Hearts of Palm Dip is a creamy, fresh, and slightly tangy appetizer that’s perfect for sharing. Made with tender hearts of palm, a bit of cream cheese or mayo, and flavorful herbs and spices, it’s wonderfully smooth with just the right amount of texture. It’s a great change from your usual veggie dips and feels light but satisfying.
I love making this dip for gatherings because it doesn’t take long, and everyone always asks for the recipe. One little tip: letting it chill for at least an hour helps the flavors come together better, making every bite tastier. I also like to add a touch of lemon juice to brighten it up, which balances the creamy richness beautifully.
Serve this Hearts of Palm Dip with crunchy crackers, fresh veggies, or even pita chips. It’s a crowd-pleaser that fits well with lots of different snacks and always gets people reaching for more. For me, it’s one of those simple but special dishes that brings people together around the table in the best way.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions for Hearts of Palm Dip
Hearts of Palm: This is the star ingredient. It has a mild, slightly tangy flavor and soft texture. If you can’t find canned hearts of palm, try fresh ones at a specialty store or substitute with artichoke hearts for a similar texture and taste.
Cream Cheese & Mayonnaise: These add creaminess and richness. For a lighter option, swap cream cheese with Greek yogurt and mayo with sour cream or a vegan mayo alternative.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice lifts the flavor and keeps it bright. Lime juice can also work well as a substitute for a slightly different twist.
Garlic & Parsley: Garlic adds a punch of flavor, while parsley brings freshness. You can swap parsley with cilantro or basil depending on what you like or have on hand.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds silkiness and richness. If you prefer a milder taste, use a light vegetable oil or avocado oil instead.
How Do You Get the Perfect Texture in Hearts of Palm Dip?
Getting the right texture is key for a smooth but slightly chunky dip. Here’s how I do it:
- Use a food processor and pulse instead of blending straight through. This keeps some texture in the hearts of palm.
- Scrape down the sides often to mix everything evenly.
- If the dip feels too thick, add a small splash of water or more olive oil to loosen it up.
- Letting the dip chill for 30 minutes or more helps the flavors meld and the texture firm up just right.
Following these little steps makes your dip creamy but not mushy, with a pleasant bite every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Food processor – makes blending the hearts of palm smooth but still a bit chunky.
- Measuring spoons – help get the right balance of spices and lemon juice.
- Mixing bowl – optional if you want to mix by hand or adjust the dip after processing.
- Spatula – great for scraping down the sides of the food processor and transferring the dip.
- Serving bowl – to present your dip nicely at the table.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add diced roasted red peppers for a sweet, smoky twist that pairs well with the creamy base.
- Mix in crumbled feta or goat cheese to boost tanginess and add a richer flavor.
- Stir in chopped fresh dill or basil instead of parsley for a different herbal note.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or finely chopped jalapeño.
How to Make Hearts of Palm Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (14 oz) can hearts of palm, drained and chopped
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for garnish)
- Crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetable sticks for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
It takes about 10 minutes to prepare this dip, plus around 30 minutes chilling time to let the flavors mix well. You can serve it right away if you’re in a hurry, but it tastes best after chilling.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine Ingredients in the Food Processor:
Put the chopped hearts of palm, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped parsley, olive oil, salt, and black pepper into a food processor. Pulse gently, scraping down the sides as needed, until the dip is mostly smooth but still has a little texture.
2. Prepare and Garnish:
Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Drizzle a bit of olive oil on top, then sprinkle with extra chopped parsley and paprika if you like a little color and mild spice.
3. Chill and Serve:
Pop the dip in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let all the flavors come together beautifully. Serve it chilled or at room temperature with your favorite crackers, toasted bread slices, or fresh crunchy veggies like carrot sticks, celery, and cucumber.
Can I Use Frozen Hearts of Palm for This Dip?
It’s best to use canned or fresh hearts of palm for this recipe since frozen ones are rare and might have a different texture. If you do find frozen, thaw completely in the fridge and drain any excess moisture before using.
Can I Make Hearts of Palm Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes! Make the dip up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Give it a good stir before serving, and add a little extra olive oil if it seems too thick.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best eaten cold or at room temperature and can be refreshed with a quick stir before serving.
What Can I Serve with Hearts of Palm Dip?
This dip pairs wonderfully with crunchy vegetable sticks, a variety of crackers, toasted baguette slices, or pita chips. It also works as a spread inside sandwiches or wraps for an extra creamy layer.
