White Bean Dip with Herbs and Walnuts Recipe
This White Bean Dip is a creamy, flavorful, and nutritious spread made from cooked white beans blended with fresh herbs, garlic, lemon, and olive oil. Perfect as a healthy appetizer or snack, it can be served with pita chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables. The recipe is quick and easy, requiring only about 10 minutes and minimal ingredients, with optional additions like walnuts for extra texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups white beans, cooked (rinsed and well-drained; about two 15-ounce cans)
- ½ cup chopped parsley (packed)
- ⅓ cup chopped chives (packed)
- 2 garlic cloves
- ¼ cup olive oil (extra virgin)
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1-2 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder (optional)
Optional Ingredients
- 2 tsp fresh rosemary (optional)
- A handful of roasted walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: To a food processor or blender, add all ingredients, starting with smaller amounts of lemon juice, lemon zest, and rosemary. This helps you control the flavor balance as you blend.
- Blend the Dip: Puree for 1-2 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed. For a chunkier texture, blend for about 30 seconds; for a smoother consistency, blend longer.
- Add Walnuts: If using walnuts, add them now and pulse a few times just until incorporated, but avoid fully blending them to retain some texture.
- Taste and Adjust: Sample the dip and adjust seasoning as needed — add more salt for savoriness, lemon juice and zest for brightness, or garlic for depth of flavor.
- Chill and Serve: Enjoy the dip immediately, or refrigerate it for 1-2 hours to thicken and develop flavors. Serve with pita chips, crackers, or your choice of fresh vegetables.
- Storage: Store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Using canned beans is a great shortcut, but make sure to rinse and drain them well to reduce sodium and improve texture.
- For a smoother dip, blend longer; for more texture, blend briefly.
- Adjust herbs and seasonings to your taste preferences, especially the lemon and garlic.
- Walnuts add a nice crunch and extra flavor but can be omitted for a smoother dip or nut-free option.
- Pair with pita chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables for a versatile appetizer or snack.
