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    Home ▸ Vegan Sauces and Toppings

    4 Ingredient Vegan Queso Fresco

    Last modified: April 22, 2023. Originally posted: April 22, 2023 By Sophia DeSantis

    This post may contain paid links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    A collage of a circle pile of queso fresco on a black plate, it being made in a food processor and in a cheese cloth.
    A thick creamy cheese in a round shape on a black plate with a knife getting some of it.

    This amazing vegan queso fresco is made with 4 simple plant-based ingredients. It's the perfect addition to your Mexican-inspired dishes!

    This recipe is so easy to make and a great flavorful alternative to traditional queso fresco. It's creamy and so versatile!

    A silver knife taking a piece of cheese from a creamy cheese wheel sitting on a black plate
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    This post was originally published on May 30, 2022.

    After the huge success of my vegan feta, I knew I wanted to tweak the ingredients a bit to achieve a different flavor that could represent the creamy queso fresco I loved to use on all my Mexican recipes.

    Ingredients

    This homemade queso fresco recipe is so simple to make from all plant based ingredients! While not as detailed as some other recipes out there, you still achieve the flavor you need without all the fussy steps!

    They key to creating cheesy and creamy dairy free queso is focusing on the end flavor you want. It's easy to change up ingredient amounts to get slightly different flavors!

    Here is all you need for this vegan queso fresco:

    • Cashews
    • Vinegar
    • Water
    • Salt
    Top view of bowls with cashews, water, vinegar and salt on a dark surface

    How to Make Queso Fresco

    It's more simple than you may think to make your own vegan queso fresco! Here's what to do:

    1. Add the soaked cashews with the other ingredients into a food processor.
    2. Blend until smooth but with a little texture.
    3. Strain in a cloth.
    4. Chill and serve!
    Top view of a food processor with cashews inside of it on a dark surface
    Top view of a food processor sitting on dark surface with a creamy mixture inside
    Top view of a thick creamy mixture in a cheese cloth over a strainer with a blue spatula next to it

    What to Serve With Vegan Queso Fresco

    There are so many ways to use this crumbly Mexican cheese! (It makes an excellent cotija cheese alternative!) Try it with these plant based recipes whether you mix it in or use as a garnish:

    • Healthy Vegan Breakfast Tacos
    • Vegan Jackfruit Tacos
    • Chipotle Vegan Burrito Bowl
    • Healthy Vegan Taco Salad
    • Ultimate Vegan Burritos
    • Veggie Sheet Pan Fajitas
    • The Best Vegan Black Bean Enchiladas
    • Amazingly Cheesy Vegan Quesadillas
    • Refried Beans
    • Vegan Pozole Verde
    • Incredible Vegan Tortilla Soup
    • Simple Vegan Black Bean Soup
    Top view of a wheel of creamy cheese on a black plate next to a plate of tacos with the cheese on them

    Preparation Tips

    • In order for this vegan queso fresco substitute recipe to work, the cashews need to be softened.
      • Either soak them overnight first, or boil them for 25 minutes.
    • You can adjust the consistency to make it thinner or softer by adding 2 tablespoons of water.
      • The flavor will be diluted a bit so add a little more vinegar.
    • Make sure to only use white vinegar for the right flavor.
    • Customize the flavor by mixing in nutritional yeast, ground mustard or garlic powder.
    • For an extra tangy flavor add more vinegar.
    • If you want the texture more firm for crumbled queso fresco, make sure to chill it in the fridge for 4-6 hours.
    • You can also use it immediately for a softer consistency.

    How to Store Vegan Queso Fresco

    • Seal the queso in an airtight container and place in the refrigerator for up to one week.
    • You can also freeze it! Keep in a freezer safe airtight container for up to 3 months. Defrost before using.
    • If freezing, cover the top of the cheese with plastic wrap, press down so it provides a seal, then cover with the container top. This helps prevent freezer burn

    Common Questions

    Is queso fresco cheese vegan?

    Queso fresco cheese is generally made from cow's milk, and sometimes include goat's milk, which are not vegan. However there are many store bought vegan queso fresco alternatives available, and making your own is easy to do!

    What can I substitute for queso fresco?

    You can use feta, ricotta, or cotija cheese instead of queso fresco in most recipes. If your concern is to avoid dairy, this plant based queso fresco recipe is the perfect alternative!

    Is queso fresco the same as cotija?

    No, the two cheeses are different although similar. Cotija is saltier than the more mild queso fresco. Additionally, cotija is generally more firm and dry.

    Can you freeze queso fresco?

    Yes you can! See above for more details.

    What is queso fresco in english?

    Queso fresco translates to fresh cheese in english.

    Does queso fresco melt?

    Queso fresco does not melt in the classic stringy ooey gooey sense, but it will soften a bit as it is warmed.

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    A round shape of thick creamy cheese with a knife taking some from it on a black plate.

    4 Ingredient Vegan Queso Fresco

    Sophia DeSantis
    This amazing vegan queso fresco is made with 4 simple plant-based ingredients. It's the perfect addition to your Mexican-inspired dishes!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Shop Ingredients
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Set in fridge 4 hours hrs
    Total Time 4 hours hrs 10 minutes mins
    Course Condiment
    Cuisine Mexican
    Servings 16
    Calories 45 kcal

    Equipment

    • Food processor

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1 cup raw cashews , soaked overnight or boiled for 25 minutes to soften (see note)
    • 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar (add an extra 1 teaspoon for a tangier version)
    • 1 tablespoon water , see note
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt

    Instructions
     

    • In a food processor, add the cashews (drain and rinse them after the soaking), vinegar, water and salt.
    • Blend until you get a smooth creamy texture. Some chunkiness is okay.
    • Put the mixture in the center of a cheese cloth, tea towel or any type of cloth napkin. Wrap the cloth over it into a ball and put a rubber band or tie it with string to keep it shut.
    • Put the ball in a mesh strainer and then put that over a bowl. Place it in the fridge for at least 4-6 hours. This will help draw out the small amount of moisture that is in the cheese, firming it up a bit. For a super quick version, you can also wrap it up and pat out a little of the moisture and then use as it. Or skip this entirely and use as is for a softer texture.
    • Once the moisture has been drawn out it will be thicker so you can place it on a plate and form it into a round shape if you prefer for esthetics. Or simply just use!
    • Serve with anything and everything!

    Notes

    • If you forget to soak the cashews, simply boil them for about 25 minutes. They need to be soft so do not skip this step and use them dry.
    • If you want this softer/thinner, then add 2 tablespoons water. If you do this, then add the extra teaspoon vinegar for more tang. 
    • You need white vinegar for this, other vinegars won’t give the same flavor.
    • If you wanted added flavors you could add some nutritional yeast, ground mustard or garlic powder but I preferred it simple as written.
    • This makes about 1 cup mixture. Serving size is 1 tablespoon.

    Recipe by Veggies Don’t Bite, visit our site for more great plant-based recipes.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 45kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 1gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 66mgPotassium: 53mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 3mgIron: 1mg

    Nutrition and metric information should be considered an estimate.

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    1. Sarah

      June 10, 2022 at 2:07 pm

      This queso fresco is life! I've already used it on tacos, burrito bowls, and even as a salad topping. Can't wait to try more!

      Reply

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