25 Easy and Delicious Vegetarian Dips

Forget about the charcuterie board and try one of these vegetarian dips packed with flavor. Find irresistible recipes for guacamole, hummus and even vegetarian Buffalo dip, that make fresh produce the star.

Dips are always a welcome dish on the table and quick to disappear at parties, which makes them some of the best appetizers. Plus, they are so versatile that it’s a snap to throw together a vegetarian dip that everyone will love. Whether you are looking to bring vegetarian finger food to the potluck or are putting together a fully veggie-friendly party spread, these vegetarian appetizers will hit the spot.

In addition to being quick to throw together, each of these quick dip recipes made this list because they are packed with flavor. Here you’ll find meat-free options ranging from well-loved classics like guacamole and tzatziki, to new favorites like red pepper tapenade and mushroom caponata. Depending on the dip (or dips!) you go with, you can serve it with tortilla chips, warm pita, soft pretzel sticks or a platter of colorful raw veggies for scooping.

Plus, many of these vegetarian dip recipes can be made ahead of time, so there’s one less thing for you to do the day of your event. So, what are you waiting for? These vegetarian dips are ready to steal the show.

1/25

Homemade Guacamole

Total Time 10 min
Servings 2 cups
From the Recipe Creator: I always judge a Tex-Mex restaurant by its guacamole. And although it's simple to prepare, it can go wrong oh, so easily. I've spent many years perfecting mine, to the point where I think it's better than most restaurants. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup: 90 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 78mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat.
2/25

Vegetarian Buffalo Dip

Total Time 1 hour 40 min
Servings 6 cups
From the Recipe Creator: A friend made Buffalo chicken dip and that got me thinking about creating a vegetarian dip with the same flavors. This addictive dip is so amazing, no one will miss the meat. —Amanda Silvers, Old Fort, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup: 113 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 526mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
3/25

Watermelon and Key Lime Cream Cheese Dip

Total Time 15 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Watermelon is my favorite fruit, so I created this dip to showcase another way it can be enjoyed. Watermelon is light, refreshing and sweet, which makes it the perfect vehicle for this Key lime, honey and Tajin dip. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup watermelon with 1/2 cup dip: 466 calories, 26g fat (17g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 213mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (48g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
4/25

Dill Vegetable Dip

Total Time 5 min
Servings 1-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator: A friend gave me this zesty dip recipe many years ago, and now I serve it at our annual open house. To make it mobile, spoon a serving of the dip in the bottom of a small cup, then garnish with fresh veggies. —Karen Gardiner, Eutaw, Alabama
Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoons: 107 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 187mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
5/25

Chile con Queso

Total Time 20 min
Servings 24 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Years ago, my husband invented this gooey cheese dip. I may be biased, but I have to say it's excellent. If you like heat, rev it up with finely chopped jalapenos. —Patricia Leinheiser, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoons: 103 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 164mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
6/25

Dill Pickle Dip

Total Time 10 min
Servings 3 cups
From the Recipe Creator: My love for pickles led me to create this dip. It's so easy to whip together. But be warned, it's addictive! —April Anderson, Forest Lake, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup: 108 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 210mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
7/25

Spinach Artichoke Dip

Total Time 30 min
Servings 3 cups
From the Recipe Creator: One taste of this outrageously delicious hot spinach artichoke dip and your guests will not stop eating it until it's gone. The savory blend of artichokes, spinach and Parmesan cheese is positively addictive! It tastes even better if you make it the night before and chill it in the fridge before baking. —Michelle Krzmarzick, Torrance, California

Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoons: 68 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 139mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
8/25

Caramelized Onion Dip

Total Time 50 min
Servings 2 cups
From the Recipe Creator: Once you taste this fabulous caramelized onion dip, you'll never go back to store-bought french onion dip. While it takes a little longer to make, I promise it's worth every minute. —Kelly Gardner, Alton, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup (calculated without chips and vegetables): 117 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 170mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
9/25

Whipped Feta Dip

Total Time 10 min
Servings 1-1/3 cups
From the Recipe Creator: The base of this whipped feta dip is a fantastic blank canvas for different flavors. This version is flavored with garlic and lemon. —Dawn Parker, Surrey, British Columbia

Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoons: 85 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 311mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
10/25

Fresh Corn & Avocado Dip

Total Time 20 min
Servings 4 cups
From the Recipe Creator: I alter my sister's recipe by adding a finely chopped jalapeno pepper for a little heat. This tasty dip can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until serving. —Pat Roberts, Thornton, Ontario
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup (calculated without chips): 52 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 4mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
11/25

Kenai Dip

Total Time 10 min
Servings 3 cups
From the Recipe Creator: Kenai dip is an Alaskan dish flavored primarily with jalapenos and cheddar cheese. Serve it as a dip, as the name implies, or try it slathered on a burger. —Margaret Knoebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup: 236 calories, 23g fat (7g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 304mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein.
12/25

Red Pepper Tapenade

Total Time 15 min
Servings 2 cups
From the Recipe Creator: When entertaining, I often rely on my pepper tapenade recipe because it takes only 15 minutes to whip up and pop in the fridge. Sometimes I swap out the almonds for walnuts or pecans. —Donna Magliaro, Denville, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoons dip: 58 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 152mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat.
13/25

White Bean Dip

Total Time 5 min
Servings 10 servings (1-1/4 cups)
From the Recipe Creator: My version of hummus features a delightful nuttiness from tahini, a peanut butter-like paste made from ground sesame seeds. The beans pack a lot of protein so it's a healthy snack for kids. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California

Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoons: 78 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 114mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
14/25

Curry Carrot Dip

Total Time 30 min
Servings 1 cup
From the Recipe Creator: The flavors of sweet carrots, mustard and curry blend deliciously in this appetizing dip. Raw veggies are the perfect partners. —Louise Weyer, Marietta, Georgia
Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoons: 40 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 133mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
15/25

Refried Bean Dip

Total Time 2 hours 10 min
Servings 4-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator: My friends and neighbors expect me to bring this irresistible dip to every gathering. When I arrive, they ask, 'You brought your bean dip, didn't you?' If there are any leftovers, we use them to make bean and cheese burritos the next day. —Wendi Wavrin Law, Omaha, Nebraska

Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoons: 55 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 151mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
16/25

Mushroom Caponata

Total Time 50 min
Servings 6 cups
From the Recipe Creator: This is a lovely appetizer when served with crostini, pita bread, bagel chips or crackers. I've also used it as a topping over a salad of mixed greens. This mushroom version of a caponata is a twist on the traditional eggplant one.—Julia Cotton, Pacific Palisades, California
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup: 53 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 107mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
17/25

Layered Mediterranean Dip with Pita Chips

Total Time 25 min
Servings 5 cups (120 chips)
From the Recipe Creator: Not your ordinary layer dip, the bold combination of hummus and Greek yogurt will be a new most-requested recipe at your next baby shower or gathering. —Elizabeth Dumont, Boulder, Colorado
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup dip with 6 chips: 178 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 478mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
18/25

Cowboy Caviar

Total Time 15 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This colorful, crunchy black bean and corn salad is chock-full of nutrition that all ages love. Try it with a variety of summer entrees, or as a wholesome salsa! —Krista Frank, Rhododendron, Oregon

Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 167 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 244mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.

Explore these healthy dip options to snack on all week if you are curious about trying out more!

19/25

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

Total Time 30 min
Servings 3 cups
From the Recipe Creator: My son taught me how to make hummus, which is a tasty and healthy alternative to calorie-filled dips. Fresh roasted red bell peppers make it special. —Nancy Watson-Pistole, Shawnee, Kansas

Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup: 113 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 339mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 fat, 1 starch.
20/25

Cranberry Jalapeno Dip

Total Time 15 min
Servings 3 cups
From the Recipe Creator: Everyone has a holiday appetizer 'greatest hit,' and this just may become yours. Fiery jalapenos create a bold contrast to tart and juicy cranberries, and cream cheese mellows out the heat for a balanced, refreshing bite. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoons: 82 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 109mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
21/25

7-Layer Dip

Total Time 10 min
Servings 18 servings
From the Recipe Creator: To make this zesty appetizer, you simply layer beans, salsa, cheese and other taco-like ingredients onto a platter. I like to call it a 'walking dip' because you can scoop some on a plate with a few tortilla chips, then take it with you as you stroll around and talk with guests,' she shares. —Marieann Johansen, Desert Hot Springs, California

Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoons: 102 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 283mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
22/25

Fruit Dip

Total Time 30 min
Servings 1-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator: This is a perfect recipe to take to any potluck or get-together. It is delightful and refreshing.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin

Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoons: 124 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 72mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
23/25

Thai Veggie Dip

Total Time 15 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This delicious dip is full of flavor, color and crunch, but not full of calories. There's mild sweetness from the honey with a bit of heat at the end from the pepper flakes. If spicy food is your thing, feel free to add an extra dash of pepper. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup (calculated without vegetables): 73 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 99mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
24/25

Tzatziki

Total Time 15 min
Servings 4 cups
From the Recipe Creator: A Greek staple for many dishes, this Tzatziki sauce offers a refreshing and tangy flavor to cooked meats. The removal of water from both the Greek yogurt and cucumbers results in a nice, thick sauce. Layer it on a lamb burger, pair it with falafels and gyros or use it as a dip for a vegetable platter. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup: 99 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 183mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
25/25

Baba Ganoush

Total Time 35 min
Servings 1 cup
From the Recipe Creator: Baba ganoush (also spelled baba ghanoush or baba ghanouj) is a Lebanese dip made with roasted eggplant. It's typically served as a starter with pita bread or fresh vegetables. —Nithya Narasimhan, Chennai, Alabama

Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoons: 74 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 297mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.

Vegetarian Dips FAQ

What are some quick dip recipes?

Quick dip recipes come together in a few steps and need little work beyond stirring or blending a handful of ingredients together. Some of our favorites include guacamole, cowboy caviar, Kenai dip and most fruit dips. For warm dips, like Buffalo, cheese, and spinach and artichoke, you can’t go wrong with a slow cooker dip recipe. They’re a big time saver since you can just add the ingredients, turn it to low and let the cooker do the work for you.

What can I serve with vegetarian dips?

Vegetarian dips pair well with fresh veggies like carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, celery or sugar snap peas. Choose an assortment of different-colored vegetables cut into sticks or rounds for easy dipping. Set out potato chips, crackers, pita chips, slices of toasted bread or tortilla chips for a salty option.

If you’re building an appetizer spread, serve these vegetarian dips with other meat-free bites like stuffed mushrooms or caprese skewers.

What are make-ahead tips for vegetarian dips?

Vegetarian dips are great for prepping ahead, especially chilled dips that get even better with time as the flavors blend and balance each other. Mix the dip a day or two in advance and refrigerate in airtight containers. Wait to add crunchy toppings until just before serving, and don’t forget to taste the dip and adjust the seasoning, as needed.

If you’re making a warm dip, like a baked feta or cheesy bean dip, assemble it in advance right in the baking dish, cover and refrigerate. Then pop it into a preheated oven just before party time. You can also wash, slice and store your dipping veggies ahead of time in the fridge to save on last-minute chopping.