I'm Caitlin - culinary hostess, wellness retreat curator, and homebody at heart. This blog is where I share seasonal recipes, intentional living tips, and behind-the-scenes moments from my kitchen, travels, and retreats.
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Creamy, rich, and loaded with caramelized onions, this plant-based French Onion Dip is the ultimate game day or party snack. Whether you’re dairy-free, gluten-free, or just looking for a dip that hits all the nostalgic notes without the heaviness, this one’s a winner. Make it ahead, let it chill, and watch it disappear.
This isn’t your store-bought onion dip – it’s better.
Made with soaked cashews, slow-caramelized onions, and pantry staples like coconut aminos and nutritional yeast, this dairy-free dip tastes shockingly close to the real thing. It’s thick, creamy, and perfect with crudités, kettle chips, or even crackers. And since it’s both gluten and dairy-free, it’s a crowd-pleasing option for any gathering.
Soak the Cashews : Bring water to a boil and pour over cashews in a bowl. Let them soak for at least 6 hours or overnight for best texture.
Caramelize the Onions : Heat a skillet with garlic-infused olive oil. Add sliced onion and sea salt. Cook low and slow – this step takes time but builds depth of flavor. Add splashes of water if needed to prevent burning.
Blend the Dip : Once the onions have cooked and cooled, blend drained cashews with lemon juice, water, coconut aminos, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
Fold in Onions : Stir in most of the caramelized onions, saving a bit to garnish the top. This adds texture and makes the dip extra delicious.
Chill & Serve : Transfer to a serving bowl, garnish, and chill until ready to serve. The flavor only gets better with time!
HELPFUL TIPS
Make Ahead : This dip tastes even better the next day.
Texture Hack : Want it extra smooth? Blend longer or add a touch more water. You can even blend the onions in there if you want a smooth dip through and through.
Party Trick : Serve it in a hollowed-out bell pepper or alongside rainbow veggies for a colorful snack board.
STORAGE SUGGESTIONS
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Stir well before serving again, as natural separation can occur.
Not freezer-friendly due to texture changes after thawing.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I use store-bought caramelized onions?
You can, but making your own gives the best flavor and texture for this recipe. I have never used store-bought, so I cannot speak to the end result.
What if I forgot to soak the cashews?
Quick soak by boiling for 15 – 20 minutes, but overnight soaking yields the creamiest dip.
Is this Whole30 or Paleo compliant?
Yes! This dip is both Whole30-friendly and paleo-compliant if your ingredients align.
This creamy, dairy-free French onion dip is packed with caramelized onions and made with cashews for a luscious texture. Perfect for dipping veggies, crackers, or chips – no one will guess it’s gluten and dairy free!
Soak the Cashews : Bring water to a boil and pour over cashews in a bowl. Let them soak for at least 8 hours to overnight for best texture.
Caramelize the Onions : Heat a skillet with garlic-infused olive oil on medium. Add sliced onion and sea salt, cooking until softened (5 – 10 minutes), then reduce heat to low. Continue cooking low and slow for 35 – 45 minutes, adding water as needed to prevent burning.
Blend the Dip : Once the onions have cooked and cooled, blend drained cashews with lemon juice, water, coconut aminos, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
Fold in Onions : Stir in most of the caramelized onions, saving a bit to garnish the top. This adds texture and makes the dip extra delicious.
Chill & Serve : Transfer to a serving bowl, garnish, and chill until ready to serve. The flavor only gets better with time!
Make Ahead : This dip tastes even better the next day.
Texture Hack : Want it extra smooth? Blend longer and add a touch more water.
Party Trick : Serve it in a hollowed-out bell pepper or alongside rainbow veggies for a colorful snack board.
Prep Time:15 minutes
Soaking Time:8 hours to overnight
Cook Time:60 minutes
Category:Appetizer
Method:Stovetop + Blend
Cuisine:American
Caitlin Lindsey
post author
Caitlin is the creative visionary behind Fit to Entertain, where food, wellness, and intentional living come together. She's passionate about helping others bring joy to the table and live beautifully - one meal at a time.
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