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Home » Appetizers

Lemon Feta White Bean Dip

Last updated May 13, 2026 by Jessica Montanelli

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This Lemon Feta White Bean Dip is creamy, fresh, and full of bright Mediterranean flavors. It's made by blending white beans with tangy feta, lemon juice, and olive oil until smooth and velvety, creating a dip that is both light and satisfying.

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lemon feta white bean dip in a bowl surrounded by crackers.
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You can make this delicious high-fiber and high-protein dip in just a few minutes and serve it at a dinner party, aperitivo, or just eat as a healthy snack. The Cannellini beans provide a creamy base, the feta adds a salty richness, and the lemon brings everything to life with a fresh, zesty flavor. Whether you're spreading it on crostini, serving it with vegetables or crackers, or using it as a sandwich spread, this dip is incredibly versatile.

For more delicious dips, try this Spicy Sriracha Chickpea Salad, this Lemon Thyme Whipped Ricotta Dip, or this Best Italian Cold Artichoke Dip.

Jump to:
  • 🧾 Ingredients (with Notes & Recommendations)
  • 🍳 Substitutions
  • 🥣 Variations
  • 📋 Instructions with Photos
  • 🍽 Serving Suggestions
  • ❄️ Storage
  • 💭 Recipe FAQs
  • ⭐ Top tip
  • 🫶 Related recipes you might like
  • 📖 RECIPE

🧾 Ingredients (with Notes & Recommendations)

ingredients to make white bean dip.
  • White Beans (Cannellini) - These beans are naturally creamy and mild in flavor, making them perfect for dips. Use canned beans for convenience, but rinse and drain well.
  • Feta Cheese - Adds a salty, tangy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the beans. Use a block of feta rather than pre-crumbled for better texture and taste.
  • Lemon Juice - Fresh lemon juice and zest is key here, as it brightens the dip and balances the richness.
  • Olive Oil - A good-quality extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor and creates a smooth consistency.
  • Garlic - Adds depth and a slight sharpness. Use a small amount so it doesn't overpower the dip.
  • Parmesan Cheese - A bit of freshly grated Parmigiano cheese will add some savoriness and nuttiness to the dip.
  • Salt & Black Pepper - Season to taste, keeping in mind that feta is already salty.
  • Optional Parsley or Dill - Add freshness and a hint of color.

See the recipe card for quantities.

🍳 Substitutions

  • Feta → Goat Cheese: For a softer, creamier texture and slightly milder flavor.
  • White Beans → Chickpeas: Creates a hummus-style variation with a slightly nuttier taste. You can also use butter beans in place of Cannellini.
  • Lemon Juice → White Wine Vinegar: A good alternative if lemon is not available.
  • Olive Oil → Yogurt (partial): For a lighter version, replace part of the oil with Greek yogurt.

🥣 Variations

  • Spicy Version - Add chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne for heat.
  • Herby Dip - Blend in fresh basil, parsley, or dill for extra freshness.
  • Roasted Garlic Version - Use roasted garlic instead of raw for a sweeter, milder flavor.
  • Extra Creamy Version - Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt or mascarpone.
  • Chunky Style - Blend less for a more rustic texture.

📋 Instructions with Photos

ingredients in a food processor to make a dip.

Step 1. Add all the ingredients in a food processor, setting aside half of fetaa and lemon zest for serving.

spoon taking a bit of cannellini dip.

Step 2. Blend adding slowly the olive oil until you get the desired smoothness. Serve with reserved toppings.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

Serve this lemon feta white bean dip in a shallow bowl with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of herbs and lemon zest on top. It pairs beautifully with warm pita bread, toasted crostini, or fresh vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers.

You can also use it as a spread in sandwiches, wraps, or on toast, making it a great option for quick lunches or light meals. It works well as part of a Mediterranean-style appetizer spread alongside olives, cheeses, and grilled vegetables.

❄️ Storage

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually improve slightly after resting.

Reheating: This dip is served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is needed.

Freezer: Not recommended, as the texture may change once thawed.

💭 Recipe FAQs

Can I make white bean dip ahead of time?

Yes, it's actually better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors meld together.

Can I make it vegan?

Yes, simply omit the feta and Parmesan or replace them with a plant-based alternative.

Do I need a food processor?

A food processor works best, but a blender or even a hand blender can also be used.

⭐ Top tip

Blend the dip for a full minute or more and scrape down the sides of the processor. This extra step makes the texture incredibly smooth and creamy.

hand holding a cracker taking a bit of white bean dip from the bowl.

🫶 Related recipes you might like

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

  • Spring Fava Beans & Pecorino Cheese Crostini
  • italian caprese salad with grilled eggplant on a black plate.
    Caprese Salad with Grilled Eggplant
  • italian orange fennel salad on a serving dish topped with pine nuts.
    Simple Italian Orange and Fennel Salad
  • baked brie and prosciutto crostini on a wooden board.
    Baked Brie and Prosciutto Crostini

If you tried this recipe, please take a moment to rate it and share your thoughts in the comments. Your feedback means a lot to me! ★★★★★

📖 RECIPE

hand holding a cracker taking a bit of white bean dip from the bowl.
Jessica Montanelli

Lemon Feta White Bean Dip

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A creamy and flavorful white bean dip blended with feta, lemon, and olive oil - a quick Mediterranean appetizer perfect for spreading, dipping, or serving with crostini.
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Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 10 minutes mins
ServingsServings: 4 people
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes
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Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 can White Beans (Cannellini), 240 g/ 8½ oz, drained and rinsed
  • 2 oz Feta Cheese
  • 2-3 tablespoon Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 Lemon Zest
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
  • ½ Garlic Clove
  • ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese
  • Salt & Black Pepper, to taste
  • Fresh Parsley or Dill, optional, to serve

Method
 

  1. Rinse and drain the white beans thoroughly.
  2. Add the beans, half of the feta cheese, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, half of lemon zest, olive oil, and garlic to a food processor.
  3. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  5. If needed, add a small splash of water or more olive oil to adjust the consistency.
  6. Transfer to a serving bowl and finish with the remaining crumbled feta cheese, lemon zest, a drizzle of olive oil and finely chopped parsley or dill.

Nutrition

Calories: 251 kcalCarbohydrates: 25 gProtein: 12 gFat: 12 gSaturated Fat: 4 gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1 gMonounsaturated Fat: 6 gCholesterol: 17 mgSodium: 268 mgPotassium: 521 mgFiber: 5 gSugar: 1 gVitamin A: 110 IUVitamin C: 4 mgCalcium: 227 mgIron: 3 mg

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

CourseCourse: Appetizer, Snack
CuisineCuisine: Mediterranean

Notes

  • Rinse beans well to remove excess salt
  • Start with less garlic and adjust to taste 
  • Add the olive oil gradually to control the texture

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Hi, I'm Jess! Born and raised in Siena, Tuscany, I've been immersed in the rich traditions of Italian cuisine my entire life. Through my food blog, I hope to share a slice of Tuscan warmth and the genuine flavors that have been a part of my journey since childhood.

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