Creamy Walnut & White Bean Dip

Name: Creamy Walnut & White Bean Dip
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: mediterranean
Ingredients: 200 g dried cannellini beans (soaked overnight, drained); 75 g walnuts (shelled); 2 pcs garlic (cloves, peeled); 3 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 3 tbsp olive oil; 4 tbsp ice water (cold, for blending); 0.5 tsp salt; 1 tsp cumin powder; 2 tbsp coriander leaves (chopped, for garnish); 1 pinch smoked paprika (for garnish)

RATING

0.0/5

TASTE SCORE

8/10

A velvety-smooth Mediterranean-inspired dip that blends earthy toasted walnuts with tender white beans and a bright splash of lemon. It comes together in minutes, makes any vegetable or pita chip feel special, and tastes even better the next day.

PREP

10m

COOK

SERVES

1 CUP

391 cal

SERVINGS

METHOD · 6 STEPS

prep · ~45 min
Soak and cook the white beans.
Rinse the soaked cannellini beans and place them in a pot with fresh water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until tender, about 45 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly.
TIPSoaking the beans overnight helps them cook evenly and blend into a smoother dip.
saute · ~4 min
Toast the walnuts.
Place the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Stir frequently until fragrant and lightly golden, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
TIPWatch the nuts closely — they go from toasted to burnt in seconds.
mix · ~2 min
Blend the base ingredients.
1.Add the drained white beans, toasted walnuts, garlic cloves, and cumin to a food processor.
2.Pulse a few times to break everything down, then scrape down the sides.
3.With the motor running, stream in the olive oil, lemon juice, and ice water.
4.Blend until completely smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
TIPThe ice water helps emulsify the dip, giving it a lighter, fluffier texture.
mix · ~1 min
Season and adjust consistency.
Add the salt and blend once more. If the dip is too thick, blend in another tablespoon of cold water until it reaches your preferred texture.
garnish · ~1 min
Finish and plate the dip.
Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil, sprinkle with smoked paprika, and scatter chopped coriander on top.
serve
Serve or chill for later.
Serve immediately with warm pita, crunchy vegetables, or crackers. The dip can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
Toasting the walnuts until fragrant but not brown is crucial for a deep, nutty flavor without bitterness.
2
Reserve a few cooked beans and chopped walnuts to sprinkle on top for textural contrast.
3
If you don't have a food processor, a high-speed blender works; just add a little extra ice water to help it move.
4
For the silkiest texture, peel the cooked beans by pinching off the skins before blending — it takes minutes but transforms the dip.
5
Make ahead: the flavors meld and deepen overnight, so prepare it a day in advance for best results.
6
Store leftovers in an airtight container with a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent discoloration.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Adapt it for your goals.

High Protein

High-Protein

Swap half the walnuts for a handful of hemp seeds or a scoop of unflavored protein powder — perfect for a post-workout snack that still tastes creamy and savory.

Nut Free

Nut-Free

Replace the walnuts with hulled sunflower seeds (toast them dry as well) — makes this dip school-safe and adds a toasty, seed-forward flavor.

Spicy Smoky

Add 1/2 a smoked chipotle pepper (from a can) along with the cumin — this gives a deep, warming heat that pairs brilliantly with the creamy beans.

Herb Garden

Toss in a handful of fresh basil or parsley leaves at the end of blending — it brightens the dip with herbal notes and a vibrant green hue.

Low Fat

Low-Fat

Reduce olive oil to 1 tablespoon and replace the rest with bean cooking liquid or water — still creamy, but with significantly less fat per serving.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Why this is on our healthy list.

✓

Rich in Plant Protein

Cannellini beans and walnuts together provide a complete amino acid profile, making this dip a satisfying protein source for vegetarian meals.

✓

Heart-Healthy Fats

Walnuts are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, and the olive oil offers monounsaturated fats, both of which support cardiovascular health.

✓

High in Dietary Fiber

White beans contribute both soluble and insoluble fiber, aiding digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness — a welcome addition to any snack board.

✓