The Ultimate Vegan Dipping Sauce

I don’t know about you, but I am a huge snacker.

When that clock hits 3:00, I’m done for. I love reaching into the pantry or fridge, picking out a sweet treat, and indulging in my little afternoon pick-me-up. I fall victim to the 3:00 PM munchies every.dang.day.

When I was younger, I knew this snack time all too well. I would come home from school at 3:00 and head straight for the pantry. As a whole foods-oblivious teen, I would make a beeline towards that taunting red White Cheddar Cheez-Its box.

That dang Cheez-Its box, man. It got me every time.

So after I would polish off nearly the entire box (seriously), it would be time for dinner, where I would proceed to eat an entire meal after my very hefty “snack.” And what’s dinner without dessert? Mint chocolate chip ice cream was a frequent after-dinner go-to.

There was a reason why I was always hungry as this hot mess of a junk food-crazed teen: I was filling my body with so many empty calories. Had I turned to filling whole foods however, I would have had much more energy and wouldn’t have had to fill my body with such garbage.

This is why whole foods are my current snacks of choice. If it’s not fresh fruit, it’s dates with peanut butter. Or chia seed parfaits. Or smoothies. Or…this Ultimate Vegan Dipping Sauce. It’s everything I’m looking for in a snack; It’s creamy, dreamy, totally flavorful, and just a tad bit on the spicy side. I will smother just about anything with this here sauce, and I just know you will, too. This Ultimate Vegan Dipping Sauce is about to become your new obsession!

I’m totally aware that the hangry monster waits for no one. That’s why this dip requires only THREE ingredients, all of which you probably have hiding in your fridge this very second! First and foremost, hummus. Would you believe that there was a time in my life that I actually hated hummus? What a sad little existence I was living. Not only is hummus utterly delicious, we’re getting a bit of protein from this luscious spread! I opted for a plain variety, but I’d bet that a flavored hummus (like…OMG roasted garlic?!) would be absolutely divine!

Next, salsa. Because my roommate and I have an obsession with all-things Mexican food, we always stock at least three jars of salsa in the apartment at all times. Choose your favorite variety here, but be sure that you recognize each and every ingredient in the ingredients list! Store-bought salsa should only be made with the whole food ingredients you see in your produce isle – tomatoes, cilantro, onion, jalapeño, and spices. If you’re having trouble locating a salsa that works for you, make your own! If you truly want to wait, I’ve got you covered; I’ll have a killer homemade salsa recipe coming at you in a few weeks!

Last, hot sauce. I adore my spicy foods, so I always go heavy-handed on the salsa addition here. I’m leaving the hot sauce amount completely up to you, so if you’re not akin to the heat, add just enough to flavor this Ultimate Vegan Dipping Sauce. Feel free to use your favorite brand, but as far as I’m concerned, Cholula is always your best bet.

How to enjoy this Ultimate Vegan Dipping Sauce? Put it on EVERYTHING. Use it as a dip at your next picnic, and serve it with carrots, broccoli, and peppers. Stir it into brown rice for a creamy Mexican-styled entrée. Spread it on a bun and slap a yummy veggie burger on top. Use it as an alternative to sour cream on your next burrito bowl. The possibilities truly are endless! This creamy Ultimate Vegan Dipping Sauce is bound to be a summertime snacking staple!