Pesto-Spinach Whipped Ricotta Dip

Name: Pesto-Spinach Whipped Ricotta Dip
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1/4 C (40g) Pine Nuts or Almonds (for garnish, optional); 16 oz (453g) Whole Milk Ricotta (I like con latte); 2 1/2 C (100g) Fresh Spinach (packed); 1/2 C (125g) Pesto (choose your favorite! I like basil or garlic scape); 2-3 tsp Fresh Garlic (grated, or 3-4 cloves of garlic (go for 4 if you loove garlic!)); 3/4 tsp Sea Salt; 3/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes; 3/4 tsp Dried Oregano; 1/2 Lemon Zest and Juice; Fresh Ground Pepper; 2 Tbs Pine Nuts or Almonds (for garnish, optional); 8 oz (227g) Whole Milk Ricotta (I like con latte); 1 1/4 C (50g) Fresh Spinach (packed); 1/4 C (75g) Pesto (choose your favorite! I like basil or garlic scape); 1-2 tsp Fresh Garlic (grated, or 2-3 cloves of garlic (go for 3 if you loove garlic!)); 1/4 + 1/8 tsp Sea Salt; 1/4 + 1/8 tsp Red Pepper Flakes; 1/4 + 1/8 tsp Dried Oregano; 1/2 tsp Lemon Zest; 2 tsp Lemon Juice; Fresh Ground Pepper

By Traci 25 Comments

Versatile, make ahead easy and freezer friendly. Serve ricotta dip with the freshest veggies and bits of crusty sourdough or crackers. Pesto-Spinach Whipped Ricotta Dip or spread whips up in no time flat for easy entertaining. vegetarian + gluten free

Having snacks on the ready means pulling together an impromptu, lets meet for cocktails on the porch or a last minute picnic in no time at all. I love the ease of this.

Just about any appetizer that has a long refrigerator life has my attention, like this pesto dip. Freezer friendly? All the better! Preparing chilled appetizers like dips, spreads or toppings for crostini ahead of time during busy weekends is especially convenient. And this whipped ricotta dip fits my idea of easy.

In the kitchen, the food processor is one of my most used tools for chopping, dicing and whipping up all the things, especially quick appetizers and snacks. It brings this ricotta dip together with ease. Simply toss all the ingredients into the work-bowl, and 45 seconds later, a creamy, lemony, garlicky whipped ricotta dip emerges.

Share with any favorite in season veggies like carrots, celery, cucumber, or endive for dipping. A little bread on the side in the form of crunchy crostini or several days old sourdough sliced thin and toasted is a welcome vehicle for scooping or spreading this creamy ricotta dip.

A Few Whipped Ricotta Dip Recipe Notes:

Pesto-spinach whipped ricotta dip can be frozen (!!) for up to a month. Simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and rewhisk or whip before serving.
I’ve included a full and half recipe below. I usually end up making a full batch and freezing half for later.
The garlic… the GARLIC! If you loooove garlic, add up to 4 cloves in the full 3 cup batch.
Pesto? Use your favorite variety. I love garlic scape or basil. The color is brighter green when using basil (garlic scape shown here). Pesto dip anyone?
If homemade ricotta is preferred, Rafaella shows us how.

More Ricotta Appetizer Love:

Grilled Snap Pea and Whipped Ricotta Toast – Floating Kitchen
Strawberry Ricotta Brushetta – Foolproof Living
Heirloom Tomato and Ricotta Tart (gluten free) – Salted Plains

5 from 6 votes