This Creamy Cannellini Lemon Feta Dip is an easy appetizer for holiday parties or casual get-togethers. Made with cannellini beans, it is similar to hummus but made without chickpeas. Serve with veggies or pita chips.
What's that? you ask. This Creamy Cannellini Lemon Feta Dip is a fancy name for White Bean Dip. Basically, it's the Italian version of hummus. If you're like me, and not a fan of chickpeas, white beans (or cannellini as they're called by Italians) are an ideal alternative.
But this appetizer is so much more than just plain white bean dip! In fact, it's been so popular that I've aded it to my collection of 9 Easy Healthy Dip Recipes.
It has hints of lemon and garlic and a subtle salty flavour from feta cheese. I drizzled the top with a lemon-infused olive oil for some extra flavour, but that's certainly optional if you don't have any on hand. However, if you love those gourmet infused olive oils as much as I do, you might want to try a rosemary infused oil on this one, too.
Ingredients
cannellini beans: for ease, use a 14 0z can, rinsed and drained. You can also use other canned white beans.
garlic: fresh cloves are always best, but you could use powdered garlic in a pinch
lemon juice: fresh squeezed lemon juice gives this dip a nice bright flavour
feta cheese: crumbled
salt and pepper: to taste
Combine all ingredients in a food processor until smooth. This dip is too thick to process in a blender.
This Cannellini Lemon Feta Dip is a perfect appetizer for both summer and winter parties!
Yes, it is! And let me tell you five reasons why.
- it's delicious!
- it's nutritious
- your gluten-free friends can eat it
- you can dress it up and make it look festive with seasonal colours or herbs
- you can make it ahead of time
A great make-ahead appetizer
When I'm hosting a dinner or a party, I'm always on the lookout for dishes that I can make ahead of time. I like to relax and spend time with my friends, instead of being stuck in the kitchen. This Creamy Cannellini Lemon Feta Dip is a perfect candidate for a make-ahead dish, as it is actually better the second day, once the flavours have blended.
How to serve this white bean dip
Lots of choices for how to serve this dip! It's fun to serve in individual tiny cups with fresh cut veggies stuffed inside.
If you prefer to serve it in a bowl, garnish with finely chopped herbs or a little grated lemon zest. Or drizzle with a little olive oil and add a few pomegranate arils and a sprig or two of fresh parsley.
This white bean dip is a definite crowd-pleaser, and if you offer veggies with it, you'll make your gluten-free friends happy, too.
Creamy Cannellini Lemon Feta Dip
Ingredients
- 1 14 oz can (398 ml) white beans or cannellini beans rinsed and drained
- 2 cloves garlic peeled
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup olive oil extra virgin
- pinch salt and pepper
Garnish
- ¼ cup 1 Tbsp olive oil, Italian parsley leaves, pomegranate arils, or fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
- Put all ingredients except 1 tablespoon olive oil in a food processor and blend until very smooth and creamy. *Note: this dip is too thick for a high-speed blender.
- Transfer to a shallow serving bowl and garnish with pomegranate arils and chopped parsley. Drizzle with remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
- Serve with raw vegetable sticks, pita bread triangles, or your favourite crackers.
Notes
Nutrition
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kathi @ laughingspatula says
Anything with feta gets me! What a beautiful appetizer to serve on T-day and so easy to make....doubt mine would be as pretty as your pic but love the garnish ideas!
Flavour & Savour says
Hi Kathi, Thanks! It's a super easy garnish. I think fresh chopped cranberries would be pretty too.
Sarah says
this looks delicious! pretty much anything with feta and I'm hooked 😛
Flavour & Savour says
Hi Sarah, Thanks! I love feta too, but I think this would be equally as good with goat cheese.
Dana says
Elaine, this is *so* gorgeous and festive! I love the colors and the dip itself looks oh-so-smooth. I'd probably "accidentally" eat the entire thing myself. Haha.
Flavour & Savour says
Thanks Dana! And guess what? It tastes even better the second day. Score.
Cathy says
I'm with you on preparing food ahead of time! It's great to have a hummus alternative for people who don't enjoy chickpeas. I've pinned this one!
Flavour & Savour says
Thanks Cathy! Three cheers for make-ahead dishes!
Meaghan says
This looks so festive and delicious! Will definitely add this to my holiday planning. Great alternative to hummus!
Kiki Johnson says
This sounds amazing! Lemon, garlic, olive oil and parsley ...that sounds like vacations in Greece! I personally prefer white beans over chickpeas as they are lower in calories while still providing all that good protein! Dressing the dip up with pomegranate seeds is a good idea! Might try this for the next dinner party. Thanks for the great recipe
Cheers,
Kiki
Flavour & Savour says
Thanks, Kiki! I didn't know about the calorie count difference. One more reason to like this dip!Thanks for stopping by.
Stacia says
I just made this and it tastes good. I wish I had read the recipe correctly because I added a half of cup of parsley leaves (instead of 1/4) and my dip is tinted pretty green. It would make a nice addition for a Christmas dip or perhaps as Easter "grass" around a vegetable tray. I did find I needed to add a tablespoon more of EVOO to get the consistency my family likes for a vegetable dip.
Denise from Urb’n’Spice says
This is one of the most delicious dips I have ever tasted, Elaine! (and I make a lot of healthy dips). Bravo! And so very pretty, too. My hummus has certainly lost status after tasting your gorgeous Creamy Cannellini Lemon Feta Dip. Thanks so much for sharing. We love it! ❤️😋
Flavour & Savour says
Thanks so much, Denise! It’s a favourite with us too.
Marion Stairs says
Could you freeze the dip ??
Flavour & Savour says
I haven't tried freezing this dip. Dairy products often separate and their texture changes when frozen. I'm not confident to tell you that it will freeze well.