Marinated Tomatoes + Cashew Cream Cheese On Toast
Marinated Tomatoes + Cashew Cream Cheese On Toast 🍅 is a easy Vegan recipe that serves 2. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by So Vegan on YouTube.
Prep: 4 hrs 35 min | Cook: 5 min | Total: 4 hrs 50 min
Cost: $5.67 total, $2.83 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 pieces Tomato (medium, ripe, sliced into chunky slivers)
- 0.25 medium onion Red Onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 piece Lemon (thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra virgin)
- 1 tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar (dark, aged if possible)
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt (fine sea salt)
- 0.25 teaspoons Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 clove Garlic (minced)
- 1 cup Cashews (raw, soaked at least 4 hours, drained)
- 0.25 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk (or any plant‑based milk)
- 2 slices Bread (sourdough, whole grain, or gluten‑free)
- 5 leaves Fresh Basil (optional garnish)
Instructions
Slice Tomatoes
Wash the tomatoes and cut them into chunky slivers about ½ inch thick.
Time: PT5M
Make Tangy Marinade
In a mixing bowl combine the sliced red onion, lemon slices, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, and the minced garlic. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Time: PT5M
Marinate Tomatoes
Pour the prepared marinade over the sliced tomatoes, toss gently to coat, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
Time: PT15M
Blend Cashew Cheese
Drain the soaked cashews and place them in the blender with ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Blend on high until the mixture is ultra‑smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
Time: PT5M
Toast Bread
Toast the bread slices until golden brown and crisp, either in a toaster or in a skillet over medium heat.
Time: PT5M
Assemble Tomato Toast
Spread a generous layer of the cashew soft cheese on each toasted slice, top with the marinated tomato slivers, and garnish with fresh basil leaves if using. Serve immediately.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 8 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 22 g
- Fiber
- 5 g
Dietary info: Vegan, Dairy-Free, Plant-Based, Whole Food
Allergens: Tree nuts (cashews, almonds)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Tomato: Heirloom tomatoes, Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Instead of Red Onion: White onion, Shallots
- Instead of Lemon: Lime, Vinegar (adjust amount)
- Instead of Olive Oil: Avocado oil, Grapeseed oil
- Instead of Balsamic Vinegar: Red wine vinegar, Apple cider vinegar
- Instead of Salt: Kosher salt, Sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper, Paprika (for color)
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1/8 tsp), Shallot
- Instead of Cashews: Almonds (soaked), Silken tofu (for dairy‑free cheese)
- Instead of Unsweetened Almond Milk: Soy milk, Oat milk
- Instead of Bread: Ciabatta, Gluten‑free bread
- Instead of Fresh Basil: Fresh parsley, Arugula
Equipment Needed
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Spoon
- Blender
- Toaster
- Plate
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Allow the tomatoes to marinate for at least 15 minutes for full flavor development.
- Blend the soaked cashews until completely smooth to avoid a grainy cheese texture.
- Toast the bread to a golden crisp to provide contrast with the soft cheese and juicy tomatoes.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Choose ripe but firm tomatoes for the best bite and flavor.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the marinade for a subtle smoky depth.
- Toast the bread in a skillet with a little garlic‑infused oil for extra aroma.
Troubleshooting
Cashew cheese is grainy.
Blend longer on high speed and add a tablespoon more almond milk at a time until the texture becomes silky.
Tomatoes become soggy on the toast.
Slice the tomatoes a bit thicker, limit marinating time to 15 minutes, and pat the slices gently with paper towels before assembling.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store marinated tomatoes and cashew cheese in separate airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended for the cashew cheese as texture may change.
Room temperature: Toast is best eaten fresh; it can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours but may become soggy.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Soak the cashews the night before to save active prep time.
- Marinate the tomatoes up to 2 hours ahead; keep refrigerated and bring to room temperature before serving.
- Blend the cashew cheese ahead and store it in an airtight container; give it a quick stir before spreading.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of tomato toast with cashew cheese in vegan cuisine?
Tomato toast with cashew cheese has become a staple in modern vegan brunch culture, offering a plant‑based twist on classic open‑face sandwiches that traditionally used dairy cheese. It reflects the growing demand for fresh, seasonal produce paired with nut‑based cheeses that showcase both flavor and nutrition.
What are the traditional regional variations of tomato toast with cashew cheese in Western vegan cooking?
In the United States, the dish often features sourdough or whole‑grain bread, while in the UK vegan cafés you might find it on rye toast with a drizzle of mustard. Some Mediterranean‑inspired versions add olives or capers to the tomato topping for extra briny flavor.
How is tomato toast with cashew cheese traditionally served in vegan brunch settings?
It is typically presented on a rustic plate, topped with a handful of fresh basil or microgreens, and served alongside a glass of cold‑pressed orange juice or a matcha latte. The toast is eaten immediately while the bread is still crisp.
What occasions or celebrations is tomato toast with cashew cheese associated with in vegan communities?
The dish is popular for weekend brunches, garden parties, and vegan holiday breakfasts because it highlights seasonal tomatoes and can be prepared quickly for a crowd. It’s also a favorite at vegan potlucks as a shareable finger food.
What authentic traditional ingredients are used in tomato toast with cashew cheese versus acceptable substitutes?
The authentic recipe uses raw cashews, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and fresh basil. Acceptable substitutes include soaked almonds for the cheese base, apple cider vinegar for the balsamic, and spinach or arugula in place of basil.
What other vegan dishes pair well with tomato toast with cashew cheese?
Pair it with a light quinoa salad, roasted vegetable medley, or a chilled cucumber‑mint soup. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the cashew cheese.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making tomato toast with cashew cheese?
Common errors include over‑blending the cashew cheese which can become too thin, under‑seasoning the tomato marinade, and letting the toast sit too long, causing it to become soggy. Follow the timing guidelines and taste as you go.
Why does this recipe use soaked cashews for the cheese instead of store‑bought vegan cheese?
Soaked cashews provide a fresh, creamy texture and allow you to control salt and flavor, resulting in a cheese that is richer and less processed than many commercial vegan cheeses. It also keeps the dish entirely whole‑food based.
How do I know when the cashew cheese is blended to the right smoothness?
The cheese should be completely silky with no visible nut pieces; it will coat the back of a spoon and flow slowly. If you see grainy bits, blend a little longer and add a splash of plant milk.
What does the YouTube channel So Vegan specialize in?
The YouTube channel So Vegan specializes in simple, wholesome plant‑based recipes that focus on whole ingredients, seasonal produce, and easy‑to‑follow techniques for home cooks of all skill levels.
What is the cooking philosophy and style of the YouTube channel So Vegan?
So Vegan’s cooking philosophy emphasizes sustainability, minimal waste, and making vegan meals accessible without fancy equipment. The style is bright, upbeat, and instructional, often highlighting quick weeknight meals and seasonal dishes.
Last updated: August 28, 2026
