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Home » Recipes » Appetizers

White Bean Dip

Ayeh author bio picture
BY Ayeh Manfre · UPDATED: Sep 22, 24 · PUBLISHED: Feb 6, 23 · 24 Comments
JUMP TO RECIPE

This White Bean Dip is the perfect blend of creamy texture and delicious flavor, made in less than 5 minutes. It's also high in protein and fiber making it the perfect appetizer or sandwich spread. I've also paired it with my roasted cauliflower steaks as a main meal.

Chip being dipped into white bean dip

I absolutely love hummus and always make a fresh batch every week as a healthy snack.  This White Bean Dip is a little twist on the traditional hummus recipe which is made with chickpeas.

The addition of cumin gives it that extra depth and flavor. Keep some in the fridge for healthy meal prep and you won't be disappointed!

This recipe is also vegan and gluten-free so everyone can enjoy it!

Serve this white bean hummus as a dip with pita chips and crackers or even veggie sticks. It also works great as a spread. I've paired it with my roasted cauliflower steaks which was a match made in heaven. You can also use it as a high protein spread in sandwiches, toasties and wraps.

Cannellini beans don't get enough love! They are mild in taste so they can be added to many dishes, such as my delicious creamy orzo pasta and tuscan white bean soup.

Table of Contents
  • Ingredients and Substitutions
  • How to make White Bean Dip
  • Tips and Tricks
  • FAQs
  • More Hummus Recipes
  • More Easy Dips
  • Recipe
  • Comments
White bean dip in a bowl with chips and celery sticks to dip in

Ingredients and Substitutions

  • Cannellini beans are the base of this white bean dip. They're creamy and buttery and become the perfect texture once blended. I've used canned beans which are already cooked. If you can't get your hands on cannellini beans, navy beans are another white bean to use, they're also known as pea beans
  • Tahini is a paste that is made out of sesame seeds and is used to make traditional hummus. It has a really yummy and earthy flavor to it. Just make sure to buy the brands which solely have sesame seeds as the ingredient and no other additions. If you can't find tahini, you can leave it out or even use cashew butter instead
  • Lemon juice is added for acidity and tang which also freshens the white bean hummus up
  • Garlic because umm why not! I’ve added one garlic clove, but if you love it garlicky you can add 2 garlic cloves. If you don't like the taste or can't eat raw garlic, add garlic powder instead which is milder
  • Cumin powder brings a lovely earthiness and level of depth to this white bean dip. You don't need to add too much of it. Another substitute would be a dash of black pepper or even some red pepper flakes for spice
  • Extra virgin olive oil makes this white bean dip luscious with a creamy texture. Use a good quality olive oil which will give you a much better flavor 

How to make White Bean Dip

Here is how you make this quick and easy dip and that will impress everyone.

Four steps on how to make white bean dip
  1. Drain a can of cannellini beans, reserving some of the liquid
  2. Add the beans to a food processor with 2 tablespoons of the reserved liquid, tahini, lemon juice, garlic clove, cumin, salt and olive oil
  3. Blend until a creamy consistency is achieved. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed 
  4. Serve in a bowl and with the back of a tablespoon create a design. Garnish with a dash of extra virgin olive oil, parsley and pomegranate seeds. Enjoy!
Close up of white bean dip served with pomegranate and parsley

Tips and Tricks

  1. Reserve some of the liquid from the can of cannelloni beans. Adding a few tablespoons to the mixture not only adds flavour, but also helps it get more creamy
  2. Start by only adding 1-2 tablespoons of the reserved liquid. You can always add more if needed, but you can’t go backward and you don’t want a watery dip
  3. Stop the blending process and scrape down the sides of the food processor with a spatula then blend again. This way you won’t have clumps
  4. Remember to always taste the dip and adjust the seasoning if needed so it’s perfect for your taste buds
Bowl of white bean dip hummus garnished with pomegranate and parsley

FAQs

What beans to use to make White Bean Dip?

The most common bean to use is cannellini beans which have a lovely creamy texture and taste. You can also use navy beans or lima beans

What to serve white bean dip with?

I love it as a base with these cauliflower steaks which is a match made in heaven! You can use it as a dip with vegetables such as carrot sticks, celery and cucumbers. Pita chips and rice crackers are also great.

You can also use it as a sandwich spread or on pita bread to make a wrap. The options are endless!

How long does white bean dip last in the refrigerator?

White bean dip will last for up to 3 - 4 days in the refrigerator if stored in an airtight container

More Hummus Recipes

  • Roasted red pepper hummus with pita chip being dipped in
    Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
  • Avocado hummus topped with olive oil and chilli flakes served with crackers
    Avocado Hummus
  • Beetroot Hummus with pita chips
    Beetroot Hummus
  • Hummus topped with paprika and olive oil
    Hummus Recipe

More Easy Dips

  • Pita chip being dipped into Tirokafteri Greek Spicy Feta Dip
    Tirokafteri (Greek Spicy Feta Dip)
  • Whipped feta dip topped with roasted olives and tomatoes
    Whipped Feta Dip
  • Bread being dipped into a bread dipping oil
    Bread Dipping Oil
  • Kashke Bademjan Persian Eggplant Dip with fresh mint and bread on the side
    Kashke Bademjan (Persian Eggplant Dip)

I love seeing your creations and remakes, so be sure to rate the recipe, comment and share your White Bean Dip photo on Instagram so I can share the love!

Recipe

Chip dipped into bowl of white bean dip

White Bean Dip

5 from 14 votes
This White Bean Dip is the perfect blend of creamy texture and delicious flavor. It's high in protein and fiber making it the perfect appetizer or sandwich spread.
Author: Ayeh Manfre
Course: Appetizer, Dip
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Servings: 6
Calories: 186kcal
Print
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Cook Time0 minutes mins
Total Time5 minutes mins

Video

YouTube video player

Ingredients 

  • 1 can cannellini beans (240g net)
  • 2 tablespoon tahini
  • ½ small lemon
  • 1 garlic clove
  • ½ teaspoon cumin powder
  • 3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt to taste

Garnish

  • Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, chopped parsley and pomegranate seeds

Instructions

  • Drain the can of cannellini beans, reserving some of the liquid from the can. Add the beans to a food processor or blender along with 2 tablespoons of the reserved liquid
  • Add the tahini, lemon juice, garlic clove, cumin, salt and olive oil to a food processor. Blend the ingredients until it reaches a creamy consistency, scraping down the sides with a spatula. Give it a little taste and adjust the seasoning if needed 
    *If its too thick or lumpy, add another spoon of the reserved liquid and blend again
  • Serve in a bowl, making a design with the back of a spoon. Garnish with a dash of extra virgin olive oil, parsley and pomegranate seeds.
    Enjoy your creamy White Bean Dip as a dip with pita chips, as a spread or with these roasted cauliflower steaks
⭐️ Final Step! Would love if you left a rating and comment to let me know how it went. Your feedback helps inspire others and means alot ❤️

Nutrition

Calories: 186kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Sodium: 142mg | Potassium: 59mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 0.3g | Vitamin A: 11IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 53mg | Iron: 2mg
Keywords: easy, spread, vegan

More Appetizers

  • Chickpea fritters with a fritter being dipped into a Greek yogurt sauce
    Chickpea Fritters
  • Baked pita chips on a plate served with red pepper hummus
    Pita Chips
  • Mini focaccia topped with rosemary and flakey salt
    Mini Focaccia
  • Matthew McConaughey Tuna Salad with a pita chip dipped in
    Matthew McConaughey Tuna Salad

Comments

    5 from 14 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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  1. Tammy says

    February 17, 2023 at 3:20 am

    5 stars
    This was so easy to make. I made this to go along with the cauliflower steaks.
    I have been using this with my pita bread!
    I also put some on top of my grilled chicken, which was so good!
    I love her recipes. I am so excited to try more.!!

    Reply
    • Ayeh Manfre says

      February 17, 2023 at 4:59 am

      Yum love it with Pita bread too!

      Reply
      • Victoria says

        May 12, 2023 at 8:03 am

        5 stars
        I just made this and followed the recipe exactly and Omg I could eat spoonfuls of this stuff it’s so delicious!!! I used it as a spread for a Greek salad wrap and it was so tasty!! Thank you for sharing your delicious and healthy recipes Ayeh!

        Reply
        • Ayeh Manfre says

          May 14, 2023 at 9:16 pm

          Thrilled to hear this Victoria! That wrap sounds delicious 🙂

          Reply
  2. Deborah says

    February 28, 2023 at 2:19 pm

    5 stars
    This not only is 100% simple to make, it’s also so incredibly delicious! It’s divine with the roasted cauliflower.

    Reply
    • Ayeh Manfre says

      February 28, 2023 at 9:02 pm

      So happy you love them both Deborah 🙂 The perfect combo xx

      Reply
  3. Elise says

    May 04, 2023 at 6:41 am

    5 stars
    Love this adaptation of the humble, but tasty, Hummus recipe. I used Chipotle instead of Cumin for a rich smoky flavour. Thank you for sharing Ayeh, I’m a huge fan

    Reply
    • Ayeh Manfre says

      May 05, 2023 at 6:03 am

      Oh yum sounds fantastic Elise! Thats so lovely thank you so much xxxx

      Reply
      • Bslp says

        September 11, 2023 at 4:17 am

        Can I use chickpeas instead of the cannellini beans?

        Reply
        • Ayeh Manfre says

          September 18, 2023 at 4:26 am

          Yes you sure can 🙂 I have a classic hummus recipe here on my blog too x

          Reply
  4. Bj says

    June 23, 2023 at 11:38 am

    5 stars
    Love this! I used cannellini beans with garbanzo and it is the best bean dip I have made yet! Thanks.

    Reply
    • Ayeh Manfre says

      June 24, 2023 at 7:25 pm

      Oh yay love that!!

      Reply
  5. Ronda says

    November 13, 2023 at 10:25 am

    5 stars
    So good! I could eat this all day! I like to throw in about a 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for just a hint if heat. I can't stop eating it! Thank you so much for giving me an alternative to ranch dressing that is every bit as delicious and so much better for my health!

    Reply
    • Ayeh Manfre says

      November 21, 2023 at 9:46 pm

      Oh love this!!!

      Reply
  6. Beverly Fuller says

    July 09, 2024 at 8:08 am

    5 stars
    I didn't have tahini so I substituted pistachio paste. This was the easiest best way to use leftover white beans! My family loved it.

    Reply
    • Ayeh Manfre says

      July 16, 2024 at 6:40 pm

      Oh great to hear!

      Reply
  7. Tania says

    September 17, 2024 at 9:04 am

    5 stars
    Quick and easy and really delicious.

    Reply
    • Ayeh Manfre says

      September 17, 2024 at 10:02 pm

      Wonderful to hear you loved it Tania 🙂

      Reply
  8. Tara Jensen says

    October 27, 2024 at 1:36 pm

    5 stars
    Yum! 9:30 p.m. at night making your recipes. White Bean dip and Roasted Cauliflower Steaks.

    Reply
    • Ayeh Manfre says

      October 28, 2024 at 7:45 pm

      Oh yummy! The perfect combination 🙂

      Reply
  9. Deb Cocks says

    March 07, 2025 at 7:08 pm

    I found it very bland following the quantities in the recipe but after adding more cumin, garlic and lemon it was much tastier

    Reply
    • Ayeh Manfre says

      March 25, 2025 at 10:51 pm

      Glad to hear you were able to make the adjustments and enjoyed it 🙂

      Reply
  10. Lisa Weber says

    May 07, 2025 at 3:45 am

    5 stars
    added some thai basil to go with it as I did not have parsley. So creamy and yummy. Great snack

    Reply
    • Ayeh Manfre says

      May 09, 2025 at 5:09 pm

      So glad you liked it Lisa 🙂

      Reply
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Hi, I'm Ayeh!

Hey everyone! I love creating easy everyday recipes with a healthy twist that anyone can make. I will show you that you can eat delicious food, using wholesome ingredients that make you feel good from the inside out!

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