Loaded Vegan Nachos with Walnut Cheese Sauce

Name: Loaded Vegan Nachos with Walnut Cheese Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: vegan
Ingredients: Lentil Walnut Meat:; 1 teaspoon oil; 1/4 large yellow onion, chopped; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 (15 oz) can cooked lentils, rinsed and drained; 1/2 tablespoon chili powder; 1/2 tablespoon cumin; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt + pepper; 1 cup raw unsalted walnuts; 3 tablespoons water; Cheese Sauce:; 1 cup walnuts (soaked for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours); 1 teaspoon hot sauce; 1/2 tablespoon lime juice; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt + pepper; 1/3 + cup warm water; 25 tortilla chips (preferably homemade); chopped onion; chopped tomato; chopped cilantro; additional desired toppings (avocado, black beans, jalapeno slices)

June 12, 2016 by Emily Cooper 37 Comments

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Loaded Vegan Nachos — A dairy-free recipe made with a creamy walnut cheese sauce, homemade tortilla chips, and lentil taco meat for the ultimate plant-based appetizer.

I received free samples of California walnuts mentioned in this post. By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe contest sponsored by the California Walnut Commission and am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.

We interrupt this regularly scheduled A Little Somethin’ Sunday post to bring you the latest and greatest creation from the Sinful Nutrition kitchen that is FREAKIN NUTS.

…like literally. There’s nuts all up in these nachos’ bid-ness.

This month’s Recipe Redux partner contest was with California Walnuts, meaning it was time to get extra nutty with my food puns and peculiar culinary concoctions.

I have to be honest about a few things here. This is ~~possibly~~ ABSOLUTELY the most complicated recipe on the blog, and is one of the reasons I could never fully be vegan. It’s freakin hard. And like..because ice cream exists. Durr.

Now I’ve heard of the whole cashew craze, where errbody and their vegan third cousin is blending them into every creamy liquid dream. So I wanted to be an equal opportunity ally, and fully support how versatile walnuts can be for any kinda meal, and it’s desire to be transformed into a cheesy alternative.

Plus they’re loaded with fiber and omega-3’s, meaning they’re good for the tummy and the brain..which we all know is the fastest route to my heart. Haven’t you ever notices walnuts kinda look like a brain anyway?

And what goes better with cheese sauce than NACHOS?! Fully locked & loaded nachos at that. I’ll tell you what. MORE WALNUTS. They’re in the meat. They’re in the cheese. They’re in my mouth.

Money-Saving Tips for these Loaded Vegan Nachos:

Buy in bulk. Purchasing more expensive ingredients like nuts or seeds in the bulk section can be more cost effective. Plus, you can buy just as much as you need.
Make your own. Making your own tortilla chips is not only easy, but super affordable. You can even make them in the microwave!
Use store brands. Utilize store brands for basic ingredients like spices for a less expensive option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or quality.

more nacho-inspired recipes:

5 Minute Vegan Cheese Sauce (Nut-Free)
Shortcut Black Bean & Corn Salsa
Cauliflower Crust Nacho Pizza