Best Low Calorie Vegan Alfredo Sauce Recipe to Try Today

Updated On: October 5, 2025

If you’re craving a creamy, comforting Alfredo sauce but want to keep it light and completely plant-based, you’ve come to the right place! Traditional Alfredo recipes are often loaded with heavy cream, butter, and cheese, which can quickly add up in calories and steer you away from a vegan lifestyle.

Luckily, this best low calorie vegan Alfredo sauce recipe delivers all the luscious, velvety texture and rich flavor you love—without the guilt. Using wholesome ingredients like cauliflower, garlic, and nutritional yeast, this sauce is not only packed with nutrients but also incredibly easy to whip up in under 20 minutes.

This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or impressing guests with a healthier twist on classic Italian comfort food. Whether you’re tossing it with your favorite pasta, drizzling over roasted veggies, or using it as a dip, this Alfredo sauce will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Ready to dive into a creamy, dreamy, and guilt-free sauce? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This low calorie vegan Alfredo sauce is a game-changer for several reasons:

  • Healthy & Light: Made primarily from cauliflower and plant-based milk, it’s low in calories and fat compared to traditional Alfredo.
  • Rich & Creamy: The secret blend of soaked cashews and nutritional yeast creates a decadent, cheesy flavor without dairy.
  • Easy to Make: Minimal ingredients, blender-friendly, and ready in less than 20 minutes.
  • Versatile: Use it as a pasta sauce, pizza drizzle, or creamy dip for veggies.
  • Diet-Friendly: Gluten-free, soy-free, and perfect for vegans and anyone looking to eat cleaner.

Ingredients

  • 1 medium head cauliflower (about 4 cups chopped)
  • 1/2 cup raw cashews (soaked for 2 hours or boiled for 10 minutes)
  • 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or your favorite plant milk)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (for cheesy flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of nutmeg for warmth and depth
  • Optional garnish: fresh parsley or basil

Equipment

  • Large saucepan or pot
  • Blender or high-speed food processor
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Colander or strainer (for draining cashews and cauliflower)
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cauliflower: Wash and chop the cauliflower into small florets. Steam or boil the cauliflower until very tender, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Soak the cashews: For best creaminess, soak cashews in hot water for 2 hours or boil them for 10 minutes if short on time. Drain before using.
  3. Sauté the garlic: In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. This step enhances the garlic’s flavor.
  4. Blend the sauce: In a blender, combine cooked cauliflower, soaked cashews, toasted garlic, almond milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, onion powder, and a pinch of nutmeg (if using). Blend on high until smooth and creamy.
  5. Season: Taste the sauce and add salt and black pepper as needed. Blend again briefly to mix.
  6. Heat the sauce: Pour the blended sauce back into the saucepan and warm over low heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Do not boil—just heat through.
  7. Serve immediately: Toss with cooked pasta, drizzle over steamed vegetables, or use as a dip. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.

Tips & Variations

“For an ultra-smooth sauce, strain the blended sauce through a fine mesh sieve before heating.”

  • Make it gluten-free: Serve with gluten-free pasta or spiralized veggies.
  • Add herbs: Fresh thyme, basil, or oregano can be blended in for extra flavor.
  • Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
  • Lower fat: Reduce cashews by half and increase cauliflower for an even lighter sauce.
  • Cheesy boost: Add a tablespoon of vegan parmesan or extra nutritional yeast.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 1 month.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (1/2 cup)
Calories 110
Fat 6g
Saturated Fat 1g
Carbohydrates 12g
Fiber 3g
Sugars 4g
Protein 4g
Sodium 150mg

Serving Suggestions

This versatile vegan Alfredo sauce pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas to inspire your next meal:

  • Toss with whole wheat or gluten-free fettuccine and steamed broccoli for a classic pasta dish.
  • Drizzle over roasted cauliflower or Brussels sprouts for a creamy veggie side.
  • Use as a base for a vegan pizza with mushrooms, spinach, and artichokes.
  • Mix into casseroles or baked pasta dishes for added creaminess.
  • Try it as a dip for fresh breadsticks or crudités during game night.

For more delicious vegan sauces and recipes, don’t miss our Meatballs And Alfredo Sauce Recipe or explore creative vegan dinner ideas like our Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes. Also, if you love baking, the Magic Dough Recipe is a must-try for perfect homemade bread every time.

Conclusion

Creating a low calorie vegan Alfredo sauce that tastes indulgent but keeps your health goals in check is entirely possible—and this recipe proves it! Using cauliflower and cashews as the creamy base, enhanced with nutritional yeast and a touch of lemon, you get a sauce that’s velvety, flavorful, and satisfying.

Not only does it save you calories, but it also adds valuable nutrients and fiber to your meal. Whether you’re vegan, plant-curious, or simply looking for a lighter alternative to traditional Alfredo, this sauce is a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire.

With simple ingredients, quick preparation, and endless versatility, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again. So next time you want that rich, comforting pasta experience without the heaviness, whip up this best low calorie vegan Alfredo sauce and enjoy every guilt-free bite!

📖 Recipe Card: Best Low Calorie Vegan Alfredo Sauce

Description: A creamy, dairy-free Alfredo sauce made with cauliflower and cashews for a healthy, low-calorie twist. Perfect for pasta or as a versatile sauce for various dishes.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 small head cauliflower (about 2 cups florets)
  • 1/4 cup raw cashews (soaked for 2 hours)
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Steam cauliflower florets until tender, about 10 minutes.
  2. Drain soaked cashews and add to a blender with steamed cauliflower.
  3. Add garlic, almond milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and onion powder.
  4. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  5. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
  6. Pour blended sauce into the pan and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently.
  7. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve warm over pasta or vegetables.

Nutrition: Calories: 150 | Protein: 5g | Fat: 7g | Carbs: 18g

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Marta K

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