Hearts of Palm Dip
Hearts of Palm Dip is a fresh and creamy snack that’s perfect for sharing. Made with tender hearts of palm, this dip has a subtle, slightly tangy flavor and a…
Tip: save now, cook later.Hearts of Palm Dip is a fresh and creamy snack that’s perfect for sharing. Made with tender hearts of palm, this dip has a subtle, slightly tangy flavor and a beautiful texture that feels both light and satisfying. It’s great with crunchy vegetables, crackers, or toasted bread and offers a nice change from the usual dips.
I love whipping up this dip when friends come over because it’s so easy to make and everyone always asks for the recipe. I often add a little garlic and lemon juice to brighten it up, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs takes it to the next level. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but actually comes together in minutes.
Serving it chilled makes it extra refreshing, especially on warm days. I like to arrange a colorful platter with sliced bell peppers, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes alongside the dip. It’s perfect for casual gatherings or a simple snack when I want something tasty but light. Hearts of Palm Dip definitely holds a special spot in my snack rotation!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Hearts of Palm: This is the star of the dip. It has a mild, slightly nutty flavor and soft texture. If you can’t find hearts of palm, you could try artichoke hearts for a similar feel, though the taste will vary a bit.
Cream Cheese & Sour Cream/Greek Yogurt: These add creaminess. Use full-fat versions for the best texture. Greek yogurt can be swapped with sour cream for a tangier taste, or use a dairy-free alternative if you prefer.
Fresh Herbs: Dill and parsley bring freshness and color. If you don’t have dill, cilantro or chives are good substitutes. Fresh herbs really brighten the dip.
Lemon Juice & Garlic: They give a bright, zesty kick and deepen flavor. Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic based on how bold you want the taste.
Smoked Paprika or Sumac: These are optional but add nice color and a subtle smoky or citrusy note on top. You can skip or replace with a pinch of cumin or chili powder for a different twist.
How Do You Get the Creamy but Textured Dip Right?
The goal is a smooth dip that still has a bit of texture so it doesn’t turn into a paste. Here’s how I do it:
- Use a food processor or blender and pulse at intervals instead of blending straight through. This helps keep a little bite.
- Scrape the sides down a couple of times as you blend to ensure all ingredients mix evenly.
- Don’t over-process; stop once it looks creamy but you can still see small pieces.
- Taste before seasoning. The tang from lemon and sour cream, plus freshness from herbs, can be adjusted to your liking.
- Chilling the dip helps the flavors combine and the texture firm up slightly, improving the overall taste.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Food processor or blender – makes blending the hearts of palm into a creamy dip quick and easy.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the right amounts of cream cheese, herbs, and seasonings.
- Mixing bowl – handy for stirring any last-minute additions or adjusting seasoning before serving.
- Spatula or spoon – perfect for scraping down the sides of the processor and transferring dip to the bowl.
- Serving bowl – a nice, shallow bowl shows off the dip and makes it easy to scoop.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add chopped roasted red peppers for a sweet, smoky twist.
- Mix in finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
- Swap dill for fresh basil or cilantro to change the herbal note.
- Stir in crumbled feta or goat cheese for more tang and richness.
How to Make Hearts of Palm Dip?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (14 oz) can hearts of palm, drained and roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- Smoked paprika or sumac, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and an optional 30 minutes to chill so the flavors meld together nicely. It’s a quick and easy dip you can quickly whip up before a party or snack time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blend the Ingredients:
Put the hearts of palm, softened cream cheese, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, fresh dill, and parsley into a food processor or blender. Blend until the mixture is mostly smooth but still has some nice texture. You may want to stop and scrape down the sides a couple of times to make sure everything gets mixed well.
2. Season and Prepare to Serve:
Taste the dip and add salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Use the back of a spoon to create soft swirls on top.
3. Garnish and Chill:
Drizzle a little olive oil on the surface. Sprinkle fresh dill and, if you like, a pinch of smoked paprika or sumac for a splash of color and extra flavor. For the best taste, chill the dip in the fridge for at least 30 minutes so the flavors blend beautifully.
4. Serve with Your Favorite Snacks:
Serve the dip with fresh veggies like radishes, celery, and carrot sticks, along with fresh grapes, crispy breads or crackers. It makes a wholesome, tasty appetizer that’s great for any occasion!
Can I Use Frozen Hearts of Palm for This Dip?
Fresh or canned hearts of palm are best for this recipe. If you have frozen, thaw it completely in the fridge and drain well before using to avoid excess moisture that can dilute the dip.
Can I Make Hearts of Palm Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes! Prepare the dip up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before serving and add a fresh drizzle of olive oil if needed.
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese?
You can use plain Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative to make the dip lighter or fit dietary needs. Just note the texture may be a bit thinner and the flavor slightly different.
How Should I Store Leftover Dip?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving again, and add a little fresh lemon juice or olive oil to brighten it up if needed.