High-speed blender or food processor A high-powered blender like a Vitamix or Blendtec is best, but a sturdy food processor will also do the job. If using a standard blender, just soak your cashews a little longer to help it break down easier.
Spatula For scraping down the sides and ensuring a smooth, even blend.
Fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth (optional) If you want a firmer texture, you can strain the cheese slightly to remove some moisture.
Glass container or mason jar For storing and marinating your finished vegan feta.
Ingredients
1½cupsraw cashews – soaked in hot water for 20 minutesor overnight in cold water, then drained
¼cupfresh lemon juice – for brightness and tang
1½tablespoonswhite miso paste – adds umami deptha key ingredient in many vegan cheese recipes
½cupwater – adjust depending on your desired texture
1tablespoonnutritional yeast – optionalbut adds a hint of cheesiness
1teaspoongarlic powder
½teaspoononion powder
1tablespoonextra virgin olive oil – optionalfor a creamier, richer texture
1teaspoondried oregano or thyme – optionalfor a Greek-inspired flair
Fresh cracked black pepper – to taste
Optional for marinating
Olive oil
Dried oregano
Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme
Red pepper flakes
Instructions
Step 1: Soak the Cashews
Soak 1½ cups of raw cashews in hot water for at least 20 minutes. If you're planning ahead, you can also soak them overnight in cool water. This step softens the nuts, making them easier to blend and giving you a creamier vegan cheese.
Step 2: Blend the Base
Drain the soaked cashews and place them in your blender or food processor. Add lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, white miso paste, water, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and optional nutritional yeast and olive oil. Blend until completely smooth. This may take a few minutes—pause and scrape down the sides as needed.
Step 3: Taste and Adjust
Once blended, taste your mixture. Need more tang? Add a splash more vinegar. More salt? Go for it. This is the step where you can really fine-tune your vegan feta recipe.
Step 4: Texture Options
At this point, you can either use the feta immediately or adjust the texture depending on your needs:
For crumbles: Scoop the mixture into a container and refrigerate for 2–3 hours. It will firm up and be perfect for salads, wraps, or topping vegan pesto pasta dishes.
For spread: Use it immediately as a creamy spread for sandwiches or to dip veggies.
For marinated feta: Form small cubes or chunks with a spoon, and submerge them in a jar with olive oil, oregano, garlic, and chili flakes for a homemade marinated feta vibe.
Step 5: Store and Serve
Store your cashew feta in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to a week and will continue to firm up over time. You can also freeze it, although the texture may change slightly upon thawing.