Warm, creamy vegan spinach artichoke dip uses no mayo, cheese, cream cheese, or sour cream. But even though it's dairy free, it's just as decadent. No one will be able to tell that it's vegan!
This spinach-artichoke dip is a vegan version of a family favorite from my childhood. Let me tell you a story.
Jump To:
When I was growing up, my mom had a friend who we can just call Betty. Whenever our family would get together with Betty's, she made this super delicious artichoke dip.
It was sort of her thing, and my sister and I loved it. Mom asked Betty a few times if she'd share her recipe, but she told us it was an old family secret.
Then one evening at supper I was looking on the side of the Kraft Parmesan cheese container, and there it was: a baked artichoke dip recipe! We passed the container around the table, and we were pretty sure that we'd discovered Betty's "family secret."
We made a batch and it tasted exactly like hers! Of course, next time we all got together, mom brought a pan with her. Busted!
Now, I make my own vegan spinach artichoke dip. It's so similar to the one we ate as kids -- no one will guess that it's vegan!
How to make it
I texted my mom to get the non-vegan recipe -- it was heavy on the mayo and, of course, the shakey Parmesan cheese. Then, I veganized it. I'm thrilled with how it came out!
Instead of mayo, I created a flavorful garlic cashew cream sauce to give this dip its a creaminess. The cashew cream comes together quickly in the blender.
To replace the shakey Parm, I just substituted nutritional yeast.
The original dip didn't have spinach, but I think the greens make it a lot prettier and maybe even more delicious than the dip I remember from childhood. This recipe uses thawed frozen spinach, because it's easy and has the perfect texture.
Make sure that you drain that spinach well! Frozen spinach contains a lot of water. I like to actually "wring" it out in a colander. You don't want a watery dip!
Now, it's time to assemble! Combine the cashew cream, drained spinach, and drained, chopped artichoke hearts, and nutritional yeast in a baking pan. Fold the ingredients together until they're well combined, then taste and season with salt and pepper.
Bake until the edges are browned and bubbly, and you are ready to serve!
Variations
If you don't like artichoke (or don't like spinach), you can customize this dip to suit your tastes. If you eliminate one of the veggies, just double the amount of the other, and you're in business.
This recipe is very forgiving, so don't be shy about mixing things up, if that's your thing!
How to serve and store it
Serve this up with your favorite chips, crackers, or veggies for dipping. I love it with bagel chips, whole wheat crackers, or pita chips. You want a pretty sturdy chip, because the baked dip is rich and thick.
You can also use this as a spread for sandwiches and wraps. This was my sister's and my favorite way to use the leftovers the next day, when mom used to make spinach artichoke dip for parties.
I also use this dip as a sauce for my spinach artichoke pasta. It's a super simple one-pot meal that's quick and easy to make!
The baked dip will keep in the refrigerator for up to three days in an airtight container. If your 8x8" pan has a snap-on lid, you can just store it right in the pan. Otherwise, transfer to a lidded container.
I do not recommend freezing this dip. Freezing can change the texture of your cashew cream.
Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup cashews - soaked in hot water for 10 minutes
- ½ cup water
- 3 cloves garlic
- juice of ½ lemon
- 9 ounce bag frozen spinach - thawed and drained
- 1 14 ounce can artichoke hearts - drained and chopped
- ½ cup nutritional yeast
- salt and pepper - to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F.
- Combine cashews, water, garlic, and lemon juice in your blender and puree until very smooth.
- In an 8x8" oven-safe dish, fold the spinach, artichoke hearts, and nooch into the cashew cream. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake the dip – uncovered on the top oven rack – for 20-30 minutes to get a nice crust on the top.
Equipment
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently asked questions
This recipe is!
Conventional spinach artichoke dip is usually packed with dairy: cheese, mayo, cream cheese etc. This recipe replaces all of those ingredients with a simple, flavorful garlic cashew cream.
The resulting dip is just as rich and creamy with no dairy needed!
You can serve it either way! I love it warm from the oven, but I have definitely been known to dig into leftover spinach artichoke dip cold with crackers.
If you do want to reheat cold spinach artichoke dip, you have a couple of options. You can spread it into a pan and bake it until it's warmed through. Or, you can scoop the portion you want onto a plate and microwave it for a minute or two to heat it up.
Serve this up with corn chips, carrots, celery, or hearty crackers for dipping. I especially love this dip with Triscuits, Wheat Thins, pita chips, or bagel chips.
You can! Make the dip up to a day ahead, then pop it into the oven to bake just before serving.
Camille Lawrence
I have honestly been using this recipe for years now. Thanksgiving, Super bowls, Christmas, etc it's literally perfect for any occasion. I should have posted a comment sooner, but this truly is a recipe I have saved for anything
Becky Striepe
Oh my gosh, Camille, what a delight this comment was to read! Thank you so much. I'm glad that this dip is a fave.
Laurie
Can I use fresh spinach
Becky Striepe
You can! Just cook enough that you end up with the same amount, cooked, and make sure to wring out the excess liquid. You will need a ton of fresh spinach, since it cooks down so much. I'd guess 4-6 cups fresh.
Angie
Just made this tonight for my New Year’s Eve at home and it so delicious!!!
Becky Striepe
That is so wonderful! Happy new year!
Diane Foidart
Definitely want to make this for my vegan friends and for me - I don't eat dairy. Not sure I'll tolerate the nutritional yeast? Can it be omitted?
Becky Striepe
You can try. The nooch thickens the sauce a bit, so it will be thinner without it. It should still taste good, though.
konekoo
I actually prefer cashew kream, Great for all those holiday parties..!
Becky Striepe
Thank you!
Elly
Can you assemble this a day ahead and keep in the fridge until baking?
Becky Striepe
Sure! I'd definitely pull it out about an hour before, so it can come closer to room temp. I'm always nervous about putting a fridge-cold glass pan into a hot oven.
Rachel
Is there a reason for using frozen spinach? If I use fresh, should I still use 9 oz? Thanks!
Becky Striepe
I have not made this with fresh, but I imagine that it would work fine, as long as you cook it before adding to the dip. You'd need a lot more than 9 ounces, though, since spinach loses so much volume during cooking.
Tanya
Made this tonight for a gathering with non-vegans. Used collard greens instead of spinach (what I had) and it was a hit!! Thank you!
Becky Striepe
Ooh I'm glad to hear it was good with collards! One of my favorite green leafies!
The Vegan 8
This is truly one of my all-time favorite foods and your version looks pretty much perfect! I love how delicious and creamy it looks and so simple.
Jenn
This looks so super creamy and delicious!! Must try! Perfect for all those holiday parties!
heidi @ a week from thursday
This is perfect! And it looks just like the real thing. I'm going to have to make it.
Also, I love the VVP.
Becky Striepe
Thank you! Enjoy it. It's one of my favorite dips!
alexandra caspero
This looks so delicious! I love dips like this, perfect for this time of year!
Alex @Delicious-Knowledge.com
Becky Striepe
Thank you, Alex!
Laura
I actually prefer cashew kream to cheese - I like the flavor and it can be paired with anything!
jessicademarra
Such an old fav of mine when going to restaurants! Now I can make a better one at home :) Thanks so much!
Becky Striepe
Thank you! I'm always so happy when I can recreate old faves!
Veronica @ Veggie V
Sounds delicious! I've never tried making it with the cashew cream - just tofu. Must try for a gathering!
veganmiam.com
Happy Virtual Vegan Potluck! I’m impressed - a no mayo, cheeze, cream cheeze or sour cream artichoke-spinach dip! These ingredients you’ve mentioned can get a bit expensive (but still love my vegan cheesee products) - but it’s so nice to use raw nuts for everything else from sauces to dips. Marinated Artichokes are one of my favorite snacks. And I love cashew-based sauces & dips, and I would love to try this dip with some flax seed crackers or even on sandwiches!
Becky Striepe
Yeah, I love my Daiya too! It was a fun challenge and way more cost-effective. Pass the flax crackers!
* Vegan Sparkles *
Oh I'm a huge fan of cashew cream - how awesome is it! Love the sound of the garlic & artichoke inclusions, NOM.
Cadry's Kitchen
I used to love spinach and artichoke dip so much. Whenever I went to T.G.I. Friday's, I would just order that as my meal. When they started selling it in the frozen section, even though it wasn't the same as at the restaurant, I'd still get it as a treat sometime. So this vegan version of yours ticks all of the boxes in the best possible way! Yes, please!
Becky Striepe
Thank you, Cadry! I used to love those greasy restaurant spin-art dips too. YUM.
sweetveg
I love your idea of using cashews and adding spinach. Yum!
Maggie Muggins
Yum! I have a friend who brings an artichoke dip to every gathering as well, although I still don't know where her secret recipe stems from. I love your version, I've never had one that's used cashews but it sounds like it would be rich gooey goodness.
Becky Striepe
I wonder if it's the same one! I haven't seen a shaker of that Kraft parm in a long time, so I don't know if the recipe is still on the side.
Joanne Mumola Williams
A great alternative for those who love spinach-artichoke dip who are lactose-intolerant. Looks great!
Eat,live,burp
I love the story and the dip looks delicious:)
Becky Striepe
Thank you!
betsydijulio
It's Sunday morning, but I want some now!
Becky Striepe
If you eat some for breakfast, I'll never tell.
lizziefit
Hey Becky!
S&A dip was my contribution as well! I used Daiya cheese but now I'm really interested to try your version with the nutritional yeast for an even "healthier" dip ;) You can find my recipe here: https://lizziefit.wordpress.com/2013/11/16/virtual-vegan-potluck-spinach-artichoke-dip/
Elyse
Becky Striepe
Oh man, yours looks super awesome too!
Richa
the dip looks so creamy. i havent had a spinach artichoke dip in such a long time!.
Becky Striepe
Thank you, Richa!
Starr
Your dip sounds delicious! I can't wait to try it and take for Christmas appies!
Becky Striepe
Hurrah! Enjoy it. :)
Move Eat Create
What a fantastic interpretation of this dish. I used to love spinach-artichoke dip, but haven't had it in ages because a vegan version hadn't caught my eye. How exciting!
Becky Striepe
Thank you so much!
Including Cake (@IncludingCake)
Yum! I do love a good dip...good job!
Keely @ Gormandize
Looks gorgeous, will definitely have to try this. It looks so creamy. :)
Anna {Herbivore Triathlete}
I love spinach artichoke dip! I love that there is no cheese in it, I don't have access to vegan cheese where I live, so this recipe is perfect. Happy VVP!
The Vegan Kat
Ooh, this would go perfectly with my artichoke and roasted garlic bread! :) I'll have to try it out!
Somer
Ah yeah! Who needs vegan cream cheese when cashews do the trick! YUM!
acookinthemaking
I can't even tell you how much I've missed spinach artichoke dip since going vegan. This looks absolutely amazing and I am going to make it to bring to my office holiday party in a few weeks. Thanks for the awesome recipe!
Susmitha - Veganosaurus
Hahaha that story reminds me of Phoebe's grandmother's secret family Tollhouse cookies episode from F.R.I.E.N.D.S
So glad your family figured out this recipe because your vegan version sounds absolutely scrumptious! :)
Becky Striepe
Ha! Yes! It was a total sitcom moment.
Kelli Roberts
This looks incredible, Becky! I love that it doesn't have any processed ingredients in it. And I love the idea of using it as pasta sauce!
Becky Striepe
Thank you, Kelli!
alexanderwillowharvey
I want this in my life please and thank you....
Liane
Yum, this sounds great :)
gigiveganville
Hah! Take that Secretive Betty. I am a sucker for vegan cheezy stuff like this!
Amy
Spinach artichoke dip is my favorite but I never saw a vegan version of it. Thanks for posting -- this looks delicious and I can't wait to try it!
Becky Striepe
Thank you, Amy!
spinachrevolution
Creamy garlicky dip, how wonderful. That with some freshly baked bread... hmmmm! Thank you for the recipe.
Becky Striepe
You get that bread started, and I'll be over with the dip in an hour.
rebeccajanearmstrong
Oh my this has got my stomach rumbling- beautiful, beautiful dip! xx
Becky Striepe
Thank you so much, Rebecca!
An Unrefined Vegan
Heehee - poor Betty!! My cousin used to make this same dip every Christmas and it was always gone in a flash. Brilliant to veganize it!
Becky Striepe
Haha yes! Poor her. My mom actually still makes that dip to this day. Maybe next time I'm in Florida I can convince her that mine is better!
Kammie @ Sensual Appeal
Fantastic! Such a great recipe, it's one of the things I thought would not be able to veganize! So this rocks.
Becky Striepe
Thank you so much!
Vegan Gypsy
Ooh, I've been looking for a version of my favorite dip, thank you! I can see this being served at many a Yule-tide party!
Becky Striepe
Thank you! :)
Poppy
Oh. Wow, I seriously can't wait to try this! I used to adore a hot spinach artichoke dip pre-vegan in an Italian restaurant. If this tastes even half as good as that I will be a very happy woman! It certainly looks the same! Thank you! Poppy :)
Becky Striepe
I hear ya! It was good to recreate those flavors from my childhood for sure.
luminousvegans
I love that this does not have any Daiya or other store cheeses. While I looove store bought vegan cheeses, it can get expensive. This looks so good and I've been looking for a great spinach artichoke dip like this. I made one from a Whole Foods recipe that wasn't very good, so I'm definitely pinning this for later.
I wish I could have seen the look on Betty's face when you guys outed her secret!
Becky Striepe
Thank you, Ketty! I love me some Daiya, but it was fun to come up with a homemade alternative for sure.
Allison (Spontaneous Tomato)
Wow, this DOES look decadent-- that photo is making me hungry! I'm excited that I even have all of the ingredients for it already other than the artichokes.
Becky Striepe
You could totally make this with just spinach - just use more!
Andrea
We used to go to a restaurant with a spinach-artichoke dip in a bread-bowl, and everyone would order it — except me, of course, because I'm vegan. Duh. Your recipe sounds like a spinach-artichoke dip that would give the 'other one' some stiff competition.
Becky Striepe
Thank you, Andrea! I am already looking for an excuse to make it again. :D