Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I absolutely love this dip because it’s light, refreshing, and packed with flavor. The creamy ricotta base is enriched by a touch of olive oil and lemon, giving it a smooth and tangy bite. The sweetness of the honey, paired with the crunch of the pistachios, creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s incredibly easy to make, and it comes together in just a few minutes. Plus, it’s visually stunning, with the vibrant green pistachios and basil contrasting beautifully against the creamy dip. Whether you’re serving it with crackers, veggies, or bread, this dip is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
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2 cups (475 g) full-fat ricotta cheese
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Juice of ½ lemon
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Zest of 1 lemon, divided
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Pinch of black pepper
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1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
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3 Tbsp liquid honey
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¼ cup chopped salted pistachios
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2 Tbsp minced fresh basil
(Hint: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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In a food processor or blender, combine the ricotta cheese, lemon juice, half of the lemon zest, black pepper, and olive oil. Blend until smooth and creamy.
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Transfer the whipped ricotta to a serving bowl and smooth the top with a spatula.
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Drizzle the honey over the top of the ricotta and sprinkle with the chopped pistachios, fresh basil, and the remaining lemon zest.
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Serve immediately with crackers, pita chips, or fresh veggies for dipping. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves about 6-8 people, making it a great appetizer or snack for a small gathering. It takes only about 5-10 minutes to prepare, so it’s a quick and easy option when you want something fresh and flavorful.
Variations
This whipped ricotta dip is easy to customize to suit your taste:
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You can switch out the pistachios for other nuts like almonds or walnuts for a different flavor and texture.
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If you prefer a sweeter dip, add a little more honey or drizzle it over the top just before serving.
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For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika to the ricotta base for a spicy contrast.
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You can even add a bit of crumbled goat cheese or feta to the ricotta mixture for a more tangy flavor.
Storage/Reheating
This dip is best served fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors will meld even more overnight, so it still tastes great the next day. Simply serve it cold straight from the fridge, or let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before serving.
FAQs
Can I use part-skim ricotta instead of full-fat?
Yes, you can use part-skim ricotta for a lighter version of this dip, but the texture may be slightly less creamy. Full-fat ricotta gives it a richer and smoother consistency.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the whipped ricotta in advance and store it in the fridge. Just wait to add the honey, pistachios, and basil until right before serving to keep the dip looking fresh.
Can I make this dip dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the ricotta cheese with a dairy-free ricotta alternative made from nuts or tofu. Make sure the consistency is smooth to achieve the same creamy texture.
Can I use other herbs besides basil?
Absolutely! You can use fresh mint, thyme, or even oregano for a different herbal flavor. Each herb will give the dip a slightly different flavor profile.
How can I serve this dip?
This dip is incredibly versatile! You can serve it with crackers, pita chips, fresh veggies like carrots and cucumbers, or even use it as a spread on toast or crostini.
Conclusion
This Spring Whipped Ricotta Dip with Honey & Pistachios is the perfect combination of creamy, tangy, and sweet. The ricotta serves as a smooth, velvety base, and the honey, pistachios, and fresh basil add a burst of flavor and crunch. It’s quick and easy to make, making it the perfect addition to any spring gathering or casual snack. With its vibrant color and delicious taste, this dip is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection!
Print
Spring Whipped Ricotta Dip with Honey & Pistachios
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This whipped ricotta honey pistachio dip is the perfect creamy, tangy appetizer! With fresh lemon, honey, and a sprinkle of salted pistachios, it’s an easy, no-cook dip that pairs perfectly with crackers or veggies.
Ingredients
2 cups (475 g) full-fat ricotta cheese
Juice of ½ lemon
Zest of 1 lemon, divided
Pinch of black pepper
1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
3 Tbsp liquid honey
¼ cup chopped salted pistachios
2 Tbsp minced fresh basil
Instructions
In a food processor, blend ricotta, lemon juice, half the zest, pepper, and olive oil until smooth.
Transfer to a serving bowl and smooth the top.
Drizzle with honey.
Sprinkle with pistachios, fresh basil, and remaining lemon zest.
Serve with crackers, pita chips, or fresh veggies
Notes
Use almonds or walnuts instead of pistachios if preferred.
Add chili flakes or smoked paprika for a spicy kick.
Stir in crumbled goat cheese or feta for added tang.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, American
