Sun-Dried Tomato White Bean Dip: A Simple, Savory Party Favorite
Silky, tangy goodness effortlessly brightens pitas, veggies, and wraps for any gathering.
When you need a quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer, nothing beats a flavor-packed dip that’s ready in just minutes. This Sun-Dried Tomato White Bean Dip is creamy, tangy, and bursting with savory notes thanks to mellow white beans and intensely flavored sun-dried tomatoes. Whether you’re celebrating game day, hosting a casual gathering, or just craving a healthy homemade snack, this dip deserves a spot at your table.
Why This Dip Works
- Just Three Main Ingredients: White beans, sun-dried tomatoes (plus their oil), and lemon create a luxuriously silky, flavor-loaded dip.
- 5-Minute Prep: Everything comes together in a food processor for true minimal effort and maximum payoff.
- Impossibly Versatile: Serve it with pita, veggies, chips, or slathered onto sandwiches and wraps for a protein boost.
- Perfect for Sharing: The bold, Mediterranean flavors shine at parties or potlucks, and the recipe is easy to scale up for a crowd.
Who Will Love This Dip?
This recipe is perfect for anyone who:
- Wants a fast and healthy snack
- Needs a make-ahead appetizer for parties, tailgates, or potlucks
- Follows a vegetarian or vegan diet—just double check your sun-dried tomatoes are prepared without cheese
- Enjoys Mediterranean or Italian-style flavors
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| White beans (cannellini, great northern, or navy) | 1 can (15 oz) | Use with liquid; drained if desired for a thicker dip |
| Sun-dried tomatoes in oil | 1/2 cup (chopped) | Plus 3 tablespoons of the reserved oil |
| Lemon zest | 2 teaspoons | Freshly grated for best flavor |
| Lemon juice | 2 tablespoons | About half a lemon |
| Kosher salt | 1/2 teaspoon | Adjust to taste |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon | Freshly ground preferred |
| Pita wedges and fresh veggies | For serving | Carrots, cucumbers, peppers, etc. |
How to Make Sun-Dried Tomato White Bean Dip
- Add Ingredients to Food Processor: Place the beans with their can liquid, chopped sun-dried tomatoes and a few spoonfuls of their flavorful oil, grated lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper into a food processor.
- Blend Until Smooth: Process all ingredients, pausing to scrape down the sides once or twice, until the mixture is very smooth and creamy. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and add more salt, pepper, lemon juice, or a drizzle of tomato oil if desired, for richer, brighter flavor.
- Serve: Spoon the dip into a serving bowl and finish with an extra drizzle of sun-dried tomato oil for shine. Serve alongside warm, fluffy pita wedges and a rainbow of fresh, crunchy vegetables.
Tips for the Creamiest Dip
- Use the Bean Liquid: The liquid from canned beans adds extra creaminess. For a firmer dip, drain the beans—then add a splash of water as you blend if needed.
- Don’t Rush the Processing: Give your food processor time to make the dip perfectly smooth and luxurious.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Oil: The oil is packed with flavor. Don’t skip it!
- Adjust Acid and Salt: Lemon and salt wake up the beans and tomatoes, so taste as you go and tweak to your liking.
Delicious Variations & Creative Additions
- Herbs: Add a handful of fresh basil, oregano, parsley, or chives to the food processor for an herby twist.
- Spicy Kick: Blend in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a small roasted garlic clove for more depth.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Fold in a little crumbled feta or Parmigiano-Reggiano after blending for extra richness (note: this makes the dip vegetarian, not vegan).
- Texture: Reserve some chopped sun-dried tomatoes and stir them into the finished dip for a pleasant chew and burst of flavor.
- More Bean Power: Mix white beans with chickpeas or use roasted garlic white beans as a creative base.
Serving Suggestions: What to Dip
- Pita bread: Warm and cut into wedges for a classic combo
- Colorful veggie sticks: Red bell pepper, carrot sticks, celery, cucumber rounds
- Crackers or crostini: Crisp, sturdy crackers or toasted baguette slices
- Chips: Serve with pita chips, potato chips, or seed crackers for variety
- Sandwich spread: Use the dip as a spread on wraps, veggie sandwiches, or burgers for a flavor boost
- Salad garnish: Dollop onto grain bowls, roasted veggies, or leafy salads for extra protein and creaminess
What others are reading
Perfect Pairings for Game Day and Parties
- Spinach Dip: Serve alongside classic creamy dips for variety
- Buffalo Wings: Bring some heat to balance the dip’s brightness
- Mozzarella Sticks: Fried cheese pairs perfectly with tangy, hearty dips
- Loaded Nachos: Use the white bean dip as a healthy drizzle
- Cheesy Bean Dips: Double down on the bean theme for a protein-filled cocktail spread
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Leftover Ideas
- Make in Advance: This dip keeps well, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Freezing: Technically possible, but the texture is best when freshly blended or after a short chill in the fridge.
- Leftover Magic: Spread leftover dip on toast, in wraps, over grain bowls, or thin with lemon juice for a quick salad dressing base.
Why White Beans and Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
White beans are packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and slow-digesting carbohydrates, making them filling and nutritious. Sun-dried tomatoes deliver deep, concentrated tomato flavor along with beneficial vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats (when packed in oil). Combined, they form a dip that’s not only delicious but also nourishing and naturally gluten-free and dairy-free if you skip optional cheese additions.
More Game Day & Party Inspiration
- Restaurant-Style Mozzarella Sticks
- Chicken Parm Sliders
- Buffalo Dip and Slow Cooker Dips for Easy Entertaining
- No-Cook Tailgate Recipes for Effortless Snacking
- Printable Tailgate Essentials Checklist
- Football-Themed Decor to Set the Mood
- Fantasy Football Team Name Inspiration
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use dried sun-dried tomatoes instead of the ones packed in oil?
A: Yes, but you’ll need to soak them in hot water until soft and also add some olive oil to the dip to make up for the rich, emulsifying effect of oil-packed tomatoes.
Q: What kind of white beans work best?
A: Cannellini, great northern, or navy beans all work—the key is using a creamy, mild, cooked white bean, either canned or home-cooked.
Q: Can I make this recipe without a food processor?
A: A high-powered blender will also work, though you may need to scrape down the sides a few more times. For a rustic dip, mash by hand with a fork or potato masher for a chunkier texture.
Q: Is this dip vegan?
A: Yes! As long as you don’t add cheese or dairy-based garnishes, it’s entirely plant-based.
Q: How long will leftovers keep?
A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Stir well before serving again.
Pro Tips for the Best Sun-Dried Tomato White Bean Dip
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Use good sun-dried tomatoes (preferably oil-packed), fresh lemon, and quality beans.
- Don’t Skip the Lemon: The acidity balances the richness of beans and tomato oil, making the flavors pop.
- Finish with Garnish: Try a drizzle of tomato oil, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or extra chopped tomatoes for color and flavor.
- Double for a Crowd: This recipe scales up easily—just double (or triple) the quantities for a bigger batch.
- Serve Room Temperature: For the best texture and flavor, let the dip come to room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving.
Recipe Card: Sun-Dried Tomato White Bean Dip
Sun-Dried Tomato White Bean Dip
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: None
Yield: Serves 6–8
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, including liquid
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped, plus 3 tbsp oil
- 2 tsp lemon zest + 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Pita wedges and sliced veggies for serving
- Add beans, tomatoes, oil, lemon zest and juice, salt, and pepper to a food processor.
- Blend until very smooth, scraping bowl as needed (1-2 minutes).
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve with pita and vegetables.
Get Inspired: Related Recipes and Ideas
- Easy White Bean Dip – Creamy, herb-infused, and similar in style with a delicate flavor that pairs well with many dippers.
- Classic French Onion Dip – A cool and savory option perfect for chips and veggies.
- Tomato-Basil Bruschetta – Another crowd-pleaser for Mediterranean-themed snacking.
Final Thoughts: Make It Your Own
This Sun-Dried Tomato White Bean Dip is endlessly adaptable and always satisfying. Its short ingredient list, quick prep, and bold taste make it a go-to for hosts and snackers alike. Whether you customize with fresh herbs, adjust the lemon, or experiment with different bean varieties, this dip brings bold Mediterranean flavor to any occasion. Happy dipping!
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a65818681/sun-dried-tomato-white-bean-dip-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a62413166/white-bean-dip-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a10462/bruschetta/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a83200/how-to-make-french-onion-dip/
- https://www.aol.com/sun-dried-tomato-white-bean-130000722.html
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