This Easy Artichoke Dip is my favorite no-fuss appetizer. Just a quick blitz in the food processor, and it’s ready to serve with veggies, chips, or bread. It’s creamy from the olive oil, zesty from the lemon, and packed with herby goodness.
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Why This Recipe Works
I’m all about quick and easy appetizers, and this Easy Artichoke Dip checks every box! Here’s why this recipe works:
- Fresh, Bold Flavors: The combo of artichokes, basil, arugula, garlic, and lemon makes every bite bright, herby, and deliciously fresh. It’s just as tasty as my Crab Spinach Artichoke Dip.
- Ridiculously Easy: Toss everything in a food processor, pulse a few times, and you’ve got a dip that feels fancy with almost no effort, a lot like this Basil Pesto.
- Super Versatile: I love serving it with veggies, pita chips, or crusty bread—but it’s just as good tossed with warm pasta.
- Crowd Favorite: Whether it’s a party, potluck, or casual get-together, this dip always disappears fast. It’s that good.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please come back and give it a rating. I ❤️ hearing from you!
Ingredients
- Artichoke Hearts – The star of our recipe, these artichoke hearts add a unique, slightly tangy flavor and a creamy texture to the dip.
- Garlic – We use fresh garlic for its pungency, which adds a robust flavor to the dip. You can adjust the quantity to suit your personal preference.
- Lemon – Both the zest and juice of a lemon are used in this recipe to provide a bright, citrusy contrast to the rich artichokes and garlic.
- Arugula and Basil – These fresh herbs not only add vibrant green color to the dip but also contribute a fresh, peppery, and slightly sweet flavor.
- Olive Oil – We use a generous amount of good quality olive oil to emulsify the dip and add a fruity, slightly bitter note that complements the other flavors.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
Instructions
- Blend the Base: Drain the artichokes and add to a food processor along with garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, kosher salt, basil, and arugula. Blend until mostly smooth with some small chunks remaining.
- Add Olive Oil: Pour in the olive oil and pulse to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more garlic, lemon juice, or salt if needed.
- Finish the Dip: Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the top for added flavor and richness.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve cold with veggies, pita chips, or toss with your favorite pasta. Enjoy!
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
Here are some of my favorite flavor substitutions and variations:
- Cheese: I love the fresh flavor of this dip as-is, but for a richer version, you can blend in a handful of grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano. It adds a salty, savory depth that’s hard to resist.
- Greens: Arugula and basil keep it bright, but you can easily swap in spinach, kale, or even a mix of tender greens for a different flavor profile.
- Heat: If you like a little kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small jalapeño to the food processor. It gives the dip a subtle spicy edge that pairs so well with the lemon and garlic.
What to Serve with Easy Artichoke Dip
Chip & Crackers
- Choose a variety of crackers to serve with artichoke dip. I recommend sturdy options like baguette slices, crostini, or even toasted bread.
- Pita chips are a great option for serving with artichoke dip. They are sturdy enough to hold up to the thick dip, and their mild flavor won’t overpower the dip.
Veggies
- Raw veggies are a healthier alternative to chips and crackers. Carrot sticks, celery, and bell pepper slices all go well with artichoke dip. They add a nice crunch and their mild flavors won’t overpower the dip.
FAQs
I recommend using 2 cans of 14-ounce artichoke hearts, drained. You can use either marinated or plain artichoke hearts, depending on your preference. If you prefer a milder flavor, choose plain artichoke hearts. If you want a more tangy and flavorful dip, opt for marinated artichoke hearts.
If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the ingredients for a longer time in the food processor. You can also add a little more olive oil to achieve the desired consistency.
This artichoke dip can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
More Dip Recipes You’ll Enjoy
- Trader Joes Buffalo Chicken Dip – Trader Joe’s Buffalo Chicken Dip is the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer, and this homemade version is brimming with creamy, spicy, and savory flavors!
- Crab Spinach Artichoke Dip – This Crab Spinach Artichoke Dip is a twist on a classic that will effortlessly elevate your appetizer game.
- Cottage Cheese Dip – This Cottage Cheese Dip is rich, creamy, and ultra-smooth! It features protein-packed cottage cheese infused with fresh herbs and buttery avocado.
- Caramelized Onion Dip – This sensationally creamy Caramelized Onion Dip is the ultimate chip dip.
If you try this Easy Artichoke Dip recipe, let me know what you think! Rate and review this recipe in the comments below. Don’t forget to take a picture and tag me on Instagram @lenaskitchenblog!
Easy Artichoke Dip
Ingredients
- 2 14 ounce artichoke hearts, drained
- 3 cloves garlic, or more to taste
- 1 lemon, zested
- ½ lemon, juiced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or more to taste
- 1 teaspoon oregano leaves, or use 1/2 teaspoon dried
- 2 ounces arugula, about 2 cups packed
- 1 ½ cups basil leaves, packed
- ¼ cup olive oil, plus more for serving
Instructions
- Drain the artichokes and add to a food processor, then add in the garlic cloves, zest 1 lemon and then juice ½ lemon, add oregano, kosher salt, basil and arugula. Blend until semi smooth and still has some chunks.
- Add olive oil, pulse to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning or add any additional garlic or lemon juice to your liking.
- Top with a drizzle of olive oil.
- Serve cold with veggies, pita chips or toss with your favorite pasta and enjoy.
Notes
- Always make sure to drain your artichoke hearts well before using them in the dip. This will prevent the dip from becoming too watery and will allow the other flavors to shine.
- You can adjust the amount of garlic to your personal preference. If you love garlic, feel free to add more cloves. If you’re not a huge fan, you can reduce the amount for a milder flavor. Same goes for lemon juice.
- Don’t forget to season your dip with kosher salt and oregano. These simple ingredients can make a big difference in enhancing the overall flavor of the dip.
- Adding arugula and basil brings a fresh, herby flavor to the dip and also gives it a vibrant green color.
- This recipe is part of my Appetizer Recipes Collection.
Shanon
Wow, what an easy and super delicious dip. It took no time to put together with items I already had in my pantry and fridge. Yumm.