Dear reader,
The rule of three: A principle that suggests things that come in threes are naturally more joyful, satisfying and effective than any other number of things. So don’t choose just one, never choose just one. Make The Trio.
Serve this salsa, guacamole, and spicy cashew queso as an appetizer with your favorite tortilla chips, use them to garnish a Vegan Nacho Platter, or use them as taco night toppers.
Until next time,
Bridget
The Perfect Trio: Salsa, Guacamole, and Spicy Cashew Queso
Pair this triad with your favorite tortilla chips to complete any appetizer spread, or a perfect set of toppers for taco night.
Equipment
- Vitamix, or any high speed blender
- Food Processor
Ingredients
For the Spicy Cashew Queso:
- 1 cup raw, unsalted cashews soaked overnight, or boiled for ~10 minutes (then drained)
- 1 cup water
- 1 ½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons *nutritional yeast
- 2 teaspoons each smoked paprika, ancho chili powder, garlic powder, and salt
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
For the Salsa:
- ½ 14.5 oz can crushed fire roasted tomatoes ¾ of a can if you enjoy a more tomato-based salsa
- 2-3 jalapenos every jalapeno has a different spice level, so I typically like to start with 2, and add the 3rd if it isn't spicy enough
- 1 medium yellow onion, roughly chopped
- 2-3 cloves of garlic measure with your heart
- 1 tsp each of salt, pepper, and cumin
- 1 handful of cilantro stems and all!
- 1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar (optional)
For the Guacamole:
- 2 ripe avocados
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1 clove of garlic, pressed pressed
- 1/4 small red onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon of chopped cliantro
- 2 tablespoon of pickled jalapeno
- 1/2 diced fresh jalapeno
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 teaspoon of salt or season to taste
- 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 ripe mango, cut into small chunks optional, but it adds a nice touch of sweetness
Instructions
- Optional step: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Toss all salsa ingredients in 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil and spread them on a small, oven safe pan. Roast them in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until lightly charred. This step takes away a bit of the rawness from the veggies and will add more depth of flavour to your salsa.
- Add all of the dry cashew queso ingredients to your blender, and top with hot water. Allow all of the ingredients to soak while you prepare the salsa and guacamole.
- For the salsa, add all of the ingredients to your food processor and pulse until well combined (usually 15-20 times). Season to taste.
- For the guacamole, slice the avocado lengthwise and remove the pit. Spoon out the avocado flesh into your serving bowl. Add all other ingredients and and stir until well combined.
- Finally, blend the cashew queso ingredients on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the consistency is smooth and creamy.
- Serve this classic trio as an appetizer with your favorite tortilla chips, use them to top your Na-Cho Ordinary Nachos, or use them as toppings for taco night.
Notes
*Ingredient tips to make your life easier:
1. Nutritional Yeast: Nutritional yeast is usually found in the natural foods or health food section of grocery stores. If the store has bulk bins, look for the pale yellow flakes there. It can also be found on the shelf in shakers, tins, or prepackaged bags next to other healthy toppings. Listed below are stores that sell it!
- Amazon – Amazon is a great place for buying in bulk. This is not only the most economical way to buy nutritional yeast, it’s also the most convenient. You can go through it pretty fast, so stocking up is a good idea.
- Walmart – Walmart offers several different brands of nutritional yeast, like Red Star and Bragg. Use the store locator on the company website to find out what’s available in your nearest Walmart.
- Your Local Health Food Store – Besides Amazon, local health food stores are great places to find bulk nutritional yeast. Prices may vary, and if you don’t see it in the bulk section, it should be sold in one of the shelf-stable aisles.
- Whole Foods – If you shop at Whole Foods, you may find Whole Foods brand nutritional yeast. If not, there are plenty of other brands to choose from.
- Safeway – Safeway stores stock Bob’s Red Mill and Bragg nutritional yeasts.
- Trader Joe’s – Trader Joe’s offers nutritional yeast from its own brand.
- Kroger – If you live near a Kroger store, you should be able to buy Bragg Nutritional Yeast Seasoning.
- Publix – Publix supermarkets also sell a few different brands, including Bob’s Red Mill and Red Star.
Did you make this? Comment below and let me know what you think. Don’t forget to follow @sunnyandspiced on Instagram for more travel eats and plant based recipes.
s & S
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