Picture a bunch of hunter-gatherers coming across their first-ever avocado tree and trying to figure out what to do with its fruit.
Grog pulls one off the tree and takes a bite — peel and all. He shakes his head, spitting out pieces of hard rind. Luna prods hers open with a sharp rock and scoops chunks of avocado flesh into her mouth. She smiles and nods.
Then Ayla steps up, pulling a wild carrot from her sling. She motions to Luna to pass her the uneaten avocado half. Slowly, theatrically, she draws the carrot through the avocado and raises it in the air, bright orange covered in green. She takes a bite, experiencing crunchy and creamy, sweet and fatty, hard and soft. Her face softens in rapture.
Her clan cheers, and they celebrate by dipping carrots in avocados and making cave paintings of dangerous mammoth hunts.
Maybe that’s not exactly how it went down, but surely the invention of the dip was one of the greatest cultural advances in human history. Dips are just plain fun. They’re popular at parties and other gatherings. They’re an easy way to batch-prepare healthy snacks for the week (and an easy way to sneak extra veggies into your life). And they’re a perfect appetizer before a regular sit-down meal.
But are there vegan dips? Aren’t most dips filled with dairy, flavorings, and other additives (you might wonder)? These days, you can easily find plant-based and vegan dips in many grocery stores. But they’re so easy to prepare — and can be made much healthier and cheaper than store-bought options — that you may get hooked on making your own versions of hummus, guacamole, and salsa (among many others).
So let’s examine some of the essential ingredients for making plant-based dips at home, determine the types of dips out there, and explore “pairing” — that is, what foods to use as “delivery vehicles” to get those dips into your mouth. And then, you’ll get seven delicious dip recipes to try your hand at.
Essential Ingredients for Vegan Dips
While dips vary widely across geography and cultures (think hummus, French onion dip, and Marshmallow Fluff), some common ingredients provide the dip with its flavor and consistency.
Legumes
Chickpeas (aka garbanzo beans), black beans, and lentils provide a creamy dip base packed with protein and fiber. Legumes are great for dips that need to stick tenaciously to a piece of crudité, cracker, or chip. (According to Good Eats host Alton Brown, a dip must “maintain contact with its transport mechanism over three feet of white carpet.”)
Pro Tip: If you’re using canned beans, cook them a bit more for extra creaminess. Cover them with water by one inch, bring them to a boil, and simmer for 20 minutes.
Nuts & Seeds
Cashews, almonds, tahini (sesame seed paste), and sunflower seeds add richness and texture to plant-based dips. They’re indispensable elements of vegan dips that mimic the creaminess of dips traditionally made with dairy.
Pro Tip: For extra creaminess, soak nuts before incorporating them into your dip.
Vegetables
Roasted red peppers, avocados, carrots, and beets are flavorful and nutrient-dense dip ingredient options. They add color, zing, and oodles of phytonutrients to homemade dips.
Herbs and Spices
Herbs (parsley, dill, cilantro) and spices (cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, garlic) provide subtle or intense flavors for DIY dips that can help distinguish different cuisines.
Umami Flavor Boosters
Mushrooms, nutritional yeast, and miso paste add depth and complexity to vegan dips that otherwise rely on cheese or meat for their richness.
Types of Plant-Based Dips
Below are some of the main types of vegan dips you might come across in stores or when making your own.
Bean Dips
Bean-based dips tend to be thick, creamy, and filling. Because beans form the base, you can add lots of herbs, spices, and other intense flavorings, such as mustard and hot sauces. Classic examples of bean dips include the Middle Eastern staple hummus and many variations of black or white bean dips.
Vegetable Dips
Vegetable-based dips (or veg dips) are typically dominated by one main ingredient, giving the dish its color and distinctive flavor. This dip category includes salsa, guacamole, and the Mediterranean baba ganoush (eggplant).
Dairy and Cheese Dips
Dairy-alternative dips are plant-based takes on some of the richest, creamiest dips. Replacing milk, cream, sour cream, or cheese with a non-dairy analogs can give fresh new flavors to classic dairy dips like spinach artichoke dip, Tex-Mex queso, French onion, and the very American ranch dip.
Sweet Dips
This article would not be complete without at least mentioning some sweet dips. I don’t recommend using these with celery and carrot sticks. But for special occasions, you can whip up a very convincing plant-based chocolate dip, caramel date dip, and even (famous or infamous, depending on your perspective) Marshmallow Fluff.
Tips on How to Make Plant-Based Dips
For optimal homemade dips, consider these sagely (mmmm!) tips.
Perfect Your Texture
The first important quality of a dip is its texture. What “job” does this dip have to do? Cling to a slice of red bell pepper without sliding off? Moisten and flavor a baked corn tortilla triangle? Spread on a piece of sourdough bread without destroying its delicate structure?
Should your dip be creamy? If so, how viscous or liquid? Should I have chunks (like some guacamoles and salsas) or be perfectly uniform and smooth? Is every spoonful the same, or do you want to layer it (like a Mexican 7-layer dip)?
If you want a smooth consistency, you may need to use a high-speed blender or food processor. For a chunkier texture, try mashing ingredients using a fork or potato masher. For layered dips, combine different textures for an interesting mouthfeel.
If your dip is too thick, gradually add water, olive oil, or plant-based milk until you achieve the desired texture. If it is too thin, on the other hand, you can blend in more nuts, seeds, or legumes to thicken it without interfering with its flavor.
Go Big on Flavor
Speaking of flavor, that’s the second important quality of any dip. Delicious tips typically combine and balance complementary flavors. For example, a touch of lemon juice for tang, garlic for savory depth, and a pinch of chili flakes for heat can elevate a bean-based dip. Don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
Store Dips Safely
Once you’ve made your dip, you might use it all right then and there (I must admit that I’ve made guacamoles so delicious that five whole avocados ended up in my stomach in way too short a time!). But if you have leftovers or want to make the dip in advance, you’ll want to adopt proper storage methods to keep it fresh.
Store dips in airtight containers in the fridge for up to five days to preserve their freshness. Some dips may be frozen. However, whether the original texture remains intact is a toss of the dice. Two types of dips that don’t freeze well are dairy-alternative-based dips and watery vegetable-based dips like salsa.
Homemade Dip Serving Ideas
Now that you’ve gotten your Dip PhD (Professional Hummus Designer) let’s talk about how to deploy your dips (beyond sticking your finger into the bowl and licking it off, which I, of course, would never do).
- One of the simplest and healthiest ways to enjoy plant-based dips is with fresh veggies. Try raw vegetables like carrots, celery, radishes, bell pepper strips, and broccoli.
- For sweet dips, substitute fruits such as berries, apple slices, and pineapple chunks or sticks as the transport mechanism.
- Whole-grain or sprouted crackers and breads, tortilla chips, kale chips, and baked potato slices also make for good dipping vessels
- Dips themselves are quite amenable to creative alternative uses, too. They love being spread on sandwiches, wraps, toast, and burritos.
- You can scoop them on grain bowls, salads, and nachos, use them as fillings for stuffed vegetables, and give them a place of honor in vegan charcuterie boards and mezze platters.
Easy Vegan Dip Recipes
Plant-based dips bring bold flavors and endless variety to any party, gathering, or meal prep spread! From smoky roasted veggie blends to creamy, herby spreads and sweet, zesty salsas, plants can turn simple ingredients into something seriously crave-worthy. Whether you’re dunking, scooping, or piling them onto your plate, these dips prove that wholesomeness and deliciousness go hand in hand.
1. Spinach Artichoke Dip
Crafting a rich, creamy, plant-based Spinach Artichoke Dip requires a few key ingredients: silky cashews, savory nutritional yeast, and the perfect blend of artichokes and spinach. This dip delivers all the indulgence without compromise, proving that vegetables can be both wholesome and delicious. Enjoy it as a dip for fresh veggies, spread it on flatbread, or bake it into a comforting potato casserole.
2. Creamy Tofu Ranch Dressing
Learn how to make a vegan ranch dip with this Creamy Tofu Ranch Dressing. It’s a smooth, herb-infused dip that combines fresh flavor and wholesome ingredients. Organic tofu creates a rich, velvety base, while garlic, lemon, and a medley of herbs add a bright, tangy depth. A touch of apple cider vinegar enhances the classic ranch-style zest, making it a nourishing and versatile addition to any meal. Perfect as a dip for crisp vegetables, a drizzle over salads, or a spread for wraps, this plant-based ranch delivers vibrant flavor with every bite.
3. 5-Minute Smoky Black Bean Dip
If you ever wanted to learn how to make vegan bean dip, this 5-Minute Smoky Black Bean Dip is a bold, flavor-packed spread that comes together effortlessly. It’s perfect for parties, snack boards, or meal prep! Creamy black beans blend with smoky spices, zesty lime, and a hint of heat for a dip that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. A touch of fresh cilantro and sweet bell pepper add balance, while red onion and jalapeño bring just the right kick. Serve it with crunchy veggies and whole grain tortilla chips, or spread it onto wraps for an easy, protein-rich addition to any meal.
4. Turmeric Cashew Cheese
This easy Turmeric Cashew Cheese veg dip is a creamy, nutrient-rich recipe bursting with anti-inflammatory goodness. Blended cashews create a luscious, cheese-like texture, while turmeric and smoked paprika add warmth and depth. A touch of miso and apple cider vinegar brings savory umami and tang, making this spread delicious and gut-friendly. Perfect for dipping or spreading, this vibrant, golden-hued cheese is a flavorful way to nourish your body while enjoying a comforting, dairy-free dip!
5. Sweet Pea and Avocado Dip
This Sweet Pea and Avocado Dip transforms creamy avocado and naturally sweet peas into a vibrant, refreshing spread bursting with flavor. The buttery richness of avocado meets the delicate sweetness of peas, while fresh mint and chives add a bright, herbaceous kick. A squeeze of lemon ties it all together for a dip that’s as light and uplifting as it is nourishing. Perfect for spreading, dipping, or dolloping onto your favorite dishes, this silky-smooth creation is a deliciously unexpected way to enjoy avocado and sweet green peas!
6. Mutabbal (Eggplant Tahini Dip)
This Mutabbal (Eggplant Tahini Dip) proves that roasting vegetables takes dips to a new level. Smoky, creamy, and packed with flavor, fire-roasted eggplant blends beautifully with rich tahini, bright lemon, and a touch of plant-based yogurt for the perfect balance of smooth and tangy. Garlic and warm spices add depth, while a sprinkle of fresh herbs and juicy pomegranate arils make every bite pop. Whether scooping it up with warm flatbread or adding it to your favorite dishes, this dip is a delicious reminder of how simple roasted veggies can create something special!
7. Spring Fruit Salsa
This Spring Fruit Salsa is a fresh, flavorful twist on classic salsa with a deliciously sweet side. Juicy mango, pineapple, and strawberries bring a burst of natural sweetness, while a splash of lime and a hint of jalapeño add just the right amount of zest and heat. It’s a vibrant, refreshing dip that pairs beautifully with crispy seeded crackers, tacos, or even as a topping for grain bowls. If you’re looking to shake up your rotation of plant-based dips, this sweet-savory combo is a fun and tasty way to mix things up!
Get Dipping!
Plant-based dips are versatile and delicious additions to any meal. They can also enliven parties, potlucks, and other gatherings where people share food. Whether as a quick snack, appetizer, or flavorful addition to other dishes, dips can satisfy your taste buds and help you eat more whole plant foods.
By making your own plant-based dips, you ensure that they’re packed with wholesome ingredients and avoid unnecessary additives found in many store-bought options. With the right balance of flavors and textures, you can create dips that cater to everyone’s taste, making them a hit at parties or an everyday go-to for snacking. Don’t be shy; experiment with your favorite ingredients to create new flavor combinations.
Tell us in the comments:
- What’s your favorite dip?
- What plant-based ingredients will you combine next to make the next great dip?
