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If you like hummus you will love this zesty dip, stuffed with flavour and goodness. You will be so impressed with the vibrant colours and the bold taste of this amazing cilantro dip!

A fresh dip like this is perfect with the smoky flavours of BBQ, like Grilled Chicken!

Top down view of cilantro walnut dip in a bowl

The weather is warming up, which brings with it cravings for fresh flavours, preferably in dip form. Vegetables are at their best, so why not give them the chance to shine?

This dip is one of the tastes of summer for me, fresh and lively and absolutely perfect to eat while enjoying the sun outside. It’s inspired by the sauces I grew up on, but with an updated twist I know you’ll love!

Close up of cilantro walnut dip in a bowl

Cilantro and walnut dip

I was inspired to make this dip by the flavours of my childhood. Walnuts are widely used all over Eastern Europe and the Caucuses, and add a nutty depth to the fresh, almost citrusy taste of cilantro.

I started with traditional recipes for various sauces and added some cream cheese and adjusted the consistency to turn it into a dip. Because what is a barbecue without a dip and some tasty dunkers?

Like beet borani, I often use it as a hummus alternative when I want something a bit more zesty. And it’s hard to go wrong with something this colourful and bold!

Process shot of ingredients in a blender

Serving suggestions

The real genius of a sauce like this is how it can be used in so many ways. Drizzle it over a salad or use it as a sauce for meat or dip french fries or…

There really is no limit! And to get really crazy, how about spreading on a sandwich

I usually keep it pretty simple and use this as a dip for fresh vegetables, crackers or bread. Perfect as a snack or to fill out a dinner table!

Top down view of cilantro and walnut dip in a blender

Storage and leftovers

The beauty of a dip like this is that it can be made in advance and stored for when you are ready to use, or to stay on hand as a readymade snack. It’ll keep up to three days in the fridge.

I actually prefer giving the dip a bit of time to rest before eating. Flavours will have a chance to meld together and make the dip even more tasty.

I would not recommend freezing the dip though. The dairy won’t respond well to freezing and can end up unpleasantly grainy.

More tasty dip recipes

5 from 2 votes

Creamy Cilantro and Walnut Dip

By Julia Frey of Vikalinka

Prep: 10

Total: 10

Servings: -8

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This amazing cilantro dip is a stunning hummus alternative, zesty and chockfull of flavour!

Equipment

This is an affiliate link.Food processor
This is an affiliate link.Lemon squeezer

Ingredients

▢ 75g / 3/4 cup walnuts
▢ 20g / 1¼ cups cilantro
▢ 1 lemon, juice of
▢ 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
▢ 2-3 garlic cloves
▢ 250g / 1 cup cream cheese, cottage cheese or farmer’s cheese
▢ 1-2 tbsp water
▢ 4 tbsp This is an affiliate link.olive oil, extra virgin
▢ Salt, to taste

Instructions

Put all ingredients except for olive oil in a food processor and process until smooth. Scrape the side of the food processor and process for 1-2 minutes longer.
With the motor of the food processor running pour in olive oil through the shoot and blend for 1 more minute until creamy. Taste and add more salt if needed.