• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • About Me
  • All Recipes
    • 5 Ingredients or Less
    • Healthy Desserts
    • Healthy Dinner Ideas
  • Portfolio
  • Work With Me
  • Resources

Cole In The Kitchen

menu icon
go to homepage
  • About Me
  • All Recipes
    • 5 Ingredients or Less
    • Healthy Desserts
    • Healthy Dinner Ideas
  • Portfolio
  • Work With Me
  • Resources
search icon
Homepage link
  • About Me
  • All Recipes
    • 5 Ingredients or Less
    • Healthy Desserts
    • Healthy Dinner Ideas
  • Portfolio
  • Work With Me
  • Resources
×

Home » 5 Ingredients or Less » Vegan Buffalo Sauce: Healthy & Easy

May 11, 2022 5 Ingredients or Less

Vegan Buffalo Sauce: Healthy & Easy

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

This vegan buffalo sauce is thick and creamy, without any butter or oil. It's made with just 5 ingredients and can be made in 5 minutes. It's perfect to add a boost of flavor to sandwiches, wraps, cauliflower bites, and more!

vegan buffalo sauce splattered under a spoon.

If you can't tell by now, I LOVE spicy food. I love buffalo chicken salad, buffalo chicken dip, quesadillas, cauliflower buffalo wings- you name it, I like it. Since I eat it so much, I figured that it was time I made my own, and who would've known how easy it is?

This tasty sauce is such an easy recipe that you can make in just 5 minutes. The combination of hot sauce and cashew butter, with a few simple spices makes this delicious vegan buffalo sauce a great addition to just about anything you make.

Drizzle over roasted veggies, use on a breakfast sandwich, or even as a dip for air fryer french fries for a yummy snack.

Be sure to also check out this vegan teriyaki sauce!

WHAT IS BUFFALO SAUCE?

While hot sauce is a spicy, cayenne pepper sauce, buffalo sauce is a creamier version made by adding butter. It's common to see buffalo sauce on chicken wings, served with vegetables, or in a dip.

Traditional buffalo sauce recipes use butter to balance the spice level, but vegan recipes usually use vegan butter, or in this case- cashew butter!

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

  • Made with pantry staple ingredients
  • Can be prepared in 5 minutes
  • Vegan and gluten free
  • Adds a boost of flavor to any dish
  • Smooth and creamy
  • Great balance of flavors

INGREDIENTS FOR VEGAN BUFFALO SAUCE

ingredients for vegan buffalo sauce labeled with black text.

Kitchen Tools:

  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Ingredients:

  • Hot sauce: My favorite kind is Frank's red hot sauce. I've used this brand my entire life and LOVE it
  • Cashew butter: Use one that is just roasted cashews and sea salt. Also, look for a brand that is runnier instead of thick
  • Apple cider vinegar: The acidity helps cut the richness and add a bit of tang. You can also use white vinegar
  • Worcestershire sauce: Make sure to use a vegan Worcestershire sauce because the traditional one contains anchovies or fish sauce, making it not vegan
  • Spices: Optional, but I add garlic powder and a pinch of cayenne pepper

HOW TO MAKE CREAMY VEGAN BUFFALO SAUCE

  1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk all ingredients together
  2. Add a little bit of water if needed to thin the sauce
  3. Pour into a jar and keep in the fridge until ready to use
healthy buffalo sauce in a white bowl.
Stir everything together in a small bowl
healthy buffalo sauce being poured into a glass jar.
Pour into a jar and keep in the fridge until needed

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

There's so many delicious ways to use this vegan spicy buffalo sauce! Here's a few suggestions:

  • Vegan buffalo wings
  • Air fryer crispy cauliflower bites
  • With french fries
  • On burgers
  • Buffalo cauliflower
  • In a quesadilla
  • On pizza
  • Over roasted vegetables
  • Air fryer buffalo chicken tenders

EXPERT TIPS

  • Do not substitute the cashew butter
  • Add garlic powder and cayenne pepper for extra flavor
  • Thin with 1-2 tablespoons of water if needed
  • Tame the spicy kick with a little bit of maple syrup or honey
  • Store in the fridge for 7-10 days
  • Let come to room temperature before using again
healthy creamy buffalo sauce in a glass jar with a spoon.

FAQs

What buffalo sauce is vegan?

If you're looking for a vegan buffalo sauce you can buy at the grocery store, a good option is Primal Kitchen. This is my favorite when I don't have homemade on hand.

Can vegans eat traditional buffalo sauce?

No, vegans can't eat traditional buffalo sauce. The sauce contains butter to make it creamy which is an animal product and not suitable for a vegan diet.

How do I make buffalo sauce less spicy?

You can tone it down by not adding the additional cayenne pepper, or adding a teaspoon or two of maple syrup or honey. At this point you'll want to season to taste.

Is Frank's Red Hot vegan?

Yes, it does not contain any animal products so it is vegan.

What does buffalo sauce taste like?

Buffalo sauce is a creamy, spicy sauce. It has a rich, spicy flavor that's slightly tangy from the vinegar.

Can I use a different nut butter?

No. Only cashew butter will work in this recipe because it has a very neutral flavor.

STORING AND KEEPING

Vegan buffalo sauce is best stored in an airtight container (like a mason jar) in the fridge for 7-10 days.

When you're ready to use, let come to room temperature first then whisk vigorously in a small bowl. Serve or use on your favorite recipes and enjoy!

healthy hot sauce in a jar with a silver spoon.

Did you try this healthy vegan buffalo sauce recipe? If you did, I would greatly appreciate you leaving a comment and star rating down below. Additionally, you can follow me on Instagram and tag me so I can see your creations!

Print

Healthy Vegan Buffalo Sauce

vegan buffalo sauce splattered under a spoon.
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

This creamy vegan buffalo sauce is quick, healthy, and so delicious. Add it to your favorite recipe for a spicy boost of flavor!

  • Author: Nicole Radcliffe
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6 Servings 1x
  • Category: sauce
  • Method: stirring
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • ½ cup hot sauce
  • ¼ cup runny cashew butter
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon vegan Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1-2 tablespoons of water (if needed)

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine hot sauce, cashew butter, apple cider vinegar,  and Worcestershire sauce. (also add garlic powder and cayenne pepper if using)
  2. Use a spoon to stir everything together, adding water if needed to thin slightly
  3. Pour the vegan buffalo sauce into a glass jar and store in the fridge until needed

Notes

  • Do not substitute the cashew butter
  • Tame the spicy kick with a little bit of maple syrup or honey
  • Store in the fridge for 7-10 days
  • Let come to room temperature before using again

Keywords: healthy buffalo sauce, buffalo sauce without butter, creamy buffalo sauce

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag me — I can't wait to see what you've made!

CHECK OUT LATEST RECIPES

pineapple mango smoothie in glasses topped with granola and fresh mango.
Pineapple Mango Smoothie
three air fryer shrimp tacos on a white plate.
Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos

More 5 Ingredients or Less

  • Protein French Toast
  • Turkey Bacon In The Oven
  • Dragon Fruit Smoothie
  • Air Fryer Italian Sausage

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

Primary Sidebar

girl in white shirt wearing brown hat holding a camera.

Hey, I'm Nicole! I'm here to share simple and nutritious, whole food recipes. (with a side of indulgence of course) Most recipes can easily be made gluten free or dairy free so there's something for everyone to enjoy!

More about me →

Popular

  • Chicken Caprese Sandwich
  • Protein Cookie Dough
  • Dutch Oven Chili
  • Greek Yogurt Smoothie

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • About

Keep In Touch!

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates
  • Find us on Pinterest
  • Find us on Facebook
  • Find us on Instagram

Contact

  • Work with me!

Copyright © 2020 Brunch Pro on the Brunch Pro Theme