A vibrant, no-bake vegan appetizer featuring sweet mini bell peppers filled with silky herbed cashew cheese — creamy, crunchy, and irresistibly fresh.

Place raw cashews in a bowl and cover with hot water.
Soak for 1 hour (or up to 4 hours).
Quick Tip: To speed things up, boil cashews for 10–15 minutes, then drain and cool before blending.
Drain the soaked cashews and add to a high-speed blender or food processor.
Add:
Lemon juice
Olive oil
Garlic
Water
Apple cider vinegar (if using)
Salt & pepper
Nutritional yeast (if using)
Blend until very smooth and creamy, scraping down sides as needed.
Add more water 1 tablespoon at a time if too thick.
Once blended, stir in chopped herbs by hand to preserve their color and texture.
Rinse mini bell peppers and slice them lengthwise.
Carefully remove seeds and membranes with a small spoon.
Arrange halves cut-side up on a serving platter or tray.
Fill each pepper half with 1–2 teaspoons of the herbed cashew cheese.
Use a small spoon or pipe using a zip-top bag with the corner snipped.
Garnish with:
Fresh herbs or chopped chives
Sprinkle of paprika or crushed red pepper flakes
Microgreens, black sesame seeds, or hemp hearts
Add sun-dried tomatoes, capers, or roasted garlic to the cheese for a Mediterranean twist
Use roasted mini peppers for a sweeter, softer bite
Swap herbs for chipotle, harissa, or curry spices for global flair
Serve on a platter with olives, cherry tomatoes, and crackers for a mezze vibe
Wine: Dry rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, or an unoaked Chardonnay
Cocktail: Cucumber gin spritz, dry vermouth over ice, or a smoky mezcal paloma
Mocktail: Mint lemonade or sparkling lime-cucumber soda
6 servings