If you need a fresh, 5-minute appetizer, this easy herby white bean dip is it. Naturally vegan and gluten-free, it’s packed with fresh dill and chives, making it just as pretty as it is delicious. It’s the perfect plant-based snack to keep in the fridge or serve with pita and veggies at your next get-together.
This vibrant green dip is a total lifesaver when you need a crowd-pleasing appetizer that looks a bit fancy but takes almost zero effort. It’s super light and zesty, making it a huge hit for spring brunches, Easter, or just snacking on the patio. I love that it’s a healthy, plant-based option you can whip up year-round with just a few pantry staples and fresh herbs.
This recipe actually started with my Slow Cooker White Bean Soup. I love how creamy cannellini beans get when you blend them up! By swapping the savory simmer for a quick pulse of fresh dill and chives, they transform into a refreshing, herby spread that basically tastes like springtime in a bowl.
This dip perfectly complements my Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers. Its punchy herbs brighten the savory peppers for a cohesive Mediterranean menu. It also adds a healthy balance when served alongside heavier favorites like BBQ Chicken Sliders.
The best part? This white bean dip recipe is so easy to customize. While the dill and chives give it that signature green look, feel free to play around with what’s in your fridge. Try a drizzle of balsamic or a pinch of red pepper flakes for some extra zip—it’s a total blank canvas for whatever you’re craving!
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🥘Ingredients
- can of white beans (cannellini or great northern)- these provide a creamy, protein-packed base that creates a smooth texture
- chopped dill- adds a fresh, grassy, and slightly tangy flavor that brightens the earthy beans
- chopped chives- offers a subtle, mild onion flavor and a beautiful pop of green color without being overpowering like raw onions
- olive oil + water- essential for a silky mouthfeel and heart-healthy fats that help emulsify the dip into a whipped consistency
- garlic- provides a savory, aromatic punch that builds depth and enhances the overall "zestiness" of the herbs
- freshly squeezed lemon juice- provides a bright, acidic finish that balances the creaminess of the white beans
- salt and pepper- season to taste
See recipe card for quantities.
🔪Instructions
- Step 1: Combine all ingredients in food processor; purée until smooth.
- Step 2: Transfer to container and refrigerate 1 hour for best taste.
Hint: Thoroughly rinse your cannellini beans to remove excess starch, which can make the texture feel gritty.
🥣Substitutions
- Beans - swap cannellini beans for Great Northern beans or chickpeas for a slightly nuttier flavor and firmer texture
- Fresh Herbs - if you're out of dill or chives, use fresh parsley or cilantro to maintain that vibrant green color and earthy taste
- Oil-Free - replace olive oil with aquafaba (the liquid from the bean can) or Greek yogurt for a lower-fat, extra-creamy consistency
📖Variations
- Spicy - mix in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during the final pulse to add a zesty kick
- Mediterranean Deluxe - top with a drizzle of balsamic glaze, sun-dried tomatoes, or kalamata olives for a richer flavor profile
- Kid-Friendly Crunch - serve with pita chips or top with crushed potato chips for a salty texture kids will love
See Best Homemade Hummus for another easy and delicious dip featuring canned chickpeas!
🍽Equipment
- food processor
- measuring spoons and cups
- knife and cutting board
- citrus juicer and sieve
🍶Storage
Store your herby white bean dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–5 days. Give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute the fresh herbs and olive oil.
💭Top tips
When making the dip, start with the recommended 2 tablespoon water, which is usually all you need. If you feel it's too thick, add additional water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until your desired consistency is reached.
🗨️FAQ
Yes! Make this dip at least one hour in advance for the best flavor.
I don't recommend freezing the dip because it will lose its creamy texture and the fresh herbs will turn brown.
Yes, as written, this recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a safe and delicious choice for guests with common dietary restrictions.
🥄Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
🍴Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Easy Herby White Bean Dip recipe:
📋Recipe with step-by-step instructions
Easy Herby White Bean Dip
Equipment
- food processor
- measuring spoons
- measuring cups
- chef's knife
- cutting board
- citrus juicer
- sieve
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans (cannellini or Great Northern) rinsed and drained
- 2 tablespoon fresh dill chopped
- 2 tablespoon fresh chives chopped
- 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoon water
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
- salt & pepper to taste
- additional extra virgin olive oil, dill, & chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Purée: Combine all ingredients in a food processor until smooth, scraping down sides of bowl as needed.
- Adjust: Add additional water 1 tablespoon at a time if the dip is too thick.
- Chill: Refrigerate for 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
- Garnish: Use the back of a spoon to create a small well in the center of the dip. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with additional fresh dill and chives before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Please note that nutritional information is provided by a third party service and is intended for guidance purposes only. KitchenReadyBetty.com makes no claims to its accuracy.
Tiffany says
Never thought of making dip out of white beans, this sounds fantastic, a definite must try.
Kitchen Ready Betty says
Hi Tiffany! You are going to love how creamy this Easy Herby White Bean Dip gets—it’s a great high-protein alternative to traditional hummus. It’s one of my favorite healthy dip recipes because it’s so versatile. If you end up with extra white beans, they also work beautifully in my Slow Cooker White Bean Soup for a cozy meal. Let me know what you think once you try it!