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If you need more Vegan Dips and/or Vegan Sauces in your life, you’ve come to the right place. This big list of dips and sauces will be a great resource for you so you can include more awesome vegan dishes in your life.
Hey Internet, vegan dips and vegan sauces are one the most important recipes you can have in your possession when it comes to making delicious vegan food.
You might be wondering, hey, aren’t dips and sauces the same thing? Well, sort of.
Some dips are so chunky you wouldn’t be able to pour them on other things, like my vegan kale artichoke dip or my vegan buffalo chicken dip.
And some sauces are so thin, well, I still think you could dip a chip in them if you wanted, but it might be too thin, I don’t know.
But I wanted to make sure I was putting all these great dips and sauces in a place where they were easy to find. So I decided to make a compilation of my favorite vegan dips and my favorite vegan sauces.
Now salad dressings, such as vegan ranch dressing and creamy vegan Italian dressing, those can be sauces too but I am going to make a separate compilation post for those too, because otherwise I think this post might just get too long!
Anyway, to keep it from getting confusing, I’ll still separate the dips and sauces below, though I kinda think you can mix and match depending on what your goal is.
And don’t ask me to play favorites. That’s too hard.
What kind of sauces are vegan?
There’s a lot of vegan sauces out there. Many condiments such as ketchup and mustards are almost always vegan. Some mustards have honey in them, so those aren’t vegan. I made my own vegan honey mustard dressing for that reason.
Hot sauces are usually vegan, but make sure to check the ingredients labels.
Many BBQ sauces are vegan. But I am picky, so I made my own vegan BBQ sauce too.
And mayo, well, most mayo is egg-based. There are vegan mayos available, and they’re pretty good. My husband really likes them.
But I like it a bit lighter, and with less (or no) oil, so I made my own tofu mayo. It sounds weird, but trust me, it’s totally delicious.
There are a lot of accidentally vegan Asian cuisines-inspired sauces out there too, such as hoisin, teriyaki, etc. Of course, you already know I like to make my own, so I do have an awesome vegan teriyaki sauce and vegan sweet and sour sauce.
Noticing a trend here? There are lots of vegan sauces out there, but you can also make your own. I like that better, honestly, because then I can adjust the flavors to my preferences.
Can you buy dairy free dips?
It’s true, nowadays you can find a lot of dairy free dips at the grocery store nowadays. I’ve seen all kinds (especially at Trader Joe’s!), like buffalo dip, queso, and more.
And of course there’s the dips that are almost always vegan: hummus, guacamole, and salsa. But just make sure to check those ingredient labels, though, because sometimes those companies are sneaky.
Our favorite store bought vegan dip brands (note not all products by some of these brands are vegan, so read your labels) include:
- Trader Joe’s
- Bitchin’ Sauce
- Kite Hill
- Mother Raw
- Primal Kitchen
Depending on what store you’re at (Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and other specialty markets often have more of a selection of dairy free dips and other products), you may find many dairy free dips. Just make sure you read the ingredients label before you buy.
How to make vegan sauces?
It’s a lot about experimentation. I do recommend following some good recipes, which is why I’m compiling this big post!
But once you get comfortable with vegan cooking, you can start tweaking recipes to fit your preferences and before long, you might just be inventing things on the fly!
I do recommend writing things down though, so you can come back to them later.
As for the technical how-to, there’s really so many different vegan sauces out there that it’s really hard to say. I do have a couple of tips though.
If you want velvety smooth vegan sauces or vegan dips and/or you want to be able to blend nuts and seeds, you need a quality blender. And when I say a quality blender, I mean a high-powered blender.
Investing in my Vitamix was the single best purchase in my kitchen. It took me a long time to save up, but in my opinion it has been a non-negotiable for all the fun cooking I do and all the delicious food I like to make.
You can get renewed (refurbished) Vitamix blenders online to save money, and some people have found older models second hand.
I’ve also heard that Blendtec is a good option, but I have not personally used one before.
For a chunky vegan dip though, you’ll likely want a food processor. That’s where I’m not as picky. A good Cuisinart food processor should work fine. I personally use a Breville Sous Chef Food Processor but it was a gift (I do love it though, if you’re in the market).
Depending on the model of Vitamix you have, you might be able to get the food processor attachment too, which would save room in your kitchen.
And of course, a good set of knives will really help you. But you certainly don't need to buy an expensive set of knives. A reasonable set like a Cusinart knife set or a good chef's knife, a serrated knife, and a paring knife will get you far, and honestly even a $50 knife that you keep sharpened is much better than a $200 dull knife.
One more thing: many vegan sauces and vegan dips use minced garlic, minced ginger, lemon zest or lime zest, etc. so I highly recommend a microplane.
Vegan Dips and Vegan Sauces
Need more vegan dips and vegan sauces in your arsenal? Check out this huge list of the best vegan sauce recipes on the Internet. That's a bold claim, but these recipes sure are delicious!
Vegan Dips
Loaded, dunkable, and perfect for sharing (or not), these vegan dips are satisfying and delicious. Get your favorite chips, crackers, and some cut up vegetables and go to town on these easy vegan dip recipes.
Creamy, sweet, tangy and deliciously cheesy, this Vegan Baked Brie in Puff Pastry is a super easy, crowd pleasing appetizer. This feels-fancy appetizer is stuffed with vegan cranberry sauce or jam/preserves and vegan brie that gets super gooey and melty and is then encased in crispy + flaky store-bought puff pastry.
Or go directly to the delicious source with my homemade vegan brie. Technically it's a solid cheese but it's soft enough to dip a cracker into. Creamy, rich, and buttery smooth, this Vegan Brie is not only incredibly easy to make, but it’s also deliciously similar to its dairy counterpart. Instructions included for nut-free and soy-free versions. Prep this vegan Brie recipe in just 10 minutes and the next day you’ll be met with amazing vegan cheese perfect for a party or just for snacking.
This refreshing and flavorful Vegan Ceviche is a delicious but fishless version of a traditional Peruvian dish. It makes a great appetizer or meal, especially for a gathering, when served with tortilla chips or in lettuce cups.
Creamy and loaded with flavor, this awesome Vegan Cheese Ball is easy to make, fun to decorate, and perfect for an appetizer or party snack. Highlight it on a vegan charcuterie board or just dig in with some crackers and enjoy!
Creamy, cheesy, and surprisingly healthy, this Vegan Kale Artichoke Dip is absolutely delicious and super easy to make. This baked dip is super full of flavor and great to serve at a party or as a casual snack or appetizer.
Creamy and cheesy with a kick, this Nut-Free Vegan Queso will surely rock your socks off in 5 minutes or less. Dip chips or veggies in it or use it as a topping for burritos, bowls, nachos, and more.
Smoky and packed with umami flavor, this easy vegan Mushroom Lentil Pâté is the perfect appetizer or snack (it’s gluten-free too!). It keeps well in the fridge and is a great feels-fancy dish but is simple and quick to make. It's very similar to chopped liver pâté if you ever had that, but this is much better in my opinion (not that I'm biased).
Creamy, garlicky, and flavorful, this Vegan Garlic Aioli is exceptionally easy to make. With many possible substitutions, you can easily make this 5-minute vegan aioli compliant with your way of eating or just use store bought ingredients for a quick fix.
Protein-packed and delicious, this Healthy Chickpea Tuna Salad is an easy recipe that’s super versatile and perfect for dipping crackers or chips in, sandwiches, lettuce wraps, and more! You’ll love this no-fuss recipe that comes together in about 15 minutes. Great for meal prep, lunches, dinners, and snacks.
Creamy, thick, and delicious, this easy Vegan Ricotta Cheese is ready in only 5 minutes for whatever deliciousness you have planned! It’s protein packed and low in fat, so use it liberally in lasagna, stuffed shells, and more, or even as a fun dip for crackers or spread for wraps and sandwiches.
Part yogurt, part cheese, this thick and creamy vegan labneh couldn’t be any more simple or delicious. My simple no-strain method means you can quickly have healthy, yet cheesy, tangy, and creamy dairy-free labneh in almost no time at all. Perfect for crackers and fresh veggies.
Cheesy, creamy, and satisfying, this Vegan Buffalo Chicken Dip is the perfect vegan appetizer or snack. Serve this quick and easy dip at a party or enjoy it at home with some chips and/or veggies.
So technically vegan raita is a condiment that's meant to be eaten with something like vegan biryani or my pumpkin curry. But hear me out: crackers dunked in this delicious fresh and herby vegan dip!
This vegan oil free hummus is super easy to make and incredibly creamy. Serve it up as a meal loaded with veggies and pita or keep it in the fridge as an easy snack with veggies or crackers when you get peckish!
Creamy, flavorful, and cute, this Beet Hummus is a healthy dip for raw veggies, crackers, and more. This beet hummus recipe comes together in just 5 minutes and is truly delicious. You can also use it as a sandwich spread or salad dressing!
Butter Bean Hummus is a creamy, healthy, and delicious dip, perfect for veggies, crackers, and more. Mix it up from your usual chickpea hummus and try this amazing butter bean spread on your sandwiches, thin it to make a dressing, or just use it as a dip. What a delicious way to get more protein and fiber into your diet!
Creamy and flavorful, this Spinach Artichoke Hummus is a fun twist on your favorite dip. It’s healthy, super tasty, and great with raw veggies, crackers, on sandwiches, and more. Make it fully blended and smooth or leave it chunky (your choice)… either way this might become your new favorite dip!
Vegan Condiments
These vegan sauces are more like condiments used in applications like sandwiches, etc. BUT! They're all delicious and customizable.
Creamy and rich yet also light, this Vegan Tofu Mayo is delicious, low fat, inexpensive, and the perfect mayonnaise replacement! We can't believe it's so easy to make and so versatile. It's a great base for an aioli, chipotle mayo, or anything else, and of course it's perfect for sandwiches.
Super easy and simple Vegan Garlic Butter is perfect for toast, garlic bread, or making any recipe amazing and flavorful. Melt it to make an awesome vegan garlic butter sauce for dipping or drizzling anything you like. I really like to dunk my air fryer gnocchi in this one!
This easy tofu sour cream is delicious and so fast to make with only 3 ingredients. It also works really well in baking to keep a cake or pastry moist. I also love to use it in a loaded vegan baked potato.
This easy to make Sunflower Seed Cream is a great inexpensive and nut-free replacement for cashew cream. Use it in salad dressings, soups, pasta sauces, and anywhere you need a rich and creamy liquid.
This is the Best Vegan BBQ Sauce is easy to make and delicious on everything from vegetables to tofu to vegan burgers. This sauce comes together in about 5 minutes and is healthier than anything you can purchase at the store.
This 10 minute Quick Vegan Gravy is rich, savory, and the perfect topping for mains and sides. Easy enough to make on a weeknight for baked potatoes and steamed veggies, but delicious enough to deserve a place at the holiday table, this easy condiment is a keeper. Perfect for vegan mashed potatoes.
Smoky, rich, and packed with umami flavor, this Vegan Mushroom Gravy is easy to make and perfect for topping mashed potatoes, lentil loaf, and more.
This easy, creamy tofu cream cheese is packed with protein, totally customizable and so easy to make in a blender or food processor. Schmear this 5-minute vegan cream cheese on a vegan bagel, use it in a recipe, or just dip veggies / fruit in it.
Sweet and slightly tart, this delicious Vegan Cranberry Sauce is far superior to store-bought versions and the perfect addition to any holiday plate. Whether you’re hosting a vegan feast or bringing a vegan option to a shared table, you’ll definitely want to make this 20 minute holiday dish.
Vegan Sauces
These vegan sauces are so delicious they'll make you say "awesome sauce." Ooph. That one was too dorky, even for me. But seriously though, these vegan sauces are great and you should check them out.
Tangy yet sweet and addictive, this Vegan Sweet and Sour Sauce is made in just 5 minutes and is the perfect sauce for dinners and appetizers. Use it in any sweet and sour type of dish, or pour it over vegan meatballs, use it as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, or whatever else you’d like.
This ultra creamy Vegan Cauliflower Cheese Sauce is super delicious, so easy to make and packed with nutrients. Put it on homemade fries, pasta, other veggies, chips, or anything you like.
Super creamy Vegan Strawberry Tahini Dressing is a delicious 5 minute salad dressing that can be made with fresh or frozen strawberries, delicious anytime of the year but especially in summer! Blend up just a few ingredients for a sweet and salty sauce that’s beautiful and delicious on salads, steamed veggies, and more.
Forget store-bought, my Vegan Teriyaki Sauce is super easy, delicious, inexpensive, takes only 10 minutes to make, and isn't full of chemicals and preservatives. It also happens to be vegan, oil-free, gluten-free, nut-free, and refined sugar-free.
This rich, tangy, Vegan Lemon Miso Tahini Dressing is AMAZING and a great sauce for virtually any dish. Use it to top pasta, salads, bowls, and more! It is a versatile sauce you'll want to make every week—luckily it takes less than 5 minutes to make!
Creamy, zesty, and traditional in flavor, this easy Nut-Free Vegan Ranch Dressing is easy to make and free of oils, nuts, and sugar. It’s also packed with plant-based protein and takes just 5 minutes to whiz up in any kind of blender!
Creamy and lush, this two-minute Maple Mustard Tahini Sauce is super easy, simple, and delicious for just about anything. Use it on salads, Buddha bowls, as a dipping sauce for veggies and more, you need no equipment or hard to find ingredients for this simple sauce recipe.
Melty, gooey, stretchy my Vegan Melty Cheddar Cheese Sauce is perfect for quesadillas, grilled cheese sandwiches, pizza, pasta, and more! Nut-free, gluten-free, AND oil-free! The best part is it takes less than 10 minutes to prepare and keeps well in the fridge, too.
Creamy, sweet, tangy, and salty, this lightened up Vegan Russian Dressing is quick and easy to make. This sauce is the perfect condiment for vegan reuben sandwiches, salads, and more—it’s fabulous as a dip for potato wedges too!
Zesty, sweet, and tangy, this vegan honey mustard dressing is made without honey but totally tastes like it is! It takes about 2 minutes and 3 ingredients to throw together, and is perfect for salads, sandwiches, wraps, and more!
This creamy and zesty Vegan Italian Dressing is the perfect easy dressing for any salad. Quick, nut-free, and totally delicious, this sauce is a great go-to sauce that’s much more exciting than vinegar and healthier than any store-bought dressing.
Creamy, Tangy, Refreshing vegan tzatziki sauce is super quick and easy to make, healthy, and is great on wraps, salads, as a dip for oven baked potato wedges, and more! I love this vegan tzatziki on my vegan gyros and on tofu souvlaki. It only takes 5 minutes to make this super fresh and light sauce that’s packed with plant-based nutrition, but with only a few ingredients.
Ridiculously quick and easy, my 5 Minute Vegan Nut-Free Mozzarella Cheese Sauce is stretchy, melty, and super easy to make. It will become your new favorite for grilled cheese, pasta, pizza, and more.
This easy Vegan Hollandaise Sauce is super creamy, tastes like its eggy non-vegan counterpart, and comes together in 5 minutes or less! This one is egg-free, soy-free, nut-free, oil-free, and gluten-free! Enjoy it on a variety of dishes such as tofu, vegetables, potatoes, and more.
Vegan Sauces for Pasta
While you could use any sauce you like for pasta, these vegan sauces are GREAT on pasta, and in most cases they're photographed that way too. Keep this list handy for your next pasta night.
Chewy, flavorful, and satisfying, this Easy Vegan Meat Sauce for Pasta will become a new household favorite. Make a single or multiple batches easily and save in the freezer for a quick meal later.
Creamy, bright, and delicious, this Vegan Vodka Sauce comes together in just 20 minutes with simple ingredients. It’s packed with flavor, incredibly easy to make, and is sure to become your go-to dinner with the pasta of your choice.
This easy Soy-Free Nut-Free Vegan Cheese Sauce is delicious and comes together in minutes. No potatoes and carrots here, the spices and elements in this cheese sauce make a rich, creamy, luscious vegan cheese sauce.
Creamy, luscious, and delicious, this Vegan Savory Coconut Pasta is an incredibly easy 20 minute dinner, perfect for busy weeknights or even date night. The coconut milk sauce for pasta (or anything else) feels fancy, but is incredibly easy and tasty.
This creamy, cheesy, cozy Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese is the perfect quick and easy vegan dinner option (especially for fall and winter!). It’s absolutely delicious, but it’s low fat and packed with vitamin A and other micronutrients, but no one will notice because it’s so good!
Ultra delicious, this Easy Vegan Caramel Sauce is the perfect topping for ice cream, cakes, and more--and the perfect dip for apples! Make it in just a few minutes with only 5 pantry staple ingredients.
Decadent and ridiculously easy, this rich Vegan Chocolate Sauce is the perfect topping for ice cream and cakes or even as dip for fruit. Made with just a few pantry ingredients and in just a few minutes, you’ll want to keep a jar of this sauce in your fridge at all times.
Sweet, thick, and easy to make, this Vegan Honey will be your new favorite sweetener. Make up a batch and use it in everything--it’s especially delicious with fruit or on toast!
This creamy and fluffy Aquafaba Whipped Cream is the vegan whipped cream that dreams are made of. Light and wispy like a cloud, this whipped cream is way easier to make than it seems and perfect for fruit, topping anything and everything, and even eaten straight out of the bowl.
Creamy, lush, and easy to make, this Vegan Mascarpone is a vegan take on a traditional Italian classic. Used in recipes such as my vegan Tiramisu, this easy vegan cheese is great as an ingredient, but also great just as a snack eaten savory or sweet.
Looking for an even healthier vegan chocolate sauce? Rich, chocolaty, and delicious, this smooth Plant-Based Chocolate Sauce requires only 3 ingredients to make an amazing sauce with no refined sugar but plenty of chocolate flavor. You’ll love this easy and healthy vegan chocolate sauce that only takes 3 minutes to mix up with pantry friendly ingredients. Perfect for dipping fruit, pouring on nice cream, and more.
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