Christmas Tree Bean Dip with Pesto and Veggies Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive, crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s as fun to look at as it is delicious to eat, then you’ve got to try this Christmas Tree Bean Dip with Pesto and Veggies Recipe. Seriously, I absolutely love how this dip turns what could be a simple snack into a centerpiece for holiday parties or cozy family gatherings. It’s colorful, healthy, and so easy to make—plus, your guests will be impressed by that adorable Christmas tree shape! Keep reading, because I’ll share all my best tips to help you nail it on the first try.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Christmas Tree Bean Dip with Pesto and Veggies Recipe plays its part to build layers of flavor and texture. I always recommend using fresh or high-quality store-bought pesto because it really makes the dip pop. Plus, the mix of colorful veggies is not only pretty but adds a satisfying crunch and tang.

• Cannellini Beans: These creamy white beans create a smooth, mild base that pairs beautifully with pesto.
• Reduced-Fat Cream Cheese: Adds richness without weighing down the dip, and helps it hold its shape for decorating.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
• Fresh or Refrigerated Pesto: Go for a vibrant, green pesto for the best flavor—store-bought refrigerated versions often work great.
• Yellow Bell Pepper: Perfect for cutting out a bright, festive star to top your tree.
• Brownish or Purple-Black Pepper: Use a slice for the tree trunk or swap for a cracker if you prefer.
• Artichoke Hearts: Chopped, they make great “garlands” across the tree with a wonderful tang.
• Jarred Roasted Red Peppers: Their smoky-sweet flavor adds lovely color and depth.
• Kalamata Olives: Sliced into rings, they look like pretty ornaments and introduce a salty bite.
• Sweety Drop Peppers: These little colorful peppers add bursts of crunch and a mild peppery note.
• Reduced-Fat Feta Cheese: Crumbled as “snow,” it adds tang and a creamy texture that ties everything together beautifully.

Variations

The great thing about this Christmas Tree Bean Dip with Pesto and Veggies Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Depending on what you love or have on hand, you can swap toppings or even tweak the base for different textures and flavors.

• Swap Veggies: I sometimes swap the Sweety Drop peppers for cherry tomatoes or cucumber slices—both look festive and add a fresh crunch.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and skip the feta, or use a dairy-free sprinkle to keep it vegan-friendly.
• Make it Spicy: Add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes to the bean mixture or pick spicy pepper toppings if you love a little kick.
• Herb Variations: Try adding fresh chopped basil or parsley on top for an extra pop of freshness if pesto isn’t your favorite.

How to Make Christmas Tree Bean Dip with Pesto and Veggies Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Bean Base

Start by combining your drained and rinsed cannellini beans with the reduced-fat cream cheese and kosher salt. I use my mini food processor for this—it’s quick and smooths the mixture perfectly. Blend until silky and no bean chunks remain. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides to get every bit blended evenly!

Step 2: Shape the Christmas Tree

Spread the bean mixture onto a large platter—ideally about 12″ x 16″—forming a Christmas tree shape. You can freehand this or sketch a light outline with a toothpick if you want to be precise. The shape adds such a festive touch, and it’s easier than it looks!

Step 3: Add the Pesto Layer

Next, spread a thin layer of pesto over the cream cheese base. Leave a bit of margin near the edges so the tree looks nice and defined. If your cream cheese layer feels thick, go up to a third of a cup of pesto, otherwise a quarter cup usually does the trick. The pesto gives the dip that vibrant green color that really sells the tree idea.

Step 4: Decorate Your Tree

Now for the fun part — decorating! Use a small star-shaped cookie cutter to cut a star from the flat side of the yellow bell pepper, and slice a piece of brownish or purple-black pepper for the tree trunk (or use crackers if you prefer). Arrange chopped artichokes and roasted red peppers like garlands across your tree, then dot with Kalamata olive rings and Sweety Drop peppers as ornaments. Finish by sprinkling crumbled feta like fresh snow over the top. It’s like edible holiday magic!

How to Serve Christmas Tree Bean Dip with Pesto and Veggies Recipe

Garnishes

I love to finish this Christmas Tree Bean Dip with a few extra fresh basil leaves to sprinkle on top for aroma and color contrast. A little sprinkle of extra feta or cracked black pepper also amps up the look and taste just before serving.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides here are crunchy pita chips, warm naan bread, or crisp vegetable sticks—carrot, celery, and cucumber all work perfectly. The dip also pairs well with simple crostini or even artisan crackers for casual gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I made this Christmas Tree Bean Dip in a clear glass baking dish and layered multiple colors of bean dips underneath to look like ornaments inside a snow globe—everyone loved it! Another idea is to surround the tree platter with fresh herbs to create a wreath effect for the win at holiday parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them covered tightly in the fridge. I like to keep the toppings separate if I can, so the veggies don’t get soggy, then add them fresh next time you serve.

Freezing

I don’t typically freeze this dip because cream cheese mixtures can get a little grainy after thawing, and the fresh veggie garnish won’t survive freezing well. But if you must, freeze only the bean and cream cheese base without toppings, then thaw gently and redecorate fresh.

Reheating

You don’t really reheat this dip—it’s best served cold or at room temperature. Just let it sit out for a bit before serving if it’s been in the fridge, and give it a quick stir to refresh the texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I used to think holiday dips had to be complicated or filled with heavy ingredients, but this Christmas Tree Bean Dip with Pesto and Veggies Recipe changed the game for me. It’s fun, fresh, and surprisingly easy to pull together, even at the last minute. Every year, my family goes crazy for it — not just because it tastes great, but because it brings a little joy and whimsy to the table. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it a holiday tradition too!

Print