Garlic White Bean Basil Hummus Recipe
Introduction
This Garlic White Bean Basil Hummus is a fresh twist on the classic chickpea version, using creamy cannellini beans and fragrant basil for a bright, flavorful dip. It’s quick to make and perfect for serving with pita chips or fresh vegetables.

Ingredients
- 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 6 large basil leaves
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling on top
- Water to thin, if necessary
Instructions
- Step 1: In the bowl of a food processor, combine the cannellini beans, chopped garlic, lemon juice, basil leaves, salt, and black pepper. Pulse a few times until the mixture is roughly chopped.
- Step 2: With the machine running, slowly add the 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Continue processing until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Step 3: If the hummus is too thick, add water one tablespoon at a time and pulse until you reach your desired consistency.
- Step 4: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Transfer to a serving bowl, drizzle with a little olive oil, and garnish with extra basil leaves. Serve with pita chips or fresh vegetables.
Tips & Variations
- For extra creaminess, soak dried cannellini beans overnight and cook them instead of using canned.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
- Try swapping basil for fresh parsley or cilantro for a different herb flavor.
- If you prefer a roasted garlic flavor, roast the garlic cloves before adding them to the mixture.
Storage
Store the hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Before serving, stir and add a little olive oil on top if it looks dry. This hummus can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge and stir well before serving.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of beans for this hummus?
Yes, while cannellini beans provide a creamy texture, navy beans or great northern beans are good alternatives that will yield a similar result.
How can I make the hummus thinner or thicker?
If the hummus is too thick, add water a tablespoon at a time and blend until you reach your desired consistency. To make it thicker, blend less or add a small amount of cooked beans.
PrintGarlic White Bean Basil Hummus Recipe
This Garlic White Bean Basil Hummus is a creamy, flavorful twist on traditional hummus, featuring cannellini beans, fresh garlic, and aromatic basil. It’s a quick and easy no-cook recipe perfect as a healthy dip or spread, enhanced with olive oil and lemon juice for a zesty finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 1.5 cups (6 servings) 1x
- Category: Dip
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Hummus Ingredients
- 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 6 large basil leaves
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling on top
- Water, to thin if necessary
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Rinse and drain the cannellini beans thoroughly. Chop the garlic cloves and pick the basil leaves, preparing all fresh ingredients for processing.
- Blend Base Mixture: Add the cannellini beans, chopped garlic, fresh lemon juice, basil leaves, salt, and freshly ground black pepper into the bowl of a food processor. Pulse a few times until the mixture is coarsely chopped and combined.
- Add Olive Oil and Blend: While the food processor is running, slowly pour in the 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Continue to process until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Adjust Consistency: If the hummus mixture is too thick, add water one tablespoon at a time to achieve your desired creamy texture. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve: Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil on top and garnish with extra basil leaves. Serve with pita chips or fresh vegetables.
Notes
- This hummus can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a spicy variation.
- For a smoother texture, peel the cannellini beans before blending.
- Can be served as a spread on sandwiches or wraps in addition to being a dip.
- Use fresh basil for best flavor; dried basil is not recommended.
Keywords: hummus, white bean hummus, garlic hummus, basil hummus, Mediterranean dip, healthy dip, easy dip recipe, vegetarian appetizer

