Cannellini Bean Dip is a quick Mediterranean recipe with classic flavors of garlic, lemon, and oregano. Simply blend the ingredients in a food processor, and you’ll have a spread that’s perfect for easy entertaining. Serve this vegan white bean dip with raw vegetables, crackers, or crostini for an impressive appetizer your guests will love.
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Easy entertaining
Entertaining guests during the holidays is easy when you have simple delicious recipes and chilled beverages.
Even at the last minute, you can invite some guests over with very little stress.
Or if friends and family show up at your door unannounced, it’s nice to be able to whip up an easy snack you can make with pantry ingredients.
Cannellini Bean Dip with fresh raw vegetables is my go-to appetizer in these situations.
In addition to wine or festive Berry Vodka Cocktails, I like to offer my friends a non-alcoholic option.
smartwater sparkling is a great choice.
It’s vapor distilled with electrolytes for taste, making it perfect for evening entertaining.
And it goes great with easy Mediterranean diet inspired recipes like Tofu Ricotta Crostini, Mini Polenta Pizza, and this vegan white bean dip.
How to make Cannellini Bean Dip
You only need a food processor and the following ingredients to make this delicious spread:
- Cannellini beans: To save time, I use canned beans. You may see these labeled as white kidney beans.
- Aquafaba: This is the liquid from the can of beans. Before rinsing them, reserve 2 tablespoons of the bean water to use in the dip to make it extra creamy.
- Tahini: This is a paste made from toasted sesame seeds.
- Lemon juice
- Fresh garlic
- Dried oregano
- Salt and pepper
The combination of lemon, garlic, and oregano is common in Greek cooking.
It’s one of my favorite flavor profiles.
If you’re a fan, too, be sure to try Greek Lemon Potatoes.
When you’re ready to make the cannellini bean dip, simply add the ingredients to your food processor and pulse until completely smooth.
You may have to scrape down the sides of the bowl a few times with a spatula.
Then you can serve it right away or refrigerate it for later.
It will last for 2 to 3 days covered and chilled.
I like to prepare it a day ahead of time if I know I’ll be having guests over.
In addition, I’ll cut up some vegetables and store them packed in water so they stay fresh.
Then before serving, I give the vegan white bean dip a quick stir and sprinkle a little sumac on top for some extra lemony flavor.
Sumac is worth keeping in your pantry to use in Middle Eastern Bean Salad (Balela) and Easy Fattoush Salad, as well.
If you’re not familiar with this red Middle Eastern spice, check out In the Spice Cabinet: Sumac to learn more.
Cannellini Bean Dip Recipe
This recipe makes about 6 servings, but you can easily double it for more guests.
If you love this recipe, please give it 5 stars!
Easy Cannellini Bean Dip
Recommended Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 can cannellini beans (white kidney beans) drained, reserve 2 Tablespoons of liquid from the can of beans
- 1 Tablespoon tahini
- 3 Tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- salt and pepper to taste
- sumac for garnish (optional)
- assorted vegetables for serving
Instructions
- Add the beans, 2 tablespoons of the reserved bean liquid, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to a food processor.
- Process until completely smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
- Transfer the bean dip to a covered container and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Before serving, give the dip a stir and sprinkle with a little sumac, if desired. Serve with assorted vegetables for dipping.
Notes
Cristi Comes
This looks delicious and I love that you can make it in advance for the many holiday parties this season. It’s always so busy so that’s really helpful! {client}
Amy
Thank you, Cristi!
Cindy
How would great northern beans work? I’d like to make it this morning and don’t have canellini beans
Amy
Hi Cindy! Great Northern Beans will work perfectly.
Alamelu
I want to make a Vegan Tortilla roll ups for a birthday party. I want it to be like a cream cheese consistency to mix my shredded carrots, sweet red bell peppers can you tell me if this would be too thin? I don’t want a mushy roll ups.
Please answer I need to make it on Saturday
Can I use fresh cooked beans
Fat is ok so how much oil can I use
Lettuce or baby spinach your suggestion
Thanks
Amy
Hi Alamelu, I don’t think I would use this dip for roll ups. Personally I would use store-bought vegan cream cheese.
Alamelu
Thankyou
G
Wonderful dip! I did add about 1/2 tsp of maple syrup to balance the bitterness of the tahini and only used a potato masher which produced a chunkier texture that can also be used as a sandwich spread. I like that this needs no mayo for creaminess!
Amy Katz
Great suggestions, thank you!