Dairy-Free Made Easy with Sunflower Seeds

Ready to transform your kitchen into a dairy-free haven without breaking the bank? Look no further than humble sunflower seeds! These nutritional powerhouses are not only incredibly affordable and low in fat, but they're also packed with fiber and protein, making them a smart choice for any plant-based pantry. Their secret weapon? A wonderfully neutral flavor that makes them the perfect base for surprisingly creamy alternatives. Get ready to discover how simple it is to whip up vegan versions of your favorite sour cream, cream cheese, butter, and even ranch dressing using just sunflower seeds and a few common staples you likely already have on hand!

Check out Jessica's 2025 Dump Dairy Cooking Session where she demonstrates how to make deliciously creamy vegan alternatives to sour cream, cream cheese, butter, and ranch dressing with sunflower seeds. Plus, keep reading to get the recipes!

Dairy-Free Sour Cream

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds, soaked in water overnight and drained

• 1/4 cup water or unsweetened plant milk of choice

• 2 Tbsp olive, avocado, or coconut oil

• 1/2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 Tbsp lemon juice

• 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Store in an air-tight container and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, until set. Use within 5-7 days for optimal freshness.

Vegan Cream Cheese

Ingredients

• 1 ¾  cup raw sunflower seeds, soaked in water overnight and drained

• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil

• 1/3 cup water or unsweetened plant milk of choice

• 3 Tbsp lemon juice 

• 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1/2 Tbsp nutritional yeast

• 1/4 – 1/2 tsp salt

  
  

Instructions

Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Store in an air-tight container and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, until set. Use within 5-7 days for optimal freshness.

Spreadable Vegan Butter

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup raw sunflower seeds, soaked in water overnight and drained

• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

• 2 Tbsp olive oil

• 1/4 cup water or unsweetened plant milk of choice

• 1/2 Tbsp nutritional yeast

• 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar

• 1/8 tsp salt (optional)

• 1 pinch ground turmeric

  
  

Instructions

Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Store in an air-tight container and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, until set. Use within 5-7 days for optimal freshness.

Zesty Ranch Dressing

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds, soaked in water overnight and drained

• 1/4 cup cooked white beans or chickpeas

• 3/4 cup  water or unsweetened plant milk of choice

• 1/4 cup olive, avocado, or grapeseed oil

• 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1-2 Tbsp nutritional yeast

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 Tbsp. fresh or dried parsley

• 1-2 Tbsps. dill or fresh or dried herbs of your choice

  
  

Instructions

Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Store in an air-tight container and serve as a dip, a spread or drizzle on your favorite salads. Use within 5-7 days for optimal freshness.