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Lemon and Herb White Bean Dip Recipe

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4.2 from 35 reviews

This Lemon and Herb White Bean Dip is a creamy, zesty, and herbaceous spread perfect for snacking or appetizers. Made with cannellini beans, tahini, fresh lemon, garlic, and dill, it's a fresh and flavorful dip that pairs wonderfully with pita bread, chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables. It is quick to prepare, takes only 10 minutes, and can be enjoyed immediately or chilled for a thicker texture.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 (15-oz) can white beans, drained and rinsed (cannellini recommended)
  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • 1-2 tsp lemon zest
  • 3-4 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 4 cloves garlic, pressed or minced (adjust to taste)
  • 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil (optional, omit for oil-free)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill, loosely packed (or other fresh herbs)

Serving Suggestions

  • Pita bread or chips
  • Crackers (gluten-free as needed)
  • Fresh or roasted vegetables such as carrots, radish, cucumber, or beets

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: To a food processor or high-speed blender, add the drained and rinsed white beans, tahini, lemon zest, lemon juice (start with smaller amounts), sea salt, garlic, and olive oil. Keep the fresh herbs separate for now.
  2. Blend Until Creamy: Blend the mixture for about 1 minute, scraping down the sides as needed. Blend less for a chunkier texture or longer for a smooth, silky dip.
  3. Add Herbs: Add the chopped fresh dill or other herbs, then pulse again briefly to incorporate the herbs evenly without completely pureeing them.
  4. Adjust Flavor: Taste the dip and adjust seasoning as desired. Add extra garlic for more pungency, lemon juice or zest for brightness, salt to enhance flavor, olive oil for creaminess, dill for herbal notes, or tahini for nuttiness. Bold flavors are encouraged.
  5. Serve: Enjoy the dip immediately, or refrigerate to chill and thicken it. Garnish with additional olive oil, lemon zest, and fresh dill if desired. Serve with pita, chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
  6. Store Leftovers: Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Note that this dip is not suitable for freezing.

Notes

  • For a less garlicky flavor, reduce the amount of garlic used to suit your preference.
  • If you prefer a smoother texture, blend longer; for a chunkier dip, blend less.
  • Use fresh herbs like dill for a bright flavor or substitute with parsley, cilantro, or basil.
  • This dip is gluten-free if served with gluten-free crackers or veggies, and can be made oil-free by omitting olive oil.
  • Store the dip refrigerated and consume within 4-5 days for best freshness.
  • Not recommended for freezing as the texture may change.