The Best Walnut Spread and Bread Dip (Vegan)

If you are looking for a delicious, easy, and healthy dip for bread, look no further than this Walnut Spread and Bread Dip. It’s easy to make and high in protein. This dairy-free bread dip will be a hit at your next dinner party as the perfect appetizer!

I love walnuts for their hearty and meaty flavor and texture. They work nicely in this olive oil bread dip. This vegan dip is a true appetizer winner, loaded with protein, fiber, and healthy fats! Undoubtedly, it’s one of the best things you can serve at a dinner gathering! 

Bread and butter are typically placed on your restaurant dinner table first. Sometimes it is paired with olive oil, vinegar, and butter. This upgraded bread and olive oil starter is so much healthier with the addition of protein-packed walnuts. Quite honestly it’s the perfect recipe to start a little dinner party with.

Why You Will Enjoy This Spread

It’s simple. Made with ingredients you most likely have in your pantry, this dip is an easy appetizer option that everyone will love and so will your schedule. You can whip up this spread in just a few minutes, which I am a big fan of!

It’s healthy. Simple ingredients usually mean whole foods and that’s exactly what this bread dip is all about. You won’t find any sugar, processed ingredients, or dairy in this recipe.

It’s hearty. That’s because it’s packed with walnuts which make this dip more filling compared to the standard olive oil and vinegar which contains no protein at all. 

It’s tasty. With 6 garlic cloves, fresh herbs, and spices, this dip is packed with a lot of flavor. You won’t need more than a teaspoon or so on each slice of bread. 

What is The Best Type of Bread to Use for Dipping?

A French baguette is the best type of bread to use for an olive oil dip. You can find this type of bread at your local grocery store in the bakery section. They are typically made pretty frequently which means you can find fresh baguette’s in most cases. 

You’ll want to look for a loaf that is crunchy on the outside but softer on the inside. Very hard bread is a sign of staleness and will be too hard to eat.

How to Enjoy This Dip and Spread?

Grab yourself a piece of toasted baguette bread and start dipping! You could also use fresh and warm pita bread, alternatively. I wouldn’t recommend crackers, however. It really needs a bread item.

You can spread the dip over each baguette and present them ready to go on a plate. You can also place the walnut dip into a small bowl and place the baguette slices on a plate around the bowl for dipping.

The Ingredient List

French baguette: Look for a freshly baked loaf of bread. You will be slicing and toasting the slices for the walnut dip. You are welcome to use other varieties, however, try to look for crusty bread.

Raw walnuts: This is the base of the olive oil dip. You will want to use finely chopped walnuts for this recipe. Also, make sure not to replace the walnuts with any other nut variety. 

Extra virgin olive oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for this recipe. It really does make a big difference. You can find olive oil at any grocery store! 

Fresh garlic: You will love the big flavor that 6 garlic cloves bring to this dip! You’ll also save a clove of garlic or two to rub over the warm pieces of toasted bread.

Fresh herbs: Parsley and thyme are the stars of the show. The flavor of fresh herbs will always beat dried herbs. Optionally, basil would be a nice addition as well.

Spices and dried herbs: You’ll need a pinch of red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and sea salt. Side note, you won’t need black pepper for this dip. 

Balsamic vinegar: This vinegar is added at the end to give it that olive oil and vinegar vibe. I love the tangy flavor this vinegar brings to the dip.

The Instructions

Step one: Use a food processor to pulse the walnut a few times until the walnuts become crumbly. Set them aside.

Step two: Add the olive oil and sliced garlic to a pan over medium heat. Cook for a couple of minutes, stirring frequently. The goal is not to burn the garlic so turn down the heat as needed. You have gone too far if your garlic is very brown. 

Step three: After about 2 minutes, add the following ingredients: red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and salt. Stir for another 30 seconds. Remove the pan from the heat.

Step four: Add the remaining ingredients (except the vinegar) to the pan. This includes walnuts, parsley, and thyme. Set the mixture aside to cool.

Step five: Slice your baguette into 1.5-inch thick slices. Place them on a tinfoil-lined cookie sheet. Drizzle olive oil over the tops and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Toast in the oven on the broiler setting or in a toaster oven just until the edges are slightly browned. *If you are using an oven on the broiler setting, I highly recommend cracking the oven and keeping a close eye on the toasts. They can burn in a matter of seconds.

Optionally: As soon as you remove the toast from the oven or toaster, cut the tip off of 2 large garlic cloves and generously rub them over the tops of each toast. This will turn your toast into garlic toast. Yum!

Step six: Pour the vinegar into the slightly cooled walnut mixture and mix it until everything is incorporated. Transfer the mixture to a small bowl and enjoy right away.

Can You Save This Walnut Dip as Leftovers?

While I highly recommend eating it all right away. This is one of those delicious recipes that most likely will be completely devoured. However, if you would like to save the leftovers, place plastic wrap over the small bowl and place it in the fridge for up to two days. Once you are ready to enjoy it again, allow the bowl to sit out on the counter for at least an hour to thaw. It will be thicker FYI.

For the baguette toasts, place them in an airtight container and leave them out on the kitchen counter for up to two days and away from direct sunlight.

Tips + Modifications

I do not recommend using any other variety of oil or nuts. Olive oil and walnuts work great for this recipe.

You can certainly add fresh basil to the mixture as well. In my opinion, the more herbs the tastier and healthier.

Do not overcook your bread. If your bread becomes too hard to bite into, start over.

Enjoy!

XOXO

Michelle