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
Prep Time 20 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 243 kcal
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
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.
-
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.
Recipe Notes
Pick up the goods for this recipe (and everything else you love) at Vitacost.
Nutrition Facts
Vegan Cranberry-Walnut Holiday Cheese Ball
Amount Per Serving
Calories 243
Calories from Fat 171
% Daily Value*
Fat 19g29%
Saturated Fat 2g10%
Trans Fat 0.001g
Polyunsaturated Fat 7g
Monounsaturated Fat 9g
Sodium 124mg5%
Potassium 276mg8%
Carbohydrates 14g5%
Fiber 3g12%
Sugar 6g7%
Protein 7g14%
Vitamin A 166IU3%
Vitamin C 4mg5%
Calcium 41mg4%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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