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+ servings
creamy lemon garlic dip

Lemon-Garlic White Bean Dip

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This silky, protein-packed white bean dip combines creamy cannellini beans with bright lemon and aromatic garlic for an impressive appetizer ready in under 5 minutes. Naturally vegan and incredibly versatile, it's perfect for entertaining or everyday snacking.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

  • 2-4 tablespoons water as needed for consistency
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest finely grated
  • 1 garlic clove small (or half for milder flavor)
  • 1 (15-oz) cannellini beans drained and rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice plus more to taste
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil plus more for drizzling
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional add-ins 1 tablespoon tahini, pinch of red pepper flakes, or 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Equipment

  • Food processor
  • Measuring spoons
  • Shallow serving bowl

Method
 

  1. For the smoothest texture, warm the drained and rinsed cannellini beans for 30-45 seconds in the microwave (optional but recommended).
  2. Add beans, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, olive oil, 2 tablespoons of water, sea salt, and black pepper to a food processor.
  3. Blend until velvety smooth, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl.
  4. If the dip is too thick, add additional water one tablespoon at a time until reaching desired consistency.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional lemon juice, salt, or pepper as needed.
  6. Transfer to a shallow serving bowl, create a swirl on the surface with the back of a spoon, and drizzle generously with olive oil.
  7. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, black pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 120kcal

Notes

This dip actually improves after a day in the refrigerator as the flavors meld together. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
No food processor? Use a blender with a bit more water added, or try an immersion blender in a tall jar.
Serve with warm pita triangles, vegetable crudités, spread on sandwiches, dolloped on grain bowls, or as a base for flatbread pizza.

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