Description
Layered pesto appetizer dip brings Mediterranean flavors to your table with ease. Creamy cheeses, herbal pesto, and roasted vegetables create a delightful starter that guests will eagerly scoop up with crusty bread or crisp crackers.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) can cannellini beans (organic or reduced-sodium), drained and rinsed
- 1 (8 ounces / 227 grams) block reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchâtel cheese)
- ¼ – ⅓ cup (59 – 79 milliliters) fresh or refrigerated pesto
Secondary Ingredients:
- ½ cup (118 milliliters) chopped artichoke hearts (canned, not marinated)
- ½ cup (118 milliliters) chopped roasted red peppers (jarred)
- 1–2 tablespoons (15 – 30 milliliters) crumbled, reduced-fat feta cheese or tomato-basil-flavored feta
Seasoning:
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- Kalamata olives, chopped or sliced into rings (optional)
Instructions
- Craft a silky, luxurious bean and cream cheese foundation by blending cannellini beans, cream cheese, and a pinch of salt until completely smooth, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Transform a serving platter into a canvas by spreading the creamy mixture evenly, creating a consistent base for the layered appetizer.
- Drizzle and delicately spread a vibrant layer of pesto across the cream cheese surface, carefully leaving a small border around the edges to maintain a clean presentation.
- Elevate the flavor profile by artfully distributing chopped artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, and Kalamata olives across the pesto layer, ensuring an even and visually appealing arrangement.
- Crown the appetizer with a delicate sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese, introducing a tangy, salty dimension that complements the underlying layers and provides a textural contrast.
Notes
- Whip up this elegant appetizer in just 10 minutes, perfect for impressing guests with minimal effort.
- Layer flavors strategically, starting with a creamy bean base that provides a smooth, rich foundation for the dip.
- Select high-quality pesto to elevate the overall taste profile and ensure a vibrant green color.
- Customize the dip by adding or substituting toppings like sun-dried tomatoes or pine nuts for extra crunch and flavor.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature with crisp crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetable sticks.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg