This creamy garlic pesto Cannellini Bean Dip is ready to party! Quick, easy, and totally delicious, it’s ready to eat in just 10 minutes and tastes amazing with pita and healthy vegetable dippers.
This delish dip absolutely rocked my socks last week!
I had loads of leftover pesto from making my pesto pita pizzas so I froze half the batch (freezer pesto is the ultimate convenience!) and used the remainder to make a little “snacketizer” situation for the week.
What I love about white bean dips is how they’re great the first day and then equally awesome the following days. They stay fresh up to 4 days and can be used to make little grab-and-go snack boxes to keep in the fridge.
I find it’s way easier to make healthy snack choices when I have these handy. I do this with hummus, feta dip, and now this garlicky cannellini bean dip too!
So why should you make this recipe? It’s simple! This delicious dip is fast, flavorful, and a fantastic way to get lots of healthy beans and vegetables in your face.
Unlike hummus, there is no tahini paste needed for this super simple recipe. You can use homemade or store-bought pesto. Basically whatever pesto you love the taste of will work great for this easy appetizer.
I used my favorite arugula pesto this time around and it was so tasty! Basil pesto, kale pesto, arugula pesto are all excellent options! I’ll include a classic pesto recipe at the bottom of this post for those who may need one.
As written, the dip itself is gluten-free, grain-free, and vegetarian. If you use a dairy-free pesto like I did, it will be vegan too! Serve with assorted dippers that correspond with your dietary needs and get ready to snack happy!
Cannellini Bean Dip Ingredients
- 1 can of cannellini beans
- 1-2 small cloves of garlic
- 1 small lemon
- extra virgin olive oil
- pesto
- salt and pepper
That’s it! You’ll really only need 4 ingredients if you don’t count the oil, salt, and pepper we all typically have on hand. How great is that!?
Cannellini Bean Dip
Equipment
Ingredients
- 15 oz cannellini beans (1 can) drained and rinsed
- 1 clove garlic or 2 cloves for a very garlicky dip
- 2 TBSP fresh lemon juice from 1 small lemon or ½ large lemon
- 1 TBSP pesto (vegan or classic) plus extra to taste
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil plus extra for drizzling
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- For an intense garlic flavor, place 1-2 cloves in a garlic press before adding to the beans. I use 2 cloves for a super garlicky dip. Not sure how much you'll want? start with just 1 clove as you can always blend a second clove in after taste testing.
- To the bowl of a food processor, add drained beans, garlic, lemon juice, pesto, sea salt, and a pinch or two of black pepper.
- Pulse to coarsely chop the beans then switch to puree mode and, with the machine running, slowly add ¼ cup olive oil while the dip blends. Once it's gloriously creamy, give it a taste and pulse in any additional garlic, salt, and pesto desired. I like my dip with 2 cloves of garlic and 2 TBSP pesto. Delish!
- Transfer to a bowl and serve with choice of dippers: cucumber, celery, carrots, bell pepper or sweet mini peppers, broccoli or cauliflower, pita bread or pita chips, fresh sliced baguette, and/or assorted crackers. Enjoy!
OPTIONAL GARNISH
- Top with a swirl of pesto. Sliced fresh basil can also be added a tasty topper!
- Add a few cranks of black pepper and drizzle with olive oil.
Notes
Nutrition
Delicious Dippers – choose your favorites!
This is your opportunity to clear out your crisper drawer and use up all the leftover bits of vegetables that are tucked away in your fridge.
- celery
- carrots
- bell peppers
- sweet mini peppers
- broccoli
- cauliflower
- cucumber
- pita bread or pita chips
- naan
- baguette
- crackers
Need a larger batch for a party or meal prep? It’s so easy to make! Simply double or triple the recipe as desired and you’re good to go!
Bean Dip Serving Suggestions
- Sandwich Spread
- Prep-Ahead Snack Box with Veggie Dippers
- Mediterranean-Style Mezze Platter
- As a Dip for an Party Veggie Tray
In addition to using it as a sandwich spread, you could also spread it on wraps, veggie burgers, and so much more!
Q: CAN I MAKE THIS DIP IN ADVANCE?
You absolutely can! This speedy dip can easily be made in advance for a party or for weeklong snacking. It can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-3 days.
I like to store it in a little bento-box style container along with crackers and sliced vegetables for dipping – it’s like my own personal little lunchable but way healthier!
MORE DELICIOUS DIP RECIPES
If you get a chance to try this garlic pesto cannellini bean dip recipe, let me know!
Leave me a comment here (LOVE checking those daily!) and tag @PEASandCRAYONS on Instagram so I can happy dance over your tasty creations. I can’t wait to see what you whip up!
Questions & Reviews
“Snacketizer“ indeed! The family was devouring this before dinner tonight.
Ahh yay!! So so glad y’all enjoyed it!
Do you have a link for the style of bento box shown in your photo. I really like the size and shape of the three compartments and am having trouble finding something that will work for an eighty year old with out pastel colors or unicorns.
Thank you
Hi Patty! I have a few glass Bentgo Bento Boxes for meal prep and lunches and love them.