There’s something truly magical about a cold, creamy spinach dip, especially when you know it’s entirely plant-based and packed with nourishing ingredients. Whether you’re planning a casual get-together, prepping for game day, or just want a healthy snack to enjoy throughout the week, this cold vegan spinach dip recipe delivers refreshing flavor and irresistible texture.
It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser: dairy-free, egg-free, and brimming with that classic, zesty taste everyone loves. Best of all?
You can whip it up in under 15 minutes, and it gets even better as it chills in your fridge!
In this post, I’ll walk you through every step to create a luscious vegan spinach dip that will wow vegans and non-vegans alike. With simple ingredients, easy prep, and lots of ways to customize, this is a dip you’ll want to make again and again.
Let’s dive in and discover your new favorite party snack!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes with minimal prep and no cooking required!
- Crowd Pleaser: Creamy, garlicky, and full of vibrant spinach flavor—perfect for parties, picnics, or healthy snacking.
- Totally Vegan: All the rich flavor and creaminess of classic spinach dip, but 100% plant-based and dairy free.
- Versatile: Serve as a dip, spread on sandwiches, or as a topping for baked potatoes.
- Make Ahead: Flavors deepen as it chills, so it’s great for prepping a day in advance.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
---|---|---|
Frozen chopped spinach | 10 oz (285g) | Thawed and squeezed dry |
Raw cashews | 1 cup (135g) | Soaked in hot water 1 hour, then drained |
Unsweetened plant-based yogurt | 1 cup (240g) | Coconut or soy recommended |
Vegan mayonnaise | 1/2 cup (120g) | |
Lemon juice | 2 tbsp | Freshly squeezed |
Fresh garlic | 2 cloves | Minced |
Dried dill | 1 tsp | Or 1 tbsp fresh, chopped |
Onion powder | 1 tsp | |
Salt | 3/4 tsp | Adjust to taste |
Black pepper | 1/2 tsp | Freshly ground |
Chopped green onions | 1/4 cup | Optional, for garnish |
Equipment
- High-speed blender or food processor
- Medium mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander or cheesecloth (for squeezing out spinach)
- Serving bowl
- Optional: Small whisk
Instructions
-
Soak the cashews:
Place 1 cup of raw cashews in a heatproof bowl. Cover with boiling water and soak for 1 hour (or quick-soak in just-boiled water for 20 minutes if short on time).
Drain and rinse well.
-
Prepare the spinach:
Thaw the frozen chopped spinach completely. Place it in a colander or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much excess water as possible.
This is key for a thick, creamy dip!
Removing moisture from the spinach prevents a watery dip and ensures a perfect texture.
-
Blend the creamy base:
In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine soaked cashews, plant-based yogurt, vegan mayo, lemon juice, garlic, dill, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down sides as needed.
-
Mix in the spinach:
Transfer the creamy base to a medium mixing bowl. Add the well-drained spinach and fold gently to combine.
If you’d like, stir in chopped green onions for extra flavor and color.
-
Chill:
Cover and refrigerate the dip for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the dip to thicken.
For best results, make the dip a day in advance—the taste only gets better!
-
Garnish and serve:
Transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish with extra green onions, fresh herbs, or a sprinkle of paprika if desired.
Serve chilled with dippers of your choice.
Tips & Variations
-
Customize your base:
- For a lighter dip, use all plant-based yogurt and omit the mayo.
- For extra richness, try adding a tablespoon of olive oil or a splash of coconut cream.
-
Flavor boosters:
- Stir in 1/4 cup finely chopped water chestnuts for crunch.
- Add 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast for a cheesy, umami flavor.
- Mix in 1/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper for a pop of color and sweetness.
- Try a pinch of vegan chili powder blend for a hint of spice.
- Fresh vs. frozen spinach: You can use 4 cups chopped fresh spinach (sautéed until wilted, then cooled and squeezed dry) in place of frozen.
- Nut-free option: Replace cashews with 1 cup of silken tofu for a creamy, allergy-friendly dip.
- Make it herby: Add 2 tablespoons each of fresh parsley and chives for a garden-fresh twist.
Pro Tip: If you love dips, check out my Cauliflower Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe for another crowd-pleasing, plant-based party favorite.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber | Sugar | Sodium |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1/8 of recipe (~1/3 cup) | 120 | 4g | 8g | 9g | 2g | 2g | 220mg |
Nutrition will vary based on brands of yogurt and mayo used. This dip is naturally cholesterol-free, high in iron, and provides healthy monounsaturated fats from cashews.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic dippers: Pair with sliced cucumbers, carrots, celery, or bell peppers for a refreshing, crunchy snack.
- Crackers & chips: Serve with pita chips, tortilla chips, crackers, or toasted baguette slices.
- Sandwich spread: Slather onto wraps, sandwiches, or bagels for a creamy, flavorful boost.
- Baked potato topping: Spoon over hot baked potatoes or sweet potatoes as a savory, protein-rich topping.
- Party platter: Add to a vegan charcuterie board with olives, roasted nuts, and fresh fruit for an eye-catching appetizer spread.
- Meal prep: Store in single-serve containers for easy, grab-and-go snacks throughout the week.
For more vegan meal inspiration, explore my roundup of A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion and discover fresh new ideas for every craving!
Conclusion
Whether you’re a longtime vegan or just looking to add more plant-based snacks to your routine, this cold vegan spinach dip recipe is a guaranteed hit. Its creamy, tangy flavor and luscious texture make it perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to solo snacking.
With wholesome ingredients and endless ways to customize, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again.
Don’t forget, dips like this are just the beginning! If you love creative, healthy vegan recipes, be sure to check out Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals for nourishing mains, or indulge your sweet tooth with the Banana Pancake Recipe Men Eat Vegan Too Made Easy.
Enjoy every bite, and happy dipping!
📖 Recipe Card: Cold Vegan Spinach Dip
Description: This creamy, dairy-free spinach dip is packed with flavor and perfect for parties or snacking. Serve chilled with veggies or crackers for a healthy, crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT15M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 5 oz fresh baby spinach, chopped
- 1 cup unsweetened vegan yogurt
- 1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup finely chopped water chestnuts
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine vegan yogurt and mayonnaise.
- Add chopped spinach, water chestnuts, green onions, and dill.
- Stir in lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix everything until well combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 90 kcal | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 6 g
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