White Bean Dip with Pesto Ribbon

A classic white bean dip gets dressed up for an elegant tea party with bright ribbons of pesto. The silky dip becomes something altogether more modern and garden-inspired in my White Bean Dip with Pesto Ribbon.

While guests mingle and sip cocktails in the garden on a warm spring afternoon, I like the appetizers to reflect the fresh, vibrant feel of the season. Small plates, two-bite apps, and herb-infused dips set the tone — simple, elegant, and in harmony with the natural beauty around the table.

A classic white bean dip fits perfectly in this setting. Silky, creamy, and utterly inviting when served in a beautiful bowl with crisp crackers, it’s a timeless favorite. My White Bean Dip becomes unmistakably springtime when bright ribbons of basil pesto are swirled throughout. The vivid green adds both color and flavor, making it feel modern, fresh, and just a little romantic.

This White Bean Dip with Pesto Ribbon anchors my Simply Romantic Spring Tea Party menu. Guests are greeted with a floral cocktail, enjoy small plates and elegant appetizers, and end the afternoon with a delicate, tea-inspired dessert — an English-style posset that’s the perfect finish to a garden gathering.

White Bean Dip with Pesto Ribbon

A classic white bean dip gets dressed up for an elegant tea party with bright ribbons of pesto. The silky dip becomes something altogether more modern and garden-inspired in my White Bean Dip with Pesto Ribbon.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 people

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 1 15oz can of cannellini beans drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp lemon zest
• 1 clove garlic
• 2-3 tbsp warm water
• Flaky salt and fresh ground pepper
• 2-3 tbsp basil pesto
• 1 tsp olive oil if needed to loosen

Method

 

1. In the bowl of a food processor, combine white beans, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and garlic. Blend for a full minute to get the dip creamy and light. Add warm water gradually until the texture is airy and light, almost spreadable. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Plate the white bean dip and spoon the pesto in a line across the top. Using a butter knife, make a few diagonal lines across the top to give it the ribboning look. Do not overmix as you're going for a more marbled look here.
3. Finish with olive oil drizzle across the top. Serve with crackers or veggies.

From My Table

• The white bean dip can be made in advance, stored in the fridge, and brought to room temperature before the party. Wait until party time to swirl the pesto so that it holds its shape for the event.
• Store bought pesto is fine for this to keep things easy for the host. However, making your own is simple and welcome too. Mix up the flavors and colors of this dip with different pestos! A sundried tomato pesto would give this a beautiful red ribbon. And my Citrus Pistachio Pesto would be delicious in here!
• Serve the dip with interesting crackers or veggies for a beautiful presentation.
• You could garnish this one with a basil leaf or pine nuts for beauty as well.

Garden Romance

This beautiful white bean and pesto swirled dip is a shareable from my Simply Romantic Garden Tea Party Menu! It’s shared alongside crisp garden crostini, a floral cocktail, and an English tea-inspired dessert. The dip would also make a wonderful starter before my Spring Salmon or my Chicken with Bacon, Shallots, and White Wine for date night elegance!