Vegan Parmesan Cheese Dust

Name: Vegan Parmesan Cheese Dust
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 10
Ingredients: 1/4 cup Sunflower Seeds (roasted, salted); 3/4 cup Cashews (raw); 1/3 cup Nutritional Yeast; 1 tsp Garlic Powder; 1 tsp Onion Powder; 1/2 tsp Sea Salt

Gluten-free • Dairy-free • Vegan

A Clean, Dairy-Free Twist on the Classic Green Shaker

Let’s be real—everyone grew up with that dry shaker of parmesan cheese in the green container. It was sprinkled on pizza, pasta, and pretty much everything else. But if you’ve moved toward an anti-inflammatory, dairy-free lifestyle, that old-school shaker probably doesn’t make the cut anymore.

That’s where this Vegan Parmesan Cheese Dust comes in.

This blend is nutty, salty, and full of umami flavor thanks to a powerhouse combo of cashews, sunflower seeds, and nutritional yeast. It gives you that same savory finish without any dairy, weird additives, or highly processed ingredients. It’s quick to whip up, easy to store, and incredibly versatile.

And yes—it’s straight from the pages of my best-selling cookbook What’s On Your Fork, because it’s just that good.

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Parmesan

✔️ Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free – A perfect topping for those with sensitivities

✔️ Umami-Packed Flavor – Thanks to nutritional yeast and roasted seeds

✔️ Takes 5 Minutes – Blend, sprinkle, and store

✔️ Long Shelf Life – Just keep it in the freezer and use when needed

✔️ Kid & Husband Approved – Even picky eaters won’t miss the real thing

How to Use It

This Vegan Parmesan Cheese Dust is basically your new secret weapon. Here are some ways to use it:

Sprinkle over zoodles, spaghetti squash, or traditional pasta
Add to roasted veggies (like broccoli, carrots, or cauliflower)
Toss into grain bowls or stir-fries
Sprinkle on soups for a cheesy, nutty topping
Shake onto avocado toast or salads for added crunch and flavor

Why This Version Is Better

✔️ Nutritional Yeast gives it that cheesy flavor without the dairy

✔️ Cashews & Sunflower Seeds offer healthy fats and plant-based protein

✔️ Garlic & Onion Powder add that classic savory bite

✔️ Freezer-Friendly so you always have it on hand

This isn’t a compromise—it’s an upgrade. You’re still getting all the flavor, but now it’s from real, nourishing ingredients.

Real Ingredients. Real Flavor. Real Life.

Once you start using this Vegan Parmesan, you’ll find yourself reaching for it all the time. And when your friends ask what that amazing flavor is? Just tell them it’s your homemade parm dust—and maybe share the recipe (or the link to What’s On Your Fork).

No preservatives. No dairy. Just real food that tastes amazing.

This is how we eat now. Rooted in simplicity. Made for real life.

Nutritional Disclaimer

Nutrition information is an estimate generated from a nutrition calculator. There may be errors here or variations based on ingredients you use.

I’m Shelley Loving, a home cook who healed through food. Now I share simple, delicious recipes and kitchen tips to help you cook with more confidence.

Know more about me…