White Bean Dip with Basil, Pomegranate Seeds, and Pine Nuts Recipe
This White Bean Dip is a creamy, flavorful, and healthy appetizer made with cannellini beans, fresh herbs, and a hint of garlic and lemon. Perfect as a spread or dip for pita bread, chips, and fresh vegetables, it offers a smooth texture and vibrant taste that can be customized with fresh toppings like pomegranate seeds and pine nuts, making it ideal for holiday gatherings or everyday snacking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 1.5 cups (serves 6 as a dip) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 15 ounce can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 clove garlic, peeled
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, omit for oil-free)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped basil
- 2–3 tablespoons ice cold water, plus more as needed
Garnishes
- Chopped fresh herbs (additional for garnish)
- Pomegranate seeds
- Pine nuts
- Olive oil drizzle
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Drain and rinse the cannellini beans thoroughly to remove any excess sodium or liquid from the can. Peel the garlic clove and chop the fresh basil. This ensures all ingredients are ready for processing.
- Combine in Food Processor: Add the rinsed white beans, garlic, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, salt, black pepper, chopped basil, and 2 tablespoons of ice-cold water to the food processor bowl. This combination will create the base of the dip.
- Puree Until Smooth: Process the ingredients for about 4-5 minutes until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. If the dip seems too thick or not as creamy as desired, add more ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, to achieve a fluffy, smooth texture.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste the dip and adjust seasoning by adding additional salt, pepper, lemon juice, or fresh herbs as preferred, to balance the flavors perfectly.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Garnish generously with extra chopped fresh herbs, pomegranate seeds, pine nuts, and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve alongside pita bread, pita chips, or vegetable sticks such as cucumber and carrots for dipping.
Notes
- For an oil-free version, simply omit the olive oil; the dip will still be creamy and flavorful.
- Use ice-cold water to help achieve a fluffier and lighter texture in the dip.
- Feel free to customize the herbs depending on preference—parsley, cilantro, or dill can be great alternatives to basil.
- Pomegranate seeds add a festive touch and a refreshing pop of sweetness, especially during holiday seasons.
- This dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; stir well before serving.
Keywords: white bean dip, cannellini beans, healthy dip, Mediterranean dip, easy appetizer, creamy bean dip, vegan dip, basil dip
