Giada’s 4-Ingredient Caprese Ricotta Dip

While grilled main dishes and chilled salads may be the stars of your summer gathering, appetizers and snacks for grazing can be just as important. If you’re looking for something to prepare for your guests, you can’t go wrong with a dip—and Giada De Laurentiis just shared an easy recipe that she’s been making over and over again.

De Laurentiis and the Giadzy team call Caprese Ricotta Dip “THE dip of all dips,” and their recent Instagram Reel proves why you should make it, too. It requires no cooking and promises a satisfying bite. Here’s how to re-create the magic. 

In a large mixing bowl, De Laurentiis combines a 16-ounce tub of ricotta cheese with about 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of salt—she uses spicy seasoned salt here, but any salt and seasonings to match your preference will work. She whisks the ingredients by hand until it’s a smooth, fluffy consistency. Then she chops up some whole peeled Corbara tomatoes from a can.

For plating, De Laurentiis dollops the whipped ricotta on a plate and tops it with her chopped tomatoes. With a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and a garnish of fresh basil leaves (you can keep the leaves whole or chop them roughly), the dip is ready to serve. That’s really all it takes: four ingredients alongside salt and oil, 15 minutes and absolutely no turning on the oven or stove.

Plus, ricotta is a great source of protein, with a half-cup boasting over 9 grams of protein. This makes the dip a simple yet satiating appetizer to tide your guests over until the main meal. Pair this Italian-inspired dip with pita chips or crostini for added crunch. For some more fiber, bell peppers are another great option to dunk into this dip.

Want to include more easy dips on the appetizer menu? Our Easy Scallion-Salmon Dip and Easy Black Bean Dip are highly rated, take 10 minutes and are simple to prepare ahead of time.