Almond cream sauce is creamy and very versatile and is the kind of recipe that elevates anything you are preparing.
My version of the almond cream sauce has carried me through a number of pasta nights, has been poured over chicken, and also slightly drizzled over baked salmon or pan-seared fish. It is deliciously smooth, classically indulgent, and wholesome at their core, thanks to almonds.
On those days when I want to serve something different, I add sugar to the sauce and turn it into something for dessert. That sauce is awfully good with either ice cream or fruit.
Whether you’re treating yourself to a little dinner or hosting a group of friends, this simple sauce has a peculiar way of turning anything basic into some kind of satisfying treat.
Benefits of Using Almond Cream Sauce
Almond cream sauce adds flavor and nutrition to the plate. It is lighter than its dairy counterpart but still rich and satisfying.
Being enriched with almonds, the sauce contains plant protein, vitamin E, and heart-healthy fats. Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, it serves as an excellent option for the food-sensitive.
The sauce fits any eating style from vegan and Mediterranean to healthy meal prep kind of plan. This sauce is so versatile that it pairs well with pasta, chicken, fish, or vegetables.
It is also a good storage option. Make the sauce in advance and use it throughout the week.
Why Almond Cream Sauce Is the Best
Unlike Alfredo sauce or cream cheese-based recipes, almond cream sauce is light on the stomach but still rich in taste. It works for gluten-free recipes, Mediterranean cuisine, and healthy meal prep.
Plus, it’s one of those sauces that makes even plain chicken breast taste exciting. I’ve served it with sea bass, stirred it into pasta, and even spooned it on grilled vegetables—it’s always a hit.
How To Make Almond Cream Sauce
Recipe Overview
- Recipe: Almond Cream Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus almond soaking time)
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
- Course: Sauce / Condiment
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Yield: About 2 cups
- Calories: ~120 per serving (2 tablespoons)
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw almonds (blanched and soaked overnight or at least 4 hours)
- 1 ½ cups water or vegetable broth (adjust for thickness)
- 2 cloves garlic (fresh, minced, or roasted for milder flavor)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (adds a cheesy note)
- Fresh herbs (parsley, basil, or thyme)
- Pinch of nutmeg (warm undertone)
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the soaked almonds. This step makes the sauce creamier.
- Add almonds, water or broth, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to a blender.
- Blend on high until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides once or twice for the best texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. If you like it richer, add more olive oil. For a cheesy touch, blend in nutritional yeast.
- Transfer to a small saucepan and warm gently before serving. This helps thicken the sauce slightly.
Tip: If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of broth or almond milk. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce.
Storage Tips
You can keep almond cream sauce in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 5 days. It may thicken as it sits, so just stir in a little warm water or almond milk before serving. For longer storage, freeze in small portions and thaw when needed.
Exciting Variations and Serving Ideas
- For Pasta: Add fresh basil or parsley and toss with spaghetti or penne. It’s a great alternative to Alfredo sauce.
- For Chicken or Fish: Pair it with grilled chicken breast or sea bass. It adds a nutty richness without overpowering.
- For Vegetables: Drizzle over steamed broccoli or roasted carrots for extra flavor.
- For Dessert: Sweeten the base slightly and drizzle over vanilla ice cream or fruit. It’s like a lighter take on almond frangipane cream.
- As a Dip: Serve with crusty bread or as an almond dip alongside a mezze platter.
How to Make Creamy White Sauce for Broccoli?
This almond cream sauce works beautifully with broccoli. Just steam broccoli until tender, then spoon the sauce over the top. A sprinkle of toasted almonds adds crunch.
What Toppings Would You Recommend for Pasta?
I love adding sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, or roasted cherry tomatoes with almond cream sauce. A little fresh basil and cracked black pepper take it to the next level.
Tips & Tricks For Getting It “Just Right”
- Soak the almonds well – At least 4 hours or overnight gives the creamiest texture. Rushed soaking makes the sauce grainy.
- Blend until smooth – Use a high-speed blender if possible, and let it run a little longer for that silky finish.
- Adjust thickness – Add more broth or almond milk for a lighter sauce, or simmer for a few minutes to thicken.
- Season gradually – Start with a little salt and lemon juice, then taste and adjust. It’s easy to add more, but not to take away.
- Customize with flavors – Try garlic, herbs, or nutritional yeast. A pinch of nutmeg or smoked paprika gives a new twist every time.
How to Use Almond Cream Sauce
Almond cream sauce is one of those recipes that fits almost anywhere in your cooking. Here are some of my favorite ways to use it:
- With Pasta – Toss it with spaghetti, penne, or even zucchini noodles for a creamy, dairy-free dinner.
- Over Chicken or Fish – Spoon it over baked chicken breast, salmon, or sea bass for a nutty, rich finish.
- On Vegetables – Drizzle it on steamed broccoli, roasted carrots, or grilled asparagus.
- As a Dip – Serve it with crusty bread, crackers, or raw veggie sticks for a quick starter.
- In Casseroles – Use it as a binder or creamy layer in baked dishes.
- For Dessert – Sweeten it slightly with vanilla or maple syrup and pour it over fruit, cakes, or ice cream.
It’s mild enough to pair with almost anything yet flavorful enough to make simple meals taste exciting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can almond cream sauce replace Alfredo sauce?
Yes, it’s a lighter, dairy-free swap that still gives you creaminess
Can I make this without soaking almonds?
You can, but soaking softens them and makes the sauce smoother.
Is almond cream sauce good with salmon?
Absolutely! Its nutty flavor pairs beautifully with salmon or other fish.
Can I use almond cream sauce for dessert?
Yes, by adding a little sweetener and vanilla, it works as a drizzle for cakes, ice cream, or fruit.
Conclusion
Almond cream sauce is exactly the kind of recipe that turns day-to-day meals into something special. From regular pasta nights to grilled salmon dinners, this almond sour cream sauce recipe will never disappoint.
I love how a chicken or fish dish can be complemented just as well as a sweet treat for dessert with almond sauce. List of almond dishes.
It goes silky and nutty and will make you question why you never tried it before. Make sure to hold onto this recipe to have a quick and tasty way to brighten any dish.
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Ingredients
Method
- Drain and rinse the soaked almonds. This step makes the sauce creamier.
- Add almonds, water or broth, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to a blender.
- Blend on high until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides once or twice for the best texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. If you like it richer, add more olive oil. For a cheesy touch, blend in nutritional yeast.
- Transfer to a small saucepan and warm gently before serving. This helps thicken the sauce slightly.
- Tip: If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of broth or almond milk. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce.
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