This homemade Whole30 Alfredo sauce is so thick and creamy, with a garlic and cheese-life flavor, except it’s completely Paleo, vegan and dairy-free. It’s cashew based, and only takes a few simple ingredients and a few minutes to whip up. This paleo alfredo sauce goes great over chicken, veggies or vegetable noodles, in casseroles and more. It’s a much healthier alternative to store-bought alfredo, with no additives or sugar!
Homemade Whole30 Alfredo Sauce Ingredients
There’s fewer than 10 ingredients in this Whole30 homemade alfredo sauce, and many of them are likely to be ones you already have, which makes this a no-brainer when it comes to making your own alfredo sauce. You’ll need 1 cup of raw cashews, do not use salted and roasted cashews. I always order the bags of raw cashews from Thrive Market, but you can get them at most major grocery stores.
You’ll also need lemon juice, half of a yellow onion, minced garlic, nutritional yeast and a few spices, like salt, rosemary and pepper. Nutritional yeast is a Whole30, Paleo and vegan “cheese” substitute that isn’t really cheese, but it gives any recipe it’s in a cheesy, nutty flavor. Nutritional yeast can also be picked up on Thrive Market, Amazon, or any major store.
How to Make Whole30 Homemade Alfredo Sauce
Making your own Whole30 and Paleo homemade alfredo sauce really couldn’t be easier. First, you need to soak the cashews in water to soften them. Soaking them on the counter overnight is best, but if you’re short for time, you can soak them for 1 hour in hot water to quicken the process. The cashews are what help to keep this alfredo sauce dairy free, while keeping the same creamy consistency you’re used to with alfredo.
Once the cashews have soaked, you’ll drain that water and add them into a high powered blender or food processor. You could also use an immersion blender, which I find to be the easiest option because you can blend it in the same container you’re going to store the alfredo sauce in. Then you’ll add the remaining ingredients, and blend for just a few minutes until the alfredo is smooth, thick and creamy.
If you want your homemade paleo alfredo sauce a bit thinner, simply add 1/4 cup water and blend again to incorporate it and thin the sauce.
And, if you’re looking for a store-bought, pre-made Whole30 and Paleo alfredo sauce, I highly recommend keeping a few jars of Primal Kitchen’s alfredo in the pantry for even quicker, throw-together meals! (Code PALEOBAILEY will save you 15% off your order!)
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PrintHomemade Alfredo Sauce: Whole30, Paleo, Vegan
This homemade Whole30 Alfredo sauce is super creamy, with a garlic and cheese-life flavor, except it’s completely Paleo, vegan and dairy-free. It’s cashew based, and only takes a few simple ingredients and a few minutes to whip up. This paleo alfredo sauce goes great over chicken, veggies or vegetable noodles, in casseroles and more. It’s a much healthier alternative to store-bought alfredo, with no additives or sugar!
- Prep Time: 5
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1.5 cups 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Blender
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw cashews (soaked in 1 cup water)
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
- 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp rosemary
Instructions
- Soak cashews on the counter overnight in water to soften, and then drain. If in a hurry, you can soak them for 1 hour in hot water to soften more quickly.
- Add all of the ingredients into a high powered blender or food processor, and blend until smooth.
- Add the sauce into a recipe, or pour into a jar/container and cover to store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- You can also use an immersion blender
- Add 1/4 cup water and blend again if you want a thinner sauce
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Melissa says
Has anyone tried freezing. I’m trying to batch make a bunch of sauces at once to save time and would just like to freeze and use when I need something quick
Kim says
So good!
Wanda Hall says
Its pretty good. I couldnt get it as smooth as i wanted it though. I wonder how it would taste made with almond milk instead of water. Has anyone tried that?
sarah says
Made this for the first time tonight. It was quick, easy and delicious (but it’s not an alfredo substitute.)
Can it be frozen? I’m the only one eating it and there’s lots left over that I won’t finish in five days.
Kristin says
This is by far our favorite alfredo sauce we’ve made since going vegan 4 years ago. It’s so quick, so tasty and is made of ingredients I always have on hand any way, so no special trips to the grocery store! Win-win-win!
paleobailey says
Oh I’m so glad to hear this!! Thank you so much, Kristin!
Dev says
Has anyone tried to sub water for a plant based milk? Just wondering.
Bec says
Hi Bailey, I am just wondering is the cup of water for soaking or there is an extra cup of water going into the blender with all the other ingredients? Just want to make sure. Thanks for the recipe ?
paleobailey says
Hi! The cup of water is a new cup 🙂 Sorry for the confusion!!
sam says
I’m just in awe. This is AMAZING. and SO simple. Thank you!!
Rebekah says
Quick question: do you use the water the cashews are soaking in for the sauce? I’m guessing you do!
Thanks!
paleobailey says
Hi! No, I use new water. I’m not sure it matters too much – but I’ll clarify in the recipe! Thank you!
Rebekah says
Thank you! Also I made this tonight and it was amazing!
Dana says
This recipe makes me never want to buy alfredo at the store again! Wow it’s sooooooo good!! So creamy, so easy, just SO GOOD!
paleobailey says
Love to hear it!! Thank you so much!
Rachel says
Hello! Could I use salted cashews and just rinse them prior to soaking?
paleobailey says
I think that would work fine!
Leah says
Have made this before but always used it right away. How long can this be stored before using? Also can it be frozen?
Anita says
OMG this Alfredo is incredible!!
Amanda says
I made this Alfredo for dinner tonight with some spaghetti squash and WOW let me tell you it is delicious. I subbed the rosemary for basil and probably used far more garlic (because let’s be real, you always multiple suggested garlic by two) and I think I may need to fix this every day for the rest of my life?????? Thank you, Bailey!!!
paleobailey says
SO happy you loved this!! Totally agree with you on the garlic, too 😉 Thank you so, so much for coming back and letting me know. I really appreciate it! <3 - B