Hearts of Palm Dip
Hearts of Palm Dip is a creamy, tangy, and fresh appetizer that's perfect for any gathering. Made from tender hearts of palm blended with flavorful ingredients like cream cheese, garlic,…
Tip: save now, cook later.Hearts of Palm Dip is a creamy, tangy, and fresh appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering. Made from tender hearts of palm blended with flavorful ingredients like cream cheese, garlic, and herbs, it has a smooth texture with a little bit of bite. This dip is light but satisfying, making it a great choice when you want something tasty without feeling too heavy.
I love making this dip when I want to impress friends without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s so simple to prepare — just a few ingredients go into a blender or food processor, and you’re done! I like to add a little extra lemon juice to brighten the flavors, which makes the dip taste even fresher. It’s always a hit because it feels a bit different from the usual dips everyone expects.
One of my favorite ways to serve Hearts of Palm Dip is with crunchy veggies like celery, carrots, or bell peppers, but it’s also amazing with crispy pita chips or crackers. Sometimes, I bring this dip to parties, and it disappears fast! If you want a light snack or a fun appetizer that feels special but is easy to make, this dip is definitely worth trying.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Hearts of Palm: They give this dip its unique, tender texture and mild flavor. You can find them canned or jarred. If you can’t find hearts of palm, artichoke hearts can work as a substitute for a similar taste and texture.
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess and richness. For a lighter option, try using a blend of Greek yogurt and cream cheese or use full-fat Greek yogurt alone for a tangy twist.
Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise helps create a smooth consistency and a bit of tang. You can swap it with vegan mayo or plain yogurt if you prefer a dairy-free or lighter alternative.
Fresh Lemon Juice: This brightens the dip and balances the richness. Always use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled for the best fresh flavor.
Garlic & Fresh Parsley: Garlic adds a punch of flavor, while parsley brings fresh herbaceous notes. Feel free to add cilantro or chives if you like a different fresh herb.
How Do You Get the Perfect Smooth Yet Slightly Chunky Texture?
Blending this dip requires a bit of care. You want it creamy but not totally pureed, so it keeps some texture from the hearts of palm.
- Use a food processor or blender, adding all ingredients except the olive oil.
- Pulse instead of blending continuously. Stop to check texture and scrape down the bowl to mix evenly.
- Stop when mostly smooth but still has tiny bits of hearts of palm for a nice bite.
- Add olive oil at the end for richness and drizzle on top when serving for a pretty finish.
Taking your time with blending helps keep the dip from becoming too thin or pasty while creating a smooth, enjoyable texture.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Food processor or blender – makes blending the dip smooth and easy, giving you the right creamy texture with just a few pulses.
- Measuring spoons and cups – to get your garlic, lemon juice, and seasonings just right.
- Mixing bowl – helpful for tasting and adjusting the dip after blending.
- Spatula – perfect for scraping the sides of the processor and transferring the dip into your serving bowl.
- Serving bowl – choose something pretty to show off the dip with a drizzle of olive oil on top.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add a handful of chopped artichoke hearts for an extra tangy, hearty flavor that pairs well with hearts of palm.
- Mix in crumbled feta or goat cheese for a saltier, creamier dip that brings a nice tang.
- Stir in chopped roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes to add sweetness and color.
- Include a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for a subtle smoky heat that livens up the dip.
Hearts of Palm Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (14-ounce) can hearts of palm, drained and chopped
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
- Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for garnish
- Toasted baguette slices or crackers, for serving
- Fresh celery sticks or lemon wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dip takes about 10 minutes to prepare from start to finish. You’ll spend just a few minutes combining and blending the ingredients, then it’s ready to serve right away. For best results, you can chill the dip for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld, but this step is optional.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Ingredients:
Put the chopped hearts of palm, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper into a food processor or blender. This helps blend everything smoothly.
2. Blend to the Right Texture:
Pulse the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy but still has a little texture from the hearts of palm. Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed to mix everything evenly.
3. Taste and Adjust:
Give your dip a quick taste. If you want it more tangy, add a bit more lemon juice. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.
4. Serve It Up:
Transfer your dip to a pretty serving bowl. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top and sprinkle extra chopped parsley for a fresh, colorful finish. If you like, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for some mild heat and color.
5. Enjoy with Dippers:
Serve with toasted baguette slices, crackers, fresh celery sticks, and lemon wedges. They all pair perfectly with the creamy, flavorful dip!
Can I Use Frozen Hearts of Palm?
Hearts of palm are typically sold canned or jarred and aren’t usually frozen. If you do use frozen, make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator and drain well before using to avoid extra moisture in the dip.
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes! Prepare the dip up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving and give it a quick stir to refresh the texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Give the dip a good stir before serving again, and if it’s too thick, you can thin it out with a small splash of lemon juice or olive oil.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Mayonnaise?
You can substitute mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangier, lighter dip. Just keep in mind it may change the texture slightly but will still taste delicious!
