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    Home » Recipes

    Loaded Vegan Nachos with Walnut Cheese Sauce

    June 12, 2016 by Emily Cooper 37 Comments

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

    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.

    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. | @sinfulnutrition #sinfulnutrition #walnutcheesesauce #dairyfreenachos

    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.

    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. | @sinfulnutrition #sinfulnutrition #walnutcheesesauce #dairyfreenachos

    ...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.

    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. | @sinfulnutrition #sinfulnutrition #walnutcheesesauce #dairyfreenachos

    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.

    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. | @sinfulnutrition #sinfulnutrition #walnutcheesesauce #dairyfreenachos

    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.
    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. | @sinfulnutrition #sinfulnutrition #walnutcheesesauce #dairyfreenachos

    more nacho-inspired recipes:

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

    Print
    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
    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. | @sinfulnutrition #sinfulnutrition #walnutcheesesauce #dairyfreenachos

    Loaded Vegan Nachos with Walnut Cheese Sauce


    ★★★★★

    5 from 2 reviews

    • Author: Emily Cooper
    • Total Time: 25 mins
    • Yield: 4 servings 1x
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Description

    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.


    Ingredients

    Units Scale
    • Lentil Walnut Meat:
    • 1 teaspoon oil
    • ¼ large yellow onion, chopped
    • 1 clove garlic, minced
    • 1 (15 oz) can cooked lentils, rinsed and drained
    • ½ tablespoon chili powder
    • ½ tablespoon cumin
    • 1 teaspoon paprika
    • ½ 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
    • ½ tablespoon lime juice
    • 1 teaspoon paprika
    • 1 tablespoon chili powder
    • ¼ teaspoon salt + pepper
    • ⅓ + cup warm water
    • 25 tortilla chips (preferably homemade)
    • chopped onion
    • chopped tomato
    • chopped cilantro
    • additional desired toppings (avocado, black beans, jalapeno slices)

    Instructions

    1. To make lentil meat:
    2. Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
    3. Add chopped onion, and cook 1-2 minutes or until softened.
    4. Add garlic, and cook an additional 30 seconds.
    5. Add cooked lentils and spices, and remove from heat.
    6. Combine mixture with walnuts and water in a food processor.
    7. Pulse 3-5 times, or until combined but crumbly. Set aside.
    8. To make cheese sauce:
    9. Drain walnuts, and add to bowl of a food processor.
    10. Add remaining ingredients, and blend on high, scraping down sides of bowl as you go until smooth.
    11. Add more water if needed to reach desired consistency.
    12. To assemble, layer tortilla chips on a large plate or skillet, and top with lentil walnut meat.
    13. Pour with cheese sauce, and sprinkle chopped veggies, herbs, and any other additional desired toppings.

    Notes

    • thick-cut tortilla chips will work as well.
    • cheese sauce can be made ahead, and heated when ready to serve.
    • Prep Time: 20 mins
    • Cook Time: 5 mins
    • Category: appetizer
    • Method: stovetop
    • Cuisine: vegan

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 6 nacho chips
    • Calories: 300
    • Fat: 25
    • Saturated Fat: 2
    • Carbohydrates: 17
    • Fiber: 7
    • Protein: 9

    Keywords: vegan, nacho, appetizer, walnuts, lentils, dairy free, gluten free, vegetarian, snacks

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @sinfulnutrition on Instagram and hashtag it #sinfulnutrition

    Pin this to your Appetizer board!

    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. | @sinfulnutrition #sinfulnutrition #walnutcheesesauce #dairyfreenachos

    Make it a great day!


    What's the most complicated recipe you've ever made?

    What food would (or do) you miss the most being vegan?

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Rebecca

      June 12, 2016 at 10:17 am

      I've been experimenting with creamy vegan sauces with all those walnuts too! I'm finding walnuts work just as well as cashews. I love your take on it!

      Reply
    2. Katie

      June 12, 2016 at 10:53 am

      Holy Ingredients list batman! Come to minnesota/emily's cabin and make these for us. kthanksbye!

      Reply
      • Emily Cooper

        June 14, 2016 at 11:52 am

        Ugh I want to visit you guys SO Bad. Miss both of you terribly.

        Reply
    3. Courtney

      June 12, 2016 at 5:58 pm

      Oh wow, these look addictive! I haven't made cheese sauce with walnuts but now I'm excited to try!

      Reply
      • Emily Cooper

        June 14, 2016 at 2:33 pm

        Let me know what you think if you give it a try Courtney!

        Reply
    4. Carla

      June 13, 2016 at 6:59 am

      Ooooh.
      i read this and think: I have no clue if my family would like this?!?
      Which always means my next thought is :-): I need to make this and see what transpires!!!

      Reply
      • Emily Cooper

        June 14, 2016 at 2:31 pm

        So awesome Carla, let me know if you try it out!

        Reply
    5. Kyra @ Vie De La Vegan

      June 13, 2016 at 7:09 am

      I love the double whammy of walnuts in these nachos! I just had vegan nachos for dinner actually, with cashew cheesy sauce, but you're making me wish I had tried out walnut cheese instead! I've pinned this to make next nacho night 😀

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Emily Cooper

        June 14, 2016 at 2:30 pm

        So awesome Kyra thanks so much!

        Reply
    6. Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home

      June 13, 2016 at 8:16 am

      Wow, this is the second recipe I've seen today with a walnut cream sauce. Clearly I've been missing out on something. Great recipe--it makes nachos almost guilt free!

      Reply
      • Emily Cooper

        June 14, 2016 at 2:30 pm

        Thanks Wendy! Guess we're starting a new nut trend! 😀

        Reply
    7. Janelle @ Run With No Regrets

      June 13, 2016 at 9:27 am

      Wow, these nachos look amazing!! I love nachos but I tend to get them as unhealthy as possible! I've never seen nachos with walnuts...yum!

      Reply
    8. Jenny D

      June 13, 2016 at 11:29 am

      Oh wow, I haven't had nachos is forever because as a vegan they are a ton of work! I'm way more lazy than that lol! My vegan cooking is like, throw it in a blender or food processor or slow cooker and viola. Cooking is as much work as we want to make it I think. These nachos sound like they are worth it for sure though!!

      Reply
      • Emily Cooper

        June 14, 2016 at 2:22 pm

        I should have guessed from your blog name, haha! I would totally go that route if I was a vegan!

        Reply
    9. Candice @ Whole Health Hacks

      June 13, 2016 at 12:45 pm

      I love nachos and this "cheese" recipe looks SO tasty! I occasionally eat dairy but prefer not to, so this substitution looks like the perfect alternative. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Emily Cooper

        June 14, 2016 at 2:21 pm

        Thanks Candice! It was definitely a nice change from the usual nachos!

        Reply
    10. Debbie

      June 13, 2016 at 12:54 pm

      Oh my gosh, I have to try this! I am in on the cashew craze, but now I'm ready to join the walnut craze :-). This looks seriously delicious!

      Reply
      • Emily Cooper

        June 14, 2016 at 2:20 pm

        Thanks so much Debbie! Walnuts are totally the new cashew, haha!

        Reply
    11. Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner

      June 13, 2016 at 2:11 pm

      Everyone is all about the walnut sauce today and it looks amazingly delicious! I could not be a vegan bc I could never give up cheese

      Reply
      • Emily Cooper

        June 14, 2016 at 2:20 pm

        Cheese is a wonderful thing isn't it?!

        Reply
    12. GiGi Eats

      June 13, 2016 at 3:00 pm

      LOVE THE REPLACEMENT FOR CHEESE! I made a recipe this week that I needed a CHEESE replacement for... And I used a whole bunch of nutritional yeast which definitely got the job done, but it's awesome to see so many cheese replacement options!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    13. Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine

      June 13, 2016 at 3:55 pm

      I will take a huge plate! Love that walnut cheeze!!

      Reply
    14. Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table

      June 13, 2016 at 4:48 pm

      You are SO right about vegan being WORK! I went vegan for a couple of months once and I felt like I was spending all my time cooking. Which, for me, was fun... but not sustainable. Plus... bacon. 😉

      Reply
      • Emily Cooper

        June 14, 2016 at 11:51 am

        Ha so true! Facon (aka fake bacon) just doesn't cut it!

        Reply
    15. Rachel @ Delicious Balance

      June 13, 2016 at 6:18 pm

      I had a total recipe-testing fail tonight and am SO wishing I had looked at this recipe before I started cooking. I am having major food envy right now!!

      Reply
      • Emily Cooper

        June 14, 2016 at 11:50 am

        Ugh, recipe fails are the worst! Doesn't usually stop me from eating it though! 🙂 Wish I could share some these with you!

        Reply
        • Rachel @ Delicious Balance

          June 14, 2016 at 8:58 pm

          It didn't stop me from eating it...or the leftovers! ?

          Reply
    16. Angela @marathonsandmotivation.com

      June 13, 2016 at 10:46 pm

      These look fabulous! A creative twist on nachos, love it!! 🙂

      Reply
    17. dixya @food, pleasure, and health

      June 13, 2016 at 10:46 pm

      i like to make my tortilla chips too when possible..nachos is a life saver when i want to snack and eat something quick/meal worthy. love the idea of walnut sauce!!!

      Reply
      • Emily Cooper

        June 14, 2016 at 11:48 am

        Thanks Dixya! Homemade tortilla chips are SO much better!

        Reply
    18. glenneth

      June 14, 2016 at 5:21 am

      i love nachos and those sound amazing! if i were vegan i would miss a good filet the most.

      Reply
    19. jill conyers

      June 14, 2016 at 5:56 pm

      What is your trick to getting smooth walnut cheese? Walnuts and cashews. I can never get a smooth cheese from either one.

      Reply
    20. Allyson

      June 14, 2016 at 9:24 pm

      Oh man, I love a good plate of nachos! Unfortunately I'm allergic to walnuts, but I still think the recipe sounds amazing!

      Reply
    21. Chrissy @ Snacking in Sneakers

      June 15, 2016 at 2:03 pm

      Vegan cheese sauces were one thing I never attempted when I couldn't have dairy for the year I was nursing. I wish I would've had this recipe then!

      Reply

    Trackbacks

    1. WIAW: You Know You're Nuts When... - Sinful Nutrition says:
      June 15, 2016 at 6:01 am

      […] ← Previous […]

      Reply
    2. A Little Somethin' Sunday #41 - Sinful Nutrition says:
      June 19, 2016 at 6:02 am

      […] Loaded Vegan Nachos with Walnut Cheese Sauce  […]

      Reply
    3. Reading List, Volume 57 ⋆ Just A One Girl Revolution says:
      January 21, 2017 at 12:15 pm

      […] Loaded Vegan Nachos with Walnut Cheese Sauce […]

      Reply

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