Vegan Creamy Mediterranean Olive Sauce
Vegan Creamy Mediterranean Olive Sauce is a dairy-free, oil-free sauce made with cashews or tofu, olives, garlic, and lemon for a briny, tangy, and creamy flavor. Perfect for pasta, roasted vegetables, grain bowls, or as a spread for wraps and sandwiches.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20–25 minutes
- Yield: 1 1/2 cups (4–6 servings)
- Category: Condiment, Sauce
- Method: Blended
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup raw cashews, soaked 15–20 minutes (or 1 cup silken tofu for nut-free)
- 1/2 cup water or unsweetened plant-based milk
- 2 garlic cloves, minced or grated
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/3 cup Kalamata or green olives, pitted and chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
Soak cashews in hot water for 15–20 minutes, then drain. Skip if using silken tofu.
- In a blender, combine cashews or tofu, water or plant milk, garlic, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Transfer to a bowl and fold in chopped olives. For a smoother sauce, pulse briefly in the blender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more lemon, salt, or pepper as needed.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Use green olives for a sharper flavor or mix varieties for balance.
- Blend in sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for added Mediterranean flavor.
- Fresh basil, parsley, or oregano add herby notes.
- Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat.
- White beans can replace cashews for a lower-fat option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
