Hearts of Palm Dip
Hearts of Palm Dip is a fresh and creamy treat that’s perfect for any get-together. Made with tender hearts of palm blended with cream cheese, garlic, and herbs, this dip…
Tip: save now, cook later.Hearts of Palm Dip is a fresh and creamy treat that’s perfect for any get-together. Made with tender hearts of palm blended with cream cheese, garlic, and herbs, this dip has a wonderful texture that’s both smooth and a little bit chunky. It’s mild but packed with flavor, making it a great alternative to your usual dips.
I love making this dip because it’s so simple but always impresses people. I usually throw in a squeeze of lemon juice for a little brightness, and sometimes I add a hint of spice with some red pepper flakes. It’s one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it feels fresh and light, yet satisfying all at the same time.
My favorite way to serve Hearts of Palm Dip is with fresh veggies like crisp celery sticks, crunchy bell peppers, or salty crackers. It’s also a great snack spread on toasted baguette slices when friends come over. Whenever I bring this to a party, it disappears fast and I always get asked for the recipe!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Hearts of Palm: This is the star of the dip. It has a tender, slightly tangy flavor that sets this dip apart. If canned hearts of palm aren’t available, you might try canned artichoke hearts as a similar substitute.
Cream Cheese & Sour Cream: These give the dip its creamy texture. For a lighter version, you can swap sour cream for Greek yogurt or use reduced-fat cream cheese.
Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor and nice color. If you don’t have it on hand, regular paprika or a pinch of cumin can work too.
Fresh Parsley & Lemon Juice: These brighten up the dip and add freshness. Cilantro or chives would be good alternatives if you want to switch things up.
How Do You Get the Perfect Creamy Yet Chunky Texture?
Balancing smooth creaminess with little chunks of hearts of palm makes this dip special. Here’s how to get it just right:
- If using a food processor, pulse in short bursts instead of blending continuously. This avoids over-pureeing, keeping some texture.
- Mix in cream cheese and sour cream first, then fold in chopped hearts of palm if you want extra chunks.
- Taste as you go and adjust seasoning. Lemon juice brightens and balances richness.
- Chill the dip for at least 30 minutes before serving. It helps flavors blend and dip firm up a bit.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Food processor or blender – makes mixing the dip smooth with just enough chunkiness super easy.
- Mixing bowl – if you prefer stirring by hand, a medium bowl gives you plenty of space to combine ingredients.
- Measuring spoons and cups – help you get the right balance of cream cheese, sour cream, and spices each time.
- Spatula or spoon – perfect for scraping down the sides and folding ingredients without losing texture.
- Serving bowl – choose a nice one to present the dip attractively with crackers and veggies.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add chopped roasted red peppers for a sweet, smoky flavor and vibrant color.
- Mix in crumbled feta or goat cheese for a tangier, saltier twist.
- Swap parsley for fresh dill or basil to change the herbal note depending on your mood.
- Stir in finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a chewy texture and rich, intense flavor.
Hearts of Palm Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (14-ounce) can hearts of palm, drained and chopped
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, plus extra for garnish
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for drizzling
- Crackers, sliced bell peppers, and lemon wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare. You can serve the dip immediately or chill it for 30 minutes to help the flavors blend and the dip firm up a bit.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Base Ingredients:
In a medium bowl or food processor, add the chopped hearts of palm, softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Combine these ingredients well.
2. Add Fresh Flavors:
Next, add the minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Blend or stir everything together until the dip is creamy but still has some small chunks of hearts of palm for texture.
3. Season the Dip:
Season the mix with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to your liking. Mix it well to distribute the flavors evenly.
4. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Drizzle olive oil over the top, then sprinkle extra parsley and smoked paprika for a fresh, colorful garnish.
5. Enjoy:
Serve your Hearts of Palm Dip chilled or at room temperature alongside crackers, sliced red bell peppers, and lemon wedges for a tasty and attractive appetizer.
Can I Use Frozen Hearts of Palm for This Dip?
It’s best to use canned or fresh hearts of palm since frozen ones aren’t commonly available and might alter the texture. If you find frozen, thaw completely and drain any extra water before using.
Can I Make Hearts of Palm Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dip up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Give it a good stir before serving, and add a little extra lemon juice or olive oil if it seems too thick.
What Are Good Dippers for This Dip?
This dip pairs wonderfully with crunchy crackers, sliced bell peppers, celery sticks, or toasted baguette slices—anything with a bit of crunch to balance the creamy texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring it to room temperature and stir well before serving again.