Two Cheese Pesto Dip

Prep: 15 min Cuisine: American

A creamy, flavorful dip blending cheeses, pesto, and herbs, perfect for vegetable dippers and entertaining, offering a fresh, nutty, and cheesy taste experience.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup light sour cream
  • 1/2 cup light mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped parsley
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil or 3 tablespoons fresh minced basil
  • 1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded Mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
  2. Cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
  3. Serve with assorted fresh vegetable dippers.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier dip, you can blend the ingredients in a food processor instead of mixing by hand. If you want to reduce calories, consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. For a nut-free version, you can omit walnuts or replace them with sunflower seeds. Fresh herbs will brighten the flavor, so use fresh basil if available.

Serving Suggestions

This dip is perfect for serving at parties or as an appetizer for a gathering. Pair it with an assortment of fresh vegetable dippers like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers. It also complements crackers and toasted bread. For a delightful dessert option, consider serving it alongside Oatmeal Raisin Chews or Chocolate Chip Raisin Cookies.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To enjoy the dip at its best, serve it cold straight from the fridge. Avoid reheating, as the texture may change; it's best enjoyed chilled.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Two Cheese Pesto Dip contains roughly 405 calories, with 28g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (98% of the Daily Value), protein (55% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (54% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 535mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).

405 kcal 20% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 27.6g 55% DV
Total Fat 24g 31% DV
Carbs 25.7g 9% DV
Fiber 10.2g 36% DV
Sugar 1.1g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 534.6mg 23% DV
Potassium 2221.1mg 47% DV
Cholesterol 47.6mg 16% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 191.4mcg 21% DV
Vitamin C 48.2mg 54% DV
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 2% DV
Calcium 497.6mg 38% DV
Iron 17.6mg 98% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Milk Egg Tree nuts

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, this dip actually tastes better when made ahead of time, as the flavors have a chance to meld together. Prepare it the night before and let it chill in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight for optimal taste.

What can I use instead of walnuts?

If you have nut allergies or prefer a different flavor, you can substitute walnuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. Both options provide a nice crunch without the nutty flavor.

Is this dip suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this Two Cheese Pesto Dip is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat ingredients. It's a great option for vegetarian recipes and can be enjoyed by everyone at your gathering.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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