EATS: White Bean + Sage Dip

When it comes to plant-based entertaining, dips are always a crowd-pleaser—and this White Bean + Sage Dip is no exception. Smooth, savory, and fragrant with fresh sage, it’s a simple vegan recipe that brings together wholesome ingredients in a way that feels both rustic and elevated. Whether you’re planning a cozy night in, hosting friends, or need something quick and nourishing to snack on, this dip is a versatile option that works just as well on a charcuterie-style board as it does as a spread for sandwiches or wraps.

The beauty of this dip lies in its minimalism. Using just a handful of ingredients—creamy white beans, earthy sage, bright lemon zest, and a gentle kick of chili flakes—you create something that tastes far more complex than the short ingredient list might suggest. The beans provide a naturally rich base, while sautéed onion and garlic build depth and flavor. The infusion of sage leaves crisped in olive oil gives it a unique aromatic twist, elevating it above the average hummus or bean dip.

Not only is this recipe fully plant-based and vegan, but it also celebrates the power of everyday pantry staples. A can of white beans, a lemon, and a few fresh herbs can transform into a dish that feels special enough for a dinner party yet simple enough for weekday snacking. It’s packed with fiber, protein, and heart-healthy olive oil, making it as nourishing as it is delicious.

Serve it warm or at room temperature, finished with a drizzle of golden olive oil and a sprinkle of salt. Pair it with toasted sourdough, crackers, or crisp seasonal veggies—and you have an easy, elegant dip that everyone at the table will love.

White Bean + Sage Dip Ingredients

• 1/4 cup olive oil + 1/4 cup olive oil to finish

• 8 sage leaves

• 1 can of white beans, drained and rinsed

• the zest and juice of 1 lemon

• 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes

• 1/4 cup onion, diced

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• salt to taste

White Bean + Sage Dip Instructions

• In a sauté pan over medium heat, add olive oil. Fry sage leaves in the olive oil until crispy. Remove the leaves from the pan and drain on paper towel. Set aside.

• Reduce heat. Add onions and cook onions on low heat in a sweat (do not cook onions on heat high enough to add browning or color) for approximately 8 minutes. Add garlic and chili flakes. Cook until garlic is golden brown.

• Add white beans and stir. Add 1/2 cup water and bring to a quick boil. Add lemon zest and lemon juice. Reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cover and allow to cook. Stir occasionally with a rubber spatula so it doesn’t stick to the bottom. Cook for 10-15 minutes until creamy. Add more water if necessary. Remove from heat and add salt to taste. Do not add salt until the white bean dip is fully cooked because the salt may make the beans tough during cooking.

• Place the white bean dip in a serving bowl. Finish with 1/4 cup olive oil and place sage leaves on top.

• Serve with pita chips, tortilla chips, or sliced baguette.

This White Bean + Sage Dip is a reminder that plant-based eating can be both deeply satisfying and beautifully simple. With just a few thoughtful ingredients and a bit of slow, aromatic cooking, you get a dip that feels comforting, nourishing, and elevated—all without any dairy or animal products. It’s a celebration of what vegan food does best: letting vegetables, herbs, and pantry staples shine.

Whether you serve it as part of a holiday appetizer spread, pack it for a picnic, or keep a jar in the fridge for quick weekday snacks, this dip proves just how versatile and reliable a good plant-based recipe can be. The creamy texture, the brightness of lemon, the subtle heat from chili flakes, and the rich aroma of crisped sage come together to make something truly special.

Don’t be afraid to make it your own—try it with roasted garlic instead of raw, stir in chopped fresh herbs, or use it as a sandwich spread. However you enjoy it, this dip is meant to be shared, savored, and remade again and again.

Here’s to simple ingredients, cozy flavors, and the kind of recipes that make plant-based cooking feel abundant, delicious, and endlessly inspiring.