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
Loaded Vegan Nachos with Walnut Cheese Sauce
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
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
- 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
- To make lentil meat:
- Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, and cook 1-2 minutes or until softened.
- Add garlic, and cook an additional 30 seconds.
- Add cooked lentils and spices, and remove from heat.
- Combine mixture with walnuts and water in a food processor.
- Pulse 3-5 times, or until combined but crumbly. Set aside.
- To make cheese sauce:
- Drain walnuts, and add to bowl of a food processor.
- Add remaining ingredients, and blend on high, scraping down sides of bowl as you go until smooth.
- Add more water if needed to reach desired consistency.
- To assemble, layer tortilla chips on a large plate or skillet, and top with lentil walnut meat.
- 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
Pin this to your Appetizer board!
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?
Rebecca
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!
Katie
Holy Ingredients list batman! Come to minnesota/emily's cabin and make these for us. kthanksbye!
Emily Cooper
Ugh I want to visit you guys SO Bad. Miss both of you terribly.
Courtney
Oh wow, these look addictive! I haven't made cheese sauce with walnuts but now I'm excited to try!
Emily Cooper
Let me know what you think if you give it a try Courtney!
Carla
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!!!
Emily Cooper
So awesome Carla, let me know if you try it out!
Kyra @ Vie De La Vegan
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 😀
★★★★★
Emily Cooper
So awesome Kyra thanks so much!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home
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!
Emily Cooper
Thanks Wendy! Guess we're starting a new nut trend! 😀
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets
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!
Jenny D
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!!
Emily Cooper
I should have guessed from your blog name, haha! I would totally go that route if I was a vegan!
Candice @ Whole Health Hacks
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!
Emily Cooper
Thanks Candice! It was definitely a nice change from the usual nachos!
Debbie
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!
Emily Cooper
Thanks so much Debbie! Walnuts are totally the new cashew, haha!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner
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
Emily Cooper
Cheese is a wonderful thing isn't it?!
GiGi Eats
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!
★★★★★
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I will take a huge plate! Love that walnut cheeze!!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table
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. 😉
Emily Cooper
Ha so true! Facon (aka fake bacon) just doesn't cut it!
Rachel @ Delicious Balance
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!!
Emily Cooper
Ugh, recipe fails are the worst! Doesn't usually stop me from eating it though! 🙂 Wish I could share some these with you!
Rachel @ Delicious Balance
It didn't stop me from eating it...or the leftovers! ?
Angela @marathonsandmotivation.com
These look fabulous! A creative twist on nachos, love it!! 🙂
dixya @food, pleasure, and health
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!!!
Emily Cooper
Thanks Dixya! Homemade tortilla chips are SO much better!
glenneth
i love nachos and those sound amazing! if i were vegan i would miss a good filet the most.
jill conyers
What is your trick to getting smooth walnut cheese? Walnuts and cashews. I can never get a smooth cheese from either one.
Allyson
Oh man, I love a good plate of nachos! Unfortunately I'm allergic to walnuts, but I still think the recipe sounds amazing!
Chrissy @ Snacking in Sneakers
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!