Raw Macaroni and Cheese

Indulge in a wholesome twist on comfort food with this Raw Macaroni and Cheese recipe, a vibrant and nutrient-packed dish perfect for plant-based or raw diets. Instead of traditional pasta, this recipe swaps in refreshing zucchini noodles, spiralized to perfection for a light yet satisfying base. The creamy "cheese" sauce, made from soaked raw cashews, nutritional yeast, fresh lemon juice, and a hint of turmeric for that classic golden hue, delivers all the rich, cheesy flavor without any dairy. Ready in just 20 minutes with no cooking required, this gluten-free, vegan meal is ideal for hot summer days or anytime you're craving something quick, healthy, and delicious. Serve it as a stand-alone dish or pair it with a crisp green salad for a complete and satisfying meal!

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 medium Zucchini
• 1 cup Raw cashews
• 0.25 cup Nutritional yeast
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 1 clove Garlic
• 0.5 cup Water
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Ground turmeric (for color, optional)
• 0.25 teaspoon Paprika (optional)

Directions

Step 1

1. Begin by preparing the zucchini noodles. Using a spiralizer or vegetable peeler, turn the zucchini into long, thin noodles. Set them aside in a large bowl.

Step 2

2. Soak the raw cashews in warm water for 15 minutes. This step will help soften the cashews and ensure a creamy texture for the cheese sauce.

Step 3

3. After the cashews have soaked, drain them and add them to a high-speed blender or food processor.

Step 4

4. Into the blender, add nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic, water, salt, turmeric, and paprika (if using).

Step 5

5. Blend the mixture on high speed until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. Add an additional tablespoon of water if the sauce is too thick.

Step 6

6. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt or lemon juice for a brighter flavor.

Step 7

7. Pour the creamy 'cheese' sauce over the zucchini noodles, tossing to coat thoroughly.

Step 8

8. Serve immediately as a refreshing raw dish or let it sit for a few minutes to allow the zucchini noodles to absorb some of the sauce.

Step 9

9. Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or additional nutritional yeast before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1057.1 grams (1057.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	933

Total Fat 51.60g	66%
Saturated Fat 9.40g	47%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.60g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 8657mg	376%
Total Carbohydrate 100.30g	36%
Dietary Fiber 11.50g	41%
Total Sugars 62.10g
Protein 31.50g	63%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 174mg	13%
Iron 11mg	60%
Potassium 2599mg	55%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 46.8%

Protein: 12.7%

Carbs: 40.5%