Hearts of Palm Dip is a light and creamy treat that’s perfect for parties or a casual snack. The main star is the hearts of palm, which give the dip a mild, slightly tangy flavor and a nice, tender texture. Combined with a bit of tangy cream cheese or mayo and some fresh herbs or spices, this dip feels fresh and satisfying without being too heavy.
I love making this dip when I want something different from the usual cheese or onion dip. It’s easy to whip up and feels a little fancy, but without any fuss. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies while still keeping things tasty and fun to eat.
My favorite way to enjoy this dip is with crunchy crackers, fresh veggie sticks, or even pita bread. It’s the kind of dish that everyone reaches for at the party, and I always get asked for the recipe. It’s simple, fresh, and always hits the spot!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Hearts of Palm
- These are the star of the dip, offering a mild, slightly nutty taste and creamy texture when blended. If unavailable, artichoke hearts are a great alternative and give a similar texture.
- Cream Cheese and Sour Cream/Greek Yogurt
- Cream cheese gives the dip a smooth, rich base. Sour cream adds tang and lightness, but Greek yogurt is a healthier option with less fat and still creamy. For dairy-free, try vegan cream cheese and coconut yogurt.
- Fresh Dill
- Dill brightens the dip with its fresh, herbaceous flavor. If you can’t find dill, fresh parsley or chives work well as substitutes.
- Lemon Juice and Garlic
- These bring zest and a bit of bite to balance the creaminess. Fresh lemon juice is best, but bottled works in a pinch. Garlic adds a punch—roasted garlic can soften the flavor if preferred.
How Do You Get the Perfect Creamy Texture in Hearts of Palm Dip?
The key is blending until smooth but not watery. Here’s how to nail it:
- Drain the hearts of palm well to avoid a too-thin dip.
- Use softened cream cheese to blend easily; cold cream cheese can be lumpy.
- Add sour cream or Greek yogurt slowly—start with less and add as needed for desired thickness.
- Scrape down the sides of the food processor bowl a couple of times to ensure everything mixes evenly.
- If too thick, add a teaspoon of olive oil or a splash of water to loosen.
These steps make the dip creamy and easy to spread or scoop without losing its body.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Food processor – perfect for blending the hearts of palm into a smooth, creamy dip quickly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – help you get the right balance of ingredients for flavor and texture.
- Mixing bowl – useful if you want to adjust seasoning or mix by hand for a chunkier texture.
- Spatula – great for scraping down the sides of the food processor and transferring the dip.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add chopped artichoke hearts for a tangy twist that pairs well with the creamy base.
- Mix in crumbled feta cheese to add a salty, tangy flavor that brightens the dip.
- Stir in chopped fresh basil or mint for a refreshing herb change that lifts the dip.
- Include a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper if you like a little smoky heat.
How to Make Hearts of Palm Dip?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (14-ounce) can hearts of palm, drained and chopped
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare. There’s no cooking involved – you just blend the ingredients and then it’s ready to serve. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Hearts of Palm:
Drain the hearts of palm carefully and chop them roughly into chunks. This helps them blend more easily and evenly in the food processor.
2. Blend the Ingredients:
Place the chopped hearts of palm, softened cream cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh dill, lemon juice, minced garlic, and olive oil into a food processor. Blend everything together until smooth and creamy. Pause to scrape down the sides if needed. The dip should be spreadable and thick.
3. Season and Garnish:
Taste your dip and add salt and freshly ground black pepper as you like. Once it’s just right, transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil on top and sprinkle with fresh dill sprigs and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a touch of heat.
4. Serve:
Offer your hearts of palm dip with fresh vegetable sticks like carrots and radishes, slices of hearts of palm, or baked crackers and pita chips. Enjoy this fresh, creamy dip as a tasty appetizer or snack everyone will love!
Can I Use Frozen Hearts of Palm in This Dip?
Yes, you can use frozen hearts of palm, but be sure to fully thaw them in the fridge and drain any excess water before blending. This helps prevent the dip from becoming too watery.
Can I Make Hearts of Palm Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dip up to a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Give it a good stir before serving, and add a little olive oil on top to freshen it up.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftover dip in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If it thickens too much, stir in a splash of olive oil or lemon juice to loosen it before serving again.
What Are Some Good Dippers for This Dip?
Try serving it with crunchy veggie sticks like carrots, radishes, cucumbers, or bell peppers. Baked pita chips, crackers, and even slices of hearts of palm make excellent dippers too!