This vegan creamy avocado, artichoke & kale dip is not only swoon-worthy, it’s also easy to throw together in a pinch. Curly kale is sautéed and chopped into tiny pieces so even your finicky, kale-fearing friends won’t know it’s in there (it’ll be our little secret). Then, avocados, fresh lemon juice, hemp seeds, garlic, salt, and black pepper are tossed into a food processor and whirled into a super creamy mixture. Finally, heaps of artichoke hearts are quartered and folded into the creamy avocado base along with the kale.
I’m so excited to introduce you to my new favorite recipe: Creamy Avocado, Artichoke + Kale Dip.
This dip is out-of-this-world-amazing.
Yesterday, I got wrapped up in another blog project for hours and started worrying that I wouldn’t have a post ready for today if this dip recipe was a flop. Considering how much nutrition is packed into this green dip, I figured my worries were warranted. I mean kale in an artichoke dip? That’s some risky recipe business if I’ve ever seen it.
Fortunately, flop it was not. Unless you mean flop-on-the-floor-this-taste-so-good-it-hurts.
This dip is not only swoon-worthy, it’s also super simple to throw together in a pinch. Curly kale is wilted with a bit of olive oil and chopped into tiny pieces so even your finicky, kale-fearing friends won’t know it’s in there (it’ll be our little secret). Then, avocados, fresh lemon juice, hemp seeds, garlic, salt, and black pepper are tossed into a food processor and whirled into a super creamy mixture. The artichokes are quartered, and then all of the ingredients are gently mixed together in a bowl.
I think my heart’s actually beating faster thinking about this dip again. Not even kidding. It makes me so happy, and it’s packed with plant-based goodness. This is the kind of dip that loves you back with both its taste and nutrition; it’s like a bowl of self-love.
It’s delicious paired with tortilla chips, but the sky’s the limit. Fresh vegetables, pita chips, naan, or rice crackers would all be amazing. You could also slather it on bread and top it with big tomato slices. Or, as a first last resort, you could enjoy it all by its lonesome. I’m not sure who would do that except me, but it would probably taste great.
No matter your pairings, I hope you have a chance to make this dip. I promise you’ll be rewarded with flavor, energy, and a healthy glow.
Creamy Avocado, Artichoke & Kale Dip
Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped curly kale
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 14- ounce can whole artichoke hearts, drained
- 2 small avocados
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons shelled hemp seeds (i.e., hemp hearts) (optional)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Serving Ideas
- Tortilla chips
- Pita chips
- Rice crackers
- Sliced vegetables
Instructions
- Add the kale and olive oil to a skillet over medium-low heat. Cook the kale until it wilts and becomes tender, stirring occasionally (5-6 minutes). Transfer the kale to a cutting board and chop into small pieces. Let cool.
- While the kale is cooking, quarter the artichoke hearts.
- Scoop the flesh from the avocados into a food processor along with the lemon juice, hemp seeds (if using), garlic, sea salt, and black pepper. Process for 2-3 minutes or until completely smooth.
- Transfer the avocado cream, kale, and artichoke hearts to a bowl and gently mix together with a spoon.
- Transfer the dip to a serving dish. Serve alongside tortilla chips, pita chips, rice crackers, or sliced vegetables.
- This dip is best enjoyed fresh, but will keep for 1-2 days in the refrigerator. Store leftovers in an airtight container with a layer of plastic wrap pressed up against the dip to prevent browning.
OMG YUM! This looks amazing! I never make spinach artichoke dip because I hate mayo, so this is a great alternative for parties. Mmmm!
xo,
Lauren at http://www.lakeshorelady.com
Thanks, Lauren! Totally hear you on the mayo thing; I’ve never been much of a fan (not even the vegan kind). The avocado works like a charm in this dip, and packs it with so much nutrition. It’s definitely a great party dip, and people won’t know even realize it’s devoid of mayo and cheese!
What a great alternative to those horribly unhealthy dips! Definitely making this!
Thanks, Chrissy! I hope you enjoy the recipe!
Love the images and colours you’ve captured – that looks truly incredible. You make me want to dive straight in.
Thank you so much!
I simply love this recipe and just wanted to let you know I shared it on my blog in a post where I share my favorite recipe finds for the week.
Thanks so much for sharing it on your blog, Vicky! I’m so glad you’re loving the recipe :)
TIP: To make this ahead for travel, I am going to put together everything >except< the avocado and the hemp seeds, and mix those in at the last minute so it doesn't brown :D YUM!
That is an awesome tip! Thanks, Leslie! :)
This was a huge huge hit at the birthday party this weekend, as were the “crispy cauliflower tacos” recipe you have here on your blog! I’ll be sending folks your way who want the recipes! :D
I’m so happy to hear that, Leslie! Thank you for sending people in this direction and taking the time to let me know how everyone liked the dishes! I really appreciate it :)
I made this recipe tonight and OMG it’s so delicious!!!!! Thank you for sharing.
I’m SO happy to hear that you enjoyed it, Rachel! Thanks for taking the time to come back and comment with your results — I really appreciate it!
Could this be served warm?
Hi, Kim! I don’t recommend serving it warm because avocado doesn’t tolerate heat well.
Can you replace the hemp seeds for chia seeds?
Hi, Emily! I would just omit them altogether as chia would alter the texture quite a bit.
Hi, I’m going to make this. I haven’t bought hemp seeds before, do I need to buy the hulled ones, or can I use the cheaper ones in their shells? Thanks
Hi, Mike! Great question, and I should clarify in the recipe as well. You’ll definitely want to use shelled/hulled hemp seeds (often referred to as “hemp hearts”). Happy cooking and enjoy!
Can I use mustard seeds instead of hemp?
Hi, John! I wouldn’t suggest making that switch. Mustard seeds will impart a very strong flavor. The hemp seeds are optional though, so feel free to omit them if you don’t have them on hand. Enjoy!