Greek White Bean Dip (Creamy Garlicky and Better Than Hummus)

Do you like dips? This one is a winner.

We had lunch the other day at a local Greek restaurant, and I fell in love with the creamy dip that the server placed on the table that was  referred to as hummus.

I'm not a big fan of hummus so I was going to skip it, but I was hungry, so while I was browsing the menu, I took a taste.

I was surprised. This dip tasted very. different than hummus—lighter, creamier, and somehow even more flavorful than traditional hummus. It had a bold garlic flavor and a smooth texture. 

A Different Hummus

Turns out, their “hummus” wasn’t regular hummus and was not made with chickpeas at all.

They made it using white beans. It was creamy, garlicky, lemony, and absolutely delicious. I immediately knew I wanted to recreate this dip at home.

The waitress gave me a basic idea of what was in it, but once I got home, I went online to scout out a few more exact recipes for Greek White Bean Dip (because yes, apparently this is a thing… and I’m so glad I discovered it!).

And the best part? You don't need to go to a Greek restaurant because it’s incredibly easy to make at home.

Ingredients for Greek White Bean Dip

• white beans

• lots of fresh garlic

• lemon juice

• cracked pepper

• salt

• water (to thin it out)

• olive oil (optional)

That’s it! It's a healthy dip to serve because it's high in fiber, protein, and antioxidants which is a winner in my book. I make it low in fat, but you don't have to.

My Oil-Free Option (Or the Restaurant-Style Version)

Personally, I prefer not to add oil when I make dips at home. The restaurant version was definitely thinned with olive oil, and let me tell you—it was outstanding.

But let’s be honest… calories add up quickly and olive oil adds  calories that I prefer not to consume.

 I tried thinning my version with water instead, and I actually still liked it. It stayed creamy, smooth, and still had that bold flavor.

                                     But will you like it that way? 

If you are good with the calories, by all means add the olive oil. 

Do you like my muffin tin server? 

I thought up this idea during Covid. Everyone got their own muffin tin not to spread germs. I thought it was so cute and useful that I still make my husband his own little snack tray when he is watching TV. Works for kids too.

I love making individual appetizer trays using muffin tins - no double dipping here!!

Perfect for Parties 

This dip is perfect served with a big platter of crunchy veggies (crudité), pita, or even whole grain GF crackers. It’s creamy enough to satisfy everyone.

This is one dip you’ll want to keep in your regular entertaining rotation because it's so easy to make and a crowd pleaser.

Ingredients:

2 cups of cooked white beans, drained (canned beans work)

3 large cloves of fresh garlic, pressed

1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice

Cracked pepper and Salt

Optional: 3 tablespoons of olive oil 

Directions: 

Whiz everything together in the food processor.

What is your favorite dip?