Description
Skip overpriced store bought options, and make this dairy-free alfredo sauce recipe using cauliflower and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor and creamy consistency!
Ingredients
- 1 lb cauliflower florets
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil or dairy-free butter
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 2 cloves) or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried herbs (such as oregano or basil) - to taste
- 1/2 to 2/3 cup vegetable broth (start with 1/2 cup, add more for a thinner sauce)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup nutritional yeast (see notes for substitute)
- 1/3 cup canned coconut milk or non-dairy milk
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted boiling water or broth to a boil. Add the cauliflower, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes, until tender and soft. Drain and set aside. Note – If the cauliflower isn’t fully tender before blending, it won’t break down smoothly which will make the sauce grainy.
- Heat the same pot over medium heat with olive oil. Add onion and sauté until softened, about 2 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Then, add the cauliflower and Italian seasoning, cooking for another 2 minutes.
- Carefully transfer the sautéed onion, garlic, and cauliflower to a blender or food processor.
- Add broth, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. If needed, add a little more broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Return the blended cauliflower mixture to the pot and stir in coconut milk or non-dairy milk. Heat over medium, stirring until fully combined and warmed through. Adjust seasoning if needed
- Serve with veggie noodles or your favorite gluten-free pasta.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days. If it thickens too much after chilling, add a splash of broth or non-dairy milk before reheating.
Notes
Blending Tip: Use a hand blender or immersion blender directly in the pot if the cauliflower is soft enough.
Consistency Adjustments: If the sauce is too thick or grainy, try blending again with a splash of hot liquid (broth or milk) to help smooth it out! add more broth or a splash of coconut milk. If too thin, let it simmer on low to thicken.
Substitutions: If dairy-free is not needed, you can swap Parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast. Parmesan is still lower in lactose than most other cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: sauces
- Method: stove top
- Cuisine: american italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ cup
- Calories: 63
- Sugar: 1.7 g
- Sodium: 155.4 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 5.3 g
- Fiber: 1.8 g
- Protein: 2.5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
