Nitrate & Nitrite Free Pesto-Walnut Red Lentil Dip with Veggie Dippers
This vibrant, plant-based dip brings together creamy red lentils and a punchy walnut-basil pesto in a way that feels both indulgent and genuinely wholesome. The lentils are simmered with turmeric until completely soft, giving the finished dip a silky, golden base that carries the bright flavors of fresh basil, garlic, and lemon beautifully. Walnuts add a rich, nutty depth that makes this feel far more satisfying than your average hummus situation. Every single ingredient here is whole and unprocessed — no cured meats, no packaged seasonings with hidden additives, just real food you can feel good about. That matters a lot when you're navigating a diet that requires avoiding preservatives commonly lurking in deli items and store-bought dips. The rainbow of carrot sticks, celery, cucumber, and red bell pepper strips alongside makes this a complete snack or appetizer that looks stunning on a table without any extra effort. A final drizzle of extra virgin olive oil ties everything together and makes it feel just a little bit fancy.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
For the dip
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
- 2 ½ cups water
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- ½ tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste
For the pesto
- ½ cup raw walnuts
- 1 ½ cups fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
- 2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For serving
- 2 medium carrots, cut into sticks
- 2 medium stalks celery, cut into sticks
- 1 medium cucumber, sliced into rounds or spears
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced into strips
Instructions
- 1
Combine the rinsed red lentils, water, turmeric, and 1/2 tsp salt in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, until the lentils are completely soft and have absorbed most of the water, about 15–18 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes.
- 2
While the lentils cool, add the walnuts, basil, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to a food processor. Pulse 8–10 times until the mixture is finely chopped and cohesive but not completely smooth — it should look like a rough, thick pesto.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!