to your plant-based meals. This easy-to-make recipe requires just six simple ingredients and can be prepared in under five minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Whether you’re dolloping it on tacos, mixing it into dips, or using it as a dressing base, this dairy-free and gluten-free sour cream elevates your dishes with its rich flavor and smooth texture. Customize the tanginess to your liking by adjusting the vinegar or lemon juice, and enjoy the convenience of having leftovers that stay fresh for up to six days in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: About 10 servings 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 1/3 cup cashews (soaked)
- 2/3 cup dairy-free yogurt (unsweetened)
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup water
- 2 tbsp white vinegar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 – 2/3 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Soak cashews in cold water for at least 3 hours or boil for 10-15 minutes until softened. Drain and rinse.
- In a blender, combine soaked cashews, dairy-free yogurt, water (start with 1/4 cup), vinegar, lemon juice, and salt. Blend on high until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed by adding more vinegar or lemon juice for tanginess.
- Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for later use. Store leftovers in an airtight glass jar for up to six days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 30g
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg