The other day, I was doing a pantry check and came across a can of cannellini beans. On the counter, I also noticed a container of walnuts I had forgotten to throw in the freezer after using them in a recipe. So, I got to thinking what the combination of the two would look like as a dip. OMG! This White Bean and Walnut Dip with Roasted Garlic was beyond fabulous. Seriously, the hubby and my momma devoured this vegan bean dip within minutes. The brightness from the lemon zest and lemon juice sent this recipe to a whole new dimension.
Of course, I created a short TikTok video making this fabulous bean dip appetizer. Be sure to check it out down below in the recipe. If you have not yet signed up for this social media platform, use my code 5SSIS800K0H06 to create an account.
WHAT ARE CANNELLINI BEANS
Cannellini beans are a larger, white bean that are quite popular in Southern Italian cooking. They are often referred to as white kidney beans and/or fazolia beans. Once cooked, cannellini beans have a smooth, and creamy texture. Some may even say the flavor is a bit nutty.
These white beans can be found in most grocery stores, both dried and canned. Cannellini beans are an excellent source of iron, magnesium and folate. In addition, cannellini beans are a great source of protein. They are low in fat, and calories. This is one appetizer bean dip that is relatively healthy.
White beans of this nature are often used by vegetarians to replace fish and/or chicken in a recipe.
SUBSTITUTIONS FOR CANNELLINI BEANS
Great northern beans, or white navy beans are great substitutes for cannellini beans. Butter beans, garbanzo beans, and fava beans can also be good replacements.
USES FOR CANNELLINI BEANS
In my opinion, this type of white bean is one of the most versatile. Cannellini beans can be used in soups, salads, pastas, white bean hummus and so much more. My doggies love them!
WALNUT SUBSTITUTES
Keep in mind, this recipe contains nuts. If you have an allergy to walnuts, or just an aversion, substitute with almonds, peanuts or cashews.
For those of you with nut allergies, you can substitute with a nutty seed, or even Grape-Nuts cereal.
TIPS FOR MAKING THE BEST WHITE BEAN AND WALNUT DIP WITH ROASTED GARLIC
This appetizer recipe for White Bean and Walnut Dip is one of those that is more about technique. As you are adding in the olive oil, take note of the texture of the dip. Add in small amounts at a time. You may not use as much as I suggest, or you may end up using more. The walnut dip should be creamy, but not as creamy as hummus. Texture is a good thing!
Vegans, rejoice! This may be one of the best vegan dips you will ever try!
- rinse and drain the cannellini beans well
- try saving time and roast the garlic in the air-fryer
- use a high-quality finishing olive oil for garnish (this should have a more pungent flavor than what you used in the dip)
KITCHEN TOOLS
If you do not own a mini food processor, I suggest you add one to your kitchen repertoire. Mine sees action, a few times a week. This little gadget blended up all of the ingredients for this bean dip appetizer, so beautifully.
A stand blender is a great substitute.
HOW TO ROAST GARLIC IN THE AIR FRYER
As mentioned above, a huge timesaver is to roast the garlic bulb in the air fryer. Yes, this is a thing! Cut off the end of the garlic bulb. Tear off part of the loose outer wrapping. Place inside a piece of foil. Turn up the edges of the foil.
Drizzle the garlic with olive oil or avocado oil, and a touch of kosher salt. Wrap tightly. Place in the air fryer at 390° for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the size of the garlic bulb.
If you do not own an air fryer, a conventional oven will do. Just be sure to allow at least 45 minutes to roast the garlic.
TIP: Roast a few at a time. Keep them wrapped in the foil. Place in the fridge for up to a week.
HOW TO SERVE WHITE BEAN AND WALNUT DIP
Ok, so we tried a variety of dipping vessels. Our favorite turned out to be toast points. Basically, I buttered a few slices of whole wheat sourdough, gave them a char on both sides in a cast iron pan and cut into toast points. Other options include:
- crackers
- vegetables
- pita chips
- as a condiment
LEFTOVER WHITE BEAN AND WALNUT DIP WITH ROASTED GARLIC
Honestly, I should not even have to address this. There will be NO leftovers! However, if there are leftovers, place in a sealed container. This white bean dip should last two to three days in the fridge.
Print
WHITE BEAN AND WALNUT DIP
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
Description
Want to WOW your guests at your next party, or just your family on a weeknight? Take a few minutes and make this incredible White Bean and Walnut Dip. It’s super easy to prepare and the taste is out of this world.
Serve with toast points, vegetables, pita and/or crackers. Double the recipe. You will thank me later!
Ingredients
- one 15-ounce can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 bulb roasted garlic
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup whole walnuts
- zest of one lemon
- juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon high-quality olive oil, for garnish
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts, for garnish
- pinch of kosher salt, pepper, crushed red pepper, for garnish
Instructions
- Add the rinsed and drained cannellini beans to a food processor.
- Squeeze in the roasted garlic from the bulb.
- Drizzle in a few tablespoons of olive oil, to start.
- Add the whole walnuts, lemon zest, lemon juice, kosher salt, black pepper and crushed red pepper.
- Pulse a few times.
- Continue add small amounts of olive oil until you reach the desired consistency.
- Taste for salt.
- Spoon into a bowl.
- Garnish with olive oil, chopped parsley, chopped walnuts, pinches of kosher salt, black pepper and crushed red pepper.
- Serve with your choice of bread, crackers, and/or pita.
- ENJOY!
Notes
SEE POST FOR TIPS!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 Cup
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