This creamy Vegan Cauliflower Alfredo Sauce is both wholesome and flavorful! This dairy-free alfredo comes together quickly using simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. It’s versatile enough to toss with pasta, drizzle over roasted vegetables, or serve atop baked potatoes for a satisfying, plant-based meal.
Cauliflower blends up into a beautifully creamy sauce while providing a boost of nutrients! It combines well with garlic, onion, and nutritional yeast to achieve a savory and slightly cheesy flavor that pairs perfectly with pasta.
Table of Contents
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy: ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Vegan friendly: classic Alfredo vibes but fully dairy free.
- Creamy & indulgent: cauliflower and cashews blend into a silky rich sauce.
Key Ingredients
- Cauliflower and cashews: These create the creamy base of our vegan Alfredo! When blended they create a rich, velvety texture that's a perfect nondairy alternative to classic Alfredo sauces.
- Onion and garlic: Add depth and savory flavor to balance the richness of the sauce.
- Nutritional yeast, dijon mustard, and lemon juice: These ingredients bring out that signature Alfredo flavor. Savory, slightly tangy, and subtly cheesy!
- Non-dairy milk and vegetable broth: Liquids are essential for blending a smooth sauce! The non-dairy milk adds creaminess, while the veggie broth enhances the savory flavors.
How to Make Vegan Cauliflower Alfredo Sauce
Bring a large pot of water to boil on the stove. Add the cauliflower, onion, cashews, and garlic and simmer until tender.
Add your tender veggies and all other ingredients to a high powered blender. Blend until very smooth and serve as desired.
Recipe Tips
- Blend until silky smooth! Depending on your blender, this may take a few minutes. Trust the process and blend until it is super creamy!
- If you’d like to intensify the flavors, give it a taste test and adjust as you blend. Add extra lemon juice for brightness, a pinch of garlic salt for a stronger garlic punch, or more nutritional yeast for a cheesier taste.
Serving Suggestions
- My go-to way to enjoy this Easy Vegan Alfredo is to stick to the classic and serve it tossed on pasta! For the creamiest results, add 1-2 tablespoon of pasta water to help the sauce cling to the noodles. Top with vegan parmesan and parsley if desired!
- Try a few spoonfuls of this Vegan Cauliflower Alfredo Sauce on roasted veggies or baked potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal, or pair it with my Easy Vegan Cornbread!
- Add a dollop to grain bowls or Buddha bowls for a creamy texture.
Substitutions & Variations
- For an extra cheesy vibe increase the nutritional yeast, or gently heat the Alfredo on the stovetop after blending and stir in some meltable vegan cheese of your choice.
- To add a spicy kick, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes after blending.
- For a fresh herb flavor, blend in any herb of your choice! Basil or parsley would both work well here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! This Alfredo sauce is made creamy with cauliflower and cashews, keeping it completely dairy free and vegan. It also happens to be oil-free and whole food plant based!
You can add extra nutritional yeast for cheesiness, garlic or garlic salt for a punch, lemon juice for brightness, or fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an herby twist!
However you wish! Pasta is the classic choice, but it's also delicious served with roasted veggies, baked potatoes, or on top of Buddha bowls.
Other Vegan Pasta Sauces You'll Love
Enjoy!
📖 Recipe
Easy Vegan Cauliflower Alfredo Sauce
Ingredients
- 4 cups cauliflower florets (usually about half of a large head)
- ½ cup raw cashews
- ½ medium onion - roughly chopped
- 3 cloves garlic - minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup nondairy milk (I usually use almond milk)
- ½ cup veggie broth
- ⅓ cup nutritional yeast
- ¼ teaspoon dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil on the stovetop. Add your cauliflower florets, cashews, onion, and garlic. Allow to simmer for 8 minutes, or until the cauliflower can be very easily pierced with a fork.
- Drain the water. Add your cauliflower, cashews, onion, and garlic to a high powered blender. Add all other ingredients as well. Blend until very smooth. Add more salt to taste if desired.
- Add to pasta, pour on roasted veggies, toss onto baked potatoes, or whatever else your heart desires! (If adding to pasta you may want to add a few tablespoon of pasta water to the sauce so that it sticks to the noodles a bit better). Enjoy!
Nutrition
*Nutrition facts are an estimate and are calculated for one serving.
Happy cooking, friends! If you made this recipe don’t forget to tag me (@joyfulbalanceofficial) on facebook or instagram so I can cheer you on for your Alfredo-making ways.
Stay Joyfully Balanced!
Lindsey says
This vegan cauliflower alfredo sauce is rich, creamy, and absolutely delicious!
Delaney Marie says
Thank you! So glad you enjoyed!
Padma says
This is such a clever recipe, perfect for fussy eaters at home who want veggies, but don’t want to see them 😀
Delaney Marie says
The perfect option for that!