Last updated on November 16th, 2020 at 03:35 pm
Last week I had a crazy idea. I wanted to eat a snack that wasn’t sweet.
Yes, I guess I’m getting old and boring.
But I had a vision. I had a dream. A dream of a fresh cucumber-based snack. Of course with some garlic in it. After all, what’s a snack without garlic?
I tell you what it is: not welcome in my kitchen.
So I basically wanted something like a tzatziki but in snack form.
So I made this.
And it really is like a tzatziki in snack form.
Kinda like a cream cheese dip, but not heavy – light, herby, garlicky, lemony. Delicious.
I’m not gonna lie to you – it’s super simple. And it is what it looks like – dip on a cucumber slice. I realize I am not going to win the Nobel Prize for this invention, even though you and I, both realize that’s super unfair and wrong. But I don’t even care. Who needs a Nobel Prize when you have dip on a cucumber?
The first day I ate this as a snack and the next few days in lettuce wraps. It’s a great addition to fish, other vegetables, lentils, really anything. I even have to admit I like it more in wraps – as a snack it might be a little too strong for some of you, even though I still love it from the bottom of my heart.
This dip actually gets better when it stays after a day in the fridge. But even if you eat it right away – it’s very tasty.
Health and Beauty Benefits
The great thing about this little dip is that it’s anti-inflammatory (among other things). Lately I am focused on eating more anti-inflammatory foods because I gained some weight, but also because of some health complaints like joint pain and allergy.
Well this dip is made out of sunflower seeds and walnuts, so I have a good omega-3/omega-6 ratio. And it’s also filled with garlic and mint – which are both powerful anti-inflammatory foods.
More about inflammation:
How to eat to reduce inflammation in the body
5 anti-inflammatory foods to eat daily
Vegan and Paleo Garlicky Cream Cheese With Mint

Ingredients
- 4-5 mint leaves
- 1 tbsp capers
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup walnuts
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- water
- 1 garlic clove
- 1/2 tsp vinegar
- some black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cumin (optional)
- a cucumber
Instructions
- I used my hand blender for this, might also work with a normal blender (mine is not that good I guess):
- Put capers, walnuts, sunflower seeds, lemon juice, vinegar and 4 tbsp water and blend together. If not smooth enough add more water. For me it took around 6-7 tbsp water.
- Add black pepper, garlic, mint, cumin (optional) and blend again.
- Slice the cucumber into slices (not too thick, not too thin) and top with a tsp of the dip.
- Otherwise use the dip in wraps like this one
- Enjoy!
Hope you like it, do let me know how it goes, and if you have any questions – ask me 🙂
Why is this called cream cheese dip if there’s no cream cheese in it?
What kind of vinegar did you use?
think it was balsamic, but I think any type would work
What could I use in place of the walnuts? (Nut allergy)
you just double the sunflower seeds
Hi! I have a question, well 2 please 😊
Is the nuts make this what makes this kinda like cream cheese? That would be so awesome! And I’m allergic to walnuts, what other nut would be good to replace the walnuts in your opinion?
I’m so excited to try some of your recipes! My adult son sent me the link to you & I’m so glad! I’m disabled & this year I’ve gotten much worse.
I got to where I was unable to eat anything & had to drink those nutritional drinks. I’m just now starting to introduce food back into this very weak body so my son sent me your link!
So I want to sincerely thank you for having this blog & for sharing recipes & information about what they help with. I’m so glad my son sent me your link 💛
What would you suggest to replace capers? Green olives perhaps?
Do I need to soak any of the nuts/seeds?
yes! and you can also use cashews instead of sunflower seeds. Either soak for a few hours, or let sit in hot water for 20 minutes. They will blend easier and result in a creamier texture.
The first question was about cream cheese. Was that left out of the recipe and if so how much do you use. Since it states cream cheese in the recipe name, would think it should be in there somewhere.
It’s the name of the recipe. Since it’s vegan, you make the “cream cheese” using sunflower seeds and the other ingredients.