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
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Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
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Drain and rinse soaked cashews and almonds.
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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.)
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Transfer blended “cheese” to large bowl.
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To bowl, add pecans, chopped chives, half of the balsamic walnuts and half of the dried cranberries; Mix until fully combined.
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Place remaining balsamic walnuts and cranberries on a plate.
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With hands, form mixture into a ball. (Note: Wearing kitchen gloves helps keep mixture from sticking to hands.)
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Roll cheese ball in nut and cranberry mixture, pressing gently so every side is fully coated. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup, if desired.
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Refrigerate 20-30 minutes to firm up before serving with crackers.
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Refrigerate up to 4 days in glass container. Cheese ball can be frozen until ready to serve.
Notes
Nutrition
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The post Vegan Cranberry-Walnut Holiday Cheese Ball first appeared on The Upside by Vitacost.com.