Vegan sour cream is incredibly easy to make while retaining the creamy texture with a notable dairy tang without using any animal products at all. This dairy-free recipe uses uses a combination of both sunflower seeds and cashews to form the base, while adding tang using lemon, and yellow mustard. Nutritional yeast is optional, and simply adds a depth of flavor. This recipe is a nice addition to our recipes for cheap vegan chili, cowboy beans, refried beans, and just about any burrito.
If you are looking for a cheaper version of this recipe, simply swap out the cashews for more sunflower seeds. These seeds are lower fat, cheaper to buy, and you can find local (or closer to home) sources for them. While the cashews tend to improve the texture, the difference is not huge. Try both if you can, and see what you think. You do not need to soak the seeds if you are using a high powered blender, like a Vitamix, however it’s often a good idea to soak regardless for texture and health.
For the SOS-free (Salt, Sodium, Sugar free) preparation, see recipe notes.
Vegan Sour Cream
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup raw cashews Soaked (see notes)
- 1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds Soaked (see notes)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp nutritional yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt Optional
- 1/4 cup water or plant-based milk Optional (used to thin sour cream)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients except for the 1/4 cup of optional water/plant-based milk to blender.
- Blend for a couple minutes, or until smooth and creamy.
- If you want a runnier sour cream, add the optional water or plant-based milk to the blender and continue blending until you reach desired consistency.
Notes
Alternatives, changes, and swaps
For SOS-free: Omit the optional salt, and swap the prepared yellow mustard with yellow mustard powder, homemade yellow mustard (recipes are often sodium free), or use a brand that does not include sodium (may be found at health food stores).
For reducing cost: Swap the cashews for the same amount of sunflower seeds. This will affect the texture and flavor a bit, but not too much.
For making a runnier texture: Add plant-based milk or water in small amounts while blending to desired consistency.
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Jackie
This looks great, Jen. Thanks! Can’t wait to make it.
Jen @ Plant Based Recipe
Thanks Jackie!! Hope you like it!
Sandy
Looks yum. Needed teeny help. Can you please give me an alternative to Apple Cider Vinegar? Most of the dips/spreads seem to have it. Thanks a ton 😀