Appetizer · Mediterranean ·

Zesty Greek Fava Bean Dip with Lemon Zest

Name: Zesty Greek Fava Bean Dip with Lemon Zest
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Appetizer
Ingredients: 1 cup dried yellow split peas; 3 cups water; 1 small onion, halved; 2 cloves garlic, peeled; 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 tsp lemon zest; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil; 1 tbsp capers, rinsed and drained; 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

This creamy and zesty fava bean dip is a delightful blend of Mediterranean flavors, perfect for serving with pita bread or raw veggies.

4.7(477 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·October 29, 2025

Zesty Greek Fava Bean Dip with Lemon Zest — Appetizer served and photographed from above

Prep

15 min

Cook

45 min

Difficulty

Easy

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Fava Beans

For the Dip

For Garnishing

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 354 kcal
Protein: 12.9 g
Carbs: 32.7 g
Fat: 20.9 g
Fiber: 11.7 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 1414 kcal
Protein: 51.7 g
Carbs: 130.6 g
Fat: 83.5 g
Fiber: 46.8 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
1 cup dried yellow split peas	648	49.9	118.3	2.2	44.9
3 cups water	0	0	0	0	0
1 small onion, halved	28	0.8	6.5	0.1	1.2
2 cloves garlic, peeled	9	0.5	2	0	0.1
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil	477	0	0	54	0
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice	8	0.1	2.7	0.1	0.1
1 tsp lemon zest	2	0.1	0.4	0.1	0.2
Salt and pepper, to taste	0	0	0	0	0
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil	239	0	0	27	0
1 tbsp capers, rinsed and drained	2	0.2	0.4	0.2	0.3
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley	1	0.1	0.3	0	0.2

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Cooking the Fava Beans

1
Rinse split peas
Rinse the split peas under cold water until the water runs clear.
2
Combine ingredients
In a medium saucepan, combine the split peas, water, onion, and garlic.
3
Simmer peas
Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered until peas are tender, about 30 minutes.
Tip: Do not overcook the peas; they should be soft but not mushy.

Preparing the Dip

1
Drain peas
Once tender, drain the peas and discard the onion and garlic.
2
Blend ingredients
Transfer the peas to a blender. Add olive oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
Tip: For extra tanginess, add an extra splash of lemon juice before blending.
3
Puree mixture
Puree until smooth and creamy, adding salt and pepper to taste.

How to Make Zesty Greek Fava Bean Dip with Lemon Zest

Total time: 1 h · Yields 4 servings

1
Blending
Combine cooked fava beans with other dip ingredients and process to a creamy consistency.
2
Adjusting Seasoning
Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and lemon juice for desired flavor profile.
3
Garnishing
Drizzle with olive oil and top with capers and parsley before serving.