[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Creamy, tangy and made for festive grazing, this vegan cranberry-walnut holiday cheese ball is the kind of appetizer that instantly feels at home on a holiday table. Blended from soaked cashews and almonds, brightened with lemon and herbs, then rolled in sweet-tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts, it’s a nourishing, plant-based centerpiece that invites sharing – and sneaking just one more bite.
Vegan Cranberry-Walnut Holiday Cheese Ball
- 1 cup raw cashews (soaked 4–6 hours, or overnight)
- 1/2 cup raw blanched almonds (soaked 4–6 hours, or overnight)
- 2-3 Tbsp. filtered water (as needed for blending)
- 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. onion powder
- 1/2 tsp. Redmond Real Salt Sea Salt
- 1/4 tsp. turmeric (for subtle “white cheddar” color)
- 1-2 Tbsp. nutritional yeast (for sharper cheesy flavor, optional)
- 1/3 cup dried unsweetened organic cranberries (divided)
- 1/2 cup Rich Nuts Sprouted Walnuts Brilliant Balsamic (divided)
- 1/3 cup Rich Nuts Maple Pecans
- 1-1/2 Tbsp. Primal Kitchen Organic Balsamic Vinegar
- 2 Tbsp. fresh chives (chopped)
Optional
- Drizzle maple syrup (vegan)
- Drizzle raw honey (not vegan)
To Serve
- Handful Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers
- Drain and rinse soaked cashews and almonds.
- In high-speed blender, combine cashews, almonds, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, sea salt, turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, nutritional yeast (if using) and a little water. Blend until smooth, scraping down sides of blender as needed. (Note: Consistency should be very thick.)
- Transfer blended “cheese” to large bowl.
- To bowl, add pecans, chopped chives, half of the balsamic walnuts and half of the dried cranberries; Mix until fully combined.
- Place remaining balsamic walnuts and cranberries on a plate.
- With hands, form mixture into a ball. (Note: Wearing kitchen gloves helps keep mixture from sticking to hands.)
- Roll cheese ball in nut and cranberry mixture, pressing gently so every side is fully coated. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup, if desired.
- Refrigerate 20-30 minutes to firm up before serving with crackers.
- Refrigerate up to 4 days in glass container. Cheese ball can be frozen until ready to serve.
Pick up the goods for this recipe (and everything else you love) at Vitacost.
