Description
These vegan appetizers are rich, creamy, and bursting with bold flavor. Made with chickpeas, soaked cashews, tahini, garlic, and smoked paprika, this spread or dip is perfect for parties, casual snacking, or elegant gatherings. It’s dairy-free, gluten-free, and so satisfying that even non-vegans will come back for seconds. Smooth in texture and vibrant in taste, this is a go-to plant-based appetizer you’ll make again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- ½ cup raw cashews, soaked for 1 hour (or 20 minutes in hot water)
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (for garnish)
- Crackers, pita chips, or sliced vegetables for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Cashews
Soak the raw cashews in cold water for at least 1 hour, or use hot water for 20 minutes if you’re short on time. Drain before using. - Blend the Base
In a high-speed food processor, combine the chickpeas, soaked cashews, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined. - Add Olive Oil for Texture
While blending, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Scrape down the sides as needed and continue blending until the mixture is creamy and spreadable. - Chill to Enhance Flavor
Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld beautifully. - Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, drizzle a little olive oil on top and sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs. Serve with crisp veggies, crackers, or warm pita.
Notes
- Substitutions: You can replace cashews with sunflower seeds or silken tofu for a nut-free version.
- Add-ins: For a tangy twist, stir in a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for added depth.
- Make Ahead: This appetizer can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Blended / No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired / Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 3 tablespoons
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: vegan appetizers, plant-based appetizer, vegan dip, gluten-free appetizer, dairy-free spread, cashew dip, chickpea tahini spread