Imagine a creamy, flavor-packed dip that transforms ordinary white beans into a gourmet sensation that will have everyone at your gathering asking for the recipe. This White Bean Dip with Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomatoes is not just another appetizer - it's a culinary masterpiece that combines the smooth richness of white beans, the vibrant herbaceousness of pesto, and the intense, tangy punch of sun-dried tomatoes. In just 10 minutes, you'll create a show-stopping dish that looks like it came straight from an Italian restaurant's kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup pesto
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the white beans thoroughly in a colander under cold running water to remove any excess sodium from the canned beans.
- Place the drained white beans in a food processor or high-powered blender, ensuring the container is clean and dry.
- Add the fresh pesto, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and freshly squeezed lemon juice to the food processor.
- Pulse the ingredients together until they form a smooth and creamy consistency, scraping down the sides of the processor bowl as needed to ensure even blending.
- Taste the dip and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference, blending again briefly to incorporate the seasonings.
- Transfer the white bean dip to a serving bowl, using a spatula to ensure all the mixture is removed from the processor.
- Create a small well in the center of the dip and drizzle extra virgin olive oil around and into the center for added flavor and a decorative touch.
- Garnish with additional chopped sun-dried tomatoes or fresh herbs like basil or parsley if desired.
- Serve immediately with fresh vegetable sticks, toasted bread, pita chips, or crackers for dipping.
- Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Tips
- Always rinse canned beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and improve texture.
- Use a food processor for the smoothest, most consistent blend.
- Taste and adjust seasonings gradually to achieve the perfect flavor balance.
- For extra smoothness, you can add a tablespoon of olive oil while blending.
- Fresh, high-quality pesto makes a significant difference in the final taste.
- If the dip is too thick, add a little water or olive oil to reach desired consistency.
- Serve at room temperature for the most robust flavor profile.
- Experiment with garnishes like toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- For a vegan version, use a plant-based pesto.
- The dip keeps well in the refrigerator, so it's perfect for make-ahead entertaining!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 5mg
