Why You’ll Love Simple Pesto Dip with Sour Cream & Mayo Recipe

It comes together very quickly (about 10 minutes prep).
The homemade pesto gives a bright herbal, nutty flavor that’s far richer than store-bought.
The creamy sour cream + mayo base makes the dip smooth and crowd-pleasing — ideal for parties or casual snacking.
You can serve it chilled or use it as a spread on crostini, sandwiches, or as a veggie dip.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

pine nuts
basil leaves, torn from stems
parmesan cheese, roughly grated
garlic (grated or minced)
extra virgin olive oil
sour cream
mayonnaise
fresh lemon juice
lemon zest

Directions

Preheat your oven to 180 °C (350 °F). Spread pine nuts on a baking tray and toast for about 5 minutes — until golden and fragrant (watch carefully so they don’t burn).
In a food processor, combine the toasted pine nuts, basil, parmesan, and garlic. Pulse a few times until the basil is broken up and the nuts are roughly chopped.
With the processor running, drizzle in the olive oil until everything blends into a pesto. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, and the freshly made pesto. Taste and adjust seasoning or lemon juice if needed.
Transfer the dip into an airtight container and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving — this helps the flavors meld and deepen.

Servings and timing

Serves: 8
Prep time: 10 minutes
Chill / rest time: 1 hour
Total time: about 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

Nut-free: Replace pine nuts with sunflower seeds or skip them entirely for an allergy-friendly version.
Greek yogurt base: Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier and lighter alternative.
Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small amount of finely chopped chili to the pesto for a bit of heat.
Cheesy upgrade: Stir in extra grated parmesan or crumbled feta for added richness.
Vegan version: Use dairy-free sour cream, vegan mayo, and omit parmesan or use a plant-based substitute.

Storage/Reheating

Store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed chilled. Use within 3 to 4 days for optimal freshness. Since this is a cold dip, reheating is not necessary. Just give it a quick stir before serving to refresh the texture.

FAQs

How long will this dip keep in the fridge?

You can keep it for several days in a sealed container. The flavors continue to meld and deepen over time.

Can I use store-bought pesto instead of making my own?

Yes, store-bought pesto can be used as a shortcut. However, homemade pesto gives the dip a fresher, more vibrant taste.

What can I dip into this pesto dip?

Vegetable sticks, crackers, pita chips, crostini, and breadsticks all pair wonderfully with this creamy dip.

Can I make a smaller batch of this dip?

Absolutely. Simply reduce the ingredients proportionally based on your desired yield.

Can I make the pesto without a food processor?

Yes. You can finely chop the basil, nuts, and garlic by hand, then mix with olive oil to create a rustic-style pesto.

Is it possible to make this dip ahead of time?

Yes. In fact, it’s recommended to let it chill for at least an hour. Making it a few hours or a day in advance allows the flavors to develop.

Can I use low-fat sour cream or mayo?

Yes, though it may affect the richness and creaminess. Full-fat versions will give the best texture and taste.

Can I substitute pine nuts with another nut?

Yes. Walnuts, almonds, or cashews can be used as substitutes, though the flavor will vary slightly.

What if I don’t have lemon zest — can I skip it?

You can skip the zest, but it adds a bright freshness. A little extra lemon juice can help compensate for the missing zest.

Can this dip be frozen?

Freezing is not recommended. The texture of sour cream and mayonnaise can become grainy or separated when thawed.

Conclusion

This simple pesto dip with sour cream and mayo is a flavor-packed crowd-pleaser that comes together in minutes. With its creamy texture, vibrant pesto, and zesty lemon undertones, it’s perfect for any gathering or quiet night in. Make it ahead, chill it well, and enjoy a dip that’s as versatile as it is delicious.

Simple Pesto Dip with Sour Cream & Mayo

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A creamy, flavorful pesto dip made with sour cream and mayonnaise — perfect for serving with chips, crackers, or fresh veggies. Quick to make and full of rich, herby taste.